ROI Basics, 2nd Edition

Your Essential Guide to Calculating Return on Investment

Build and refine your measurement and evaluation skills through ROI Basics, perfect for beginners challenged to implement a comprehensive evaluation process as well as those taking a proactive approach to accountability.

Its five-level evaluation framework is comprised of:

• Level 1: Reaction and Planned Action
• Level 2: Learning
• Level 3: Application and Implementation
• Level 4: Impact
• Level 5: Return on Investment.

ROI Basics provides a baseline exploration of ROI for the talent development function and the steps to successful evaluation: evaluation planning, data collection, data analysis, and results optimization.

In this second edition, experts Patti and Jack Phillips go deeper into aligning programs to the business, detecting payoff needs, and identifying specific business measures that need to improve. They explore how the process applies beyond training to talent development and suggest how new technologies can influence ROI adoption and implementation in your organization. This updated book offers a review of two essential—and often overlooked—steps in the ROI process: isolating program impact and sustaining momentum.

About the Author

Patti P. Phillips,, PhD, CEO of ROI Institute, is a driving force in the global adoption of the ROI Methodology®. Her work as an educator, researcher, consultant, and coach supports practitioners as they help organizations and communities thrive. Patti has authored and edited more than 100 books on measurement and evaluation.

Patti serves as a member of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research and faculty of the UN System Staff College in Turin, Italy; chair of the Institute for Corporate Productivity People Analytics Board; Senior Adviser, Human Capital, The Conference Board; board member of the International Federation for Training and Development Organizations; and is an Association for Talent Development Certification Institute Fellow.

Jack Phillips, PhD, chairman of ROI Institute, is a world-renowned accountability, measurement, and evaluation expert. Jack provides consulting services for Fortune 500 companies and major global organizations. He also regularly consults with clients in manufacturing, service, and government organizations in 70 countries.

The author or editor of more than 75 books focused on measurement and evaluation, he conducts workshops and presents at conferences globally. Jack has been recognized and awarded for his work by numerous professional organizations, including receiving the 2022 Association of Talent Development (ATD) Talent Development Thought Leader Award with his wife and ROI Institute co-founder, Patti P. Phillips, PhD.