Practical assessment of the effectiveness of beekeeping training courses using return on investment (ROI): A step forward toward quantifying tangible and intangible impacts of education

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research

Authors
K. Bazrafkan 1
H. Alipour 2
1 Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran.
2 Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO), Tehran, Iran
Abstract
The effectiveness and return on investment (ROI) of agricultural training programs have always been among the most significant challenges for experts and managers in agricultural extension and development. Based on this, the main objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of beekeeping training courses using the ROI technique. This study is an applied and quasi-experimental research conducted by collecting data in two phases (before and after the training course). The data collection tool was a semi-structured, researcher-made questionnaire. Additionally, the ROI calculation was carried out through a nine-step process, enabling the assessment of ROI for both participants of the beekeeping training courses and the Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization. In this process, along with tangible and/or monetary effects, intangible and non-monetary impacts were also quantified. The findings of this study indicated that, on average, beekeeping training courses had a 1302% return on investment for participants. Furthermore, these courses yielded an average ROI of 770% for the Agricultural Research, Education, and Extension Organization. The results provide strong evidence supporting the enhancement and expansion of beekeeping training courses and similar programs conducted by the organization. Moreover, this study and its findings serve as a starting point for further research on evaluating the impacts of agricultural training programs, ultimately supporting decision-making and investment development in training farmers and agricultural beneficiaries.

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Journal of Agricultural Science and Technology

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 01 January 2024