Welcome to IFNAE Academy

IFNAE Academy is dedicated to bringing you innovative learning opportunities in our core areas of expertise:

Needs assessment & strategy development
Strategic implementation and alignment
Performance measurement and management

Building on our successful practice designing and delivering face-to-face experiential instruction, we now offer online courses, certificate programs, and customized training. Our main instructional delivery modalities are:

Webinars
Self-paced instructional modules
On-site workshops for groups of 6 or more

Our highly acclaimed training program in Strategic Alignment of Learning & Development (SALD) is now offered as a certificate program. The program is based on our award-winning book Partner for Performance: Strategically Aligning Learning & Development and consists 12 hours of instructor-led web-based training (6 sessions, 2 hours each) and is supported by an additional 12 hours of one-on-one coaching support, work reviews, and feedback to drive implementation of new skills and improved outcomes.

The Institute for Needs Assessment & Evaluation is recognized by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) to offer SHRM-CP or SHRMSCP professional development credits (PDCs). The SALD certificate program is valid for 12-24 PDCs. For more information about SHRM certification or recertification, please visit shrmcertification.org.

Click here to learn more about the upcoming winter cohort that starts in March 2018.

Sign up for our mailing list to get the latest updates and new course announcements. We won’t overload your inbox and we will never share your contact information with anyone.

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Strategic Alignment of Learning and Development (SALD) Course Catalog

Based on the model outlined in our award-winning book, Partner for Performance, Strategic Alignment of Learning and Development (SALD) is a dynamic state in which the organization is able to use learning and performance improvement programs or solutions to achieve measurable business results. The best preparation for enabling organizational alignment and success is IFNAE’s Strategic Alignment program.

IFNAE’s SALD course progression is the most complete and rigorous program for building knowledge, skills, practice, and resources to align learning and performance improvement programs of all types to tangible business results your organizational executives expect. Our faculty are internationally recognized industry experts who also lead and teach in advanced graduate level programs in top universities and have extensive experience in applying the organizational alignment methodology across the world in all sectors.

We offer four tracks of course offerings in our SALD program, all of which build on and complement each other:

Our free SALD mini-tutorials offer downloadable tools and a brief video guide to using them.
Our free SALD Primer webinars are an interactive introduction to the process offered on a quarterly basis.
Our SALD Knowledge Builder course provides an overview of the process for strategically aligning learning and talent development solutions for professionals who will benefit from understanding the process but may not be directly involved with carrying out the detailed tasks. For example, those who lead or manage training, talent development, organizational development, performance improvement, quality assurance, or other related functions. This self-paced online course will be available soon.
Our SALD Certificate program gives participants comprehensive, hands-on experience and coaching to gain competence in the SALD process. Participants will plan and implement the SALD process in their organizations in an innovative experience that blends online content with hands-on activities, feedback, and coaching.

We have links to upcoming cohorts of our SALD Primer, Knowledge Builder, and Certificate offerings as well as our free mini-tutorials in the right sidebar.

SALD Courses and Resources

SALD Primer Webinars
Fall 17 Primer (archived)
Fall 18 Primer

SALD Knowledge Builder Class
This self-paced online course is coming soon — click here to learn more.

SALD Certificate Cohorts
Fall 18 Cohort

SALD Free Mini-tutorials
Stakeholder Mapping
Data Collection and Analysis

SALD Brochure
Download the SALD Brochure here

Interested in onsite and/or custom SALD training for your organization? Contact us at info@ifnae.com to learn more.

The SALD companion book now available from Amazon & ATD

Performance Assessment and Analysis (PAAx) Course Catalog

In collaboration with KNO Worldwide, we are thrilled to announce that our certificate program in Performance Assessment and Analysis (PAAx) is now offered through IFNAE Academy. For decades KNO/IFNAE have been at the forefront of implementing rigorous and effective performance improvement methodologies in capacity building programs for a variety of donor-funded international development initiatives worldwide. A paramount element of this success has been the initial performance assessment conducted to diagnose institutional needs, determine root causes and define recommended solutions. After replicating our success with a variety of stakeholders across many countries and continents to conduct these assessments, KNO/IFNAE have refined these approaches, methods, and tools to form the foundation for a rigorous certification program.

Certification Levels

PAAx Specialist: Participants develop a performance assessment plan
PAAx Analyst: Participants develop a performance assessment report
PAAx Expert: Participants deliver a PAAx training program

Click on the links in the sidebar to view upcoming Certificate cohorts including program details and dates for each.

Why get PAAx Certified?
Your PAAx certification will provide you, your employers, funders, and clients with evidence of your performance-based skillset and experience.

All programs encompass ISPI principles, associated six standards and code of ethics.
All program supervision, performance-based design, and delivery conducted by widely recognized performance improvement experts that include CPTs and other highly credentialed professionals with extensive international development experience
Participants subject to certification will be evaluated based on strict criteria set for the respective certification level
Based on empirical research, this program provides proven tools and techniques that will get you the required results
Immerses you into a systemic/holistic view on organizational performance assessments
Organized around an applied practitioner approach – successful with major international donor organizations and programs
Delivers a set of tools you can use immediately
Flexible participation options including face-to-face, online, or on-site for groups of 6 or more
Have fun in an interactive environment, learn with and from your peers, and establish a long-standing community of practice with colleagues
Receive 12 credits toward ISPI’s CPT recertification

PAAx Certificates and Resources

PAAx Specialist Certificates (online)
Fall 18 Cohort
Winter 19 Cohort
Fall 19 Cohort

PAAx Analyst Certificates (online)
Fall 2018 Cohort

PAAx Expert Certificates
Please contact us at paax@ifnae.com for more information on our Expert Certification process.

PAAx Brochure
Download the PAAx Brochure here

Interested in onsite and/or custom PAAx training for your organization? Contact us at paax@ifnae.com to learn more.

The PAAx companion book now available through IFNAE.

Kelly, S. Guerra-López, I. & Novak, M. (2018). Performance Assessment and Analysis: Development Solutions for Worthy Results: Murray & McCarthy Publishing.

Guerra-López, I., & Hicks, K. (2017). Partner for Performance: Strategically Aligning Learning and Development. Association for Talent Development.

Kaufman, R. & Guerra-López, I. (2013). Needs Assessment for Organizational Success. Thousands Oaks, CA: Association for Talent Development.

Guerra-López, I. (2008) Performance Evaluation: Proven Approaches for Improving Program and Organizational Performance. Jossey Bass.

Kaufman R. & Guerra-López, I. (2008). The Assessment Book: Applied Strategic Thinking and Performance Improvement Through Self-Assessments. Amherst, MA: HRD Press.

Guerra-López, I. (2007). Evaluating Impact: Evaluation and Continual Improvement for Performance Improvement Professionals. Amhearst, MA: HRD Press.

Bernardez, M. & Guerra-López, I. (2007) Evaluacion y Mejora Continua: Conceptos y Herramientas Para la Medicion y Mejora del Desempeno (Spanish Edition). AuthorHouse.

Kaufman, R., Guerra, I. & Platt, W. (2006). Practical Evaluation for Educators: Finding What Works and What Doesn’t. Thousand Oaks: Corwin Press

Guerra-López, I. (2014). Organizational learning and performance. In M. Spector (Ed.). Encyclopedia for Educational Technology. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publishing.

Guerra-López, I. (2013). Criterion-Referenced Measurement: A definition. Invited chapter, Encyclopedia of Terminology for Educational Communications and Technology. Richey, R.

Guerra-López, I. (2013). Needs Assessment: A definition. Invited chapter, Encyclopedia of Terminology for Educational Communications and Technology. Richey, R.

Guerra-López, I. (2010). The impact evaluation process. In Moseley, J. & Dessinger, J. (Eds). Handbook of Improving Performance in the Workplace, Volume 3: Measurement and Evaluation. ISPI/John Wiley & Sons.

Guerra-López, I. (2010). Performance measurement and management systems. In Watkins, R. & Leigh, D. (Eds). Handbook of improving performance in the workplace, Volume 2: Selecting and implementing performance interventions. John Wiley & Sons.

Uday-Riley, M. & Guerra-López, I. (2010). Process improvement. In Watkins, R. & Leigh, D. (Eds). Handbook of improving performance in the workplace, Volume 2: Selecting and implementing performance interventions. John Wiley & Sons.

Guerra, I (2006). Standards and ethics in human performance technology. In J. Pershing’s (Ed.) Handbook of Human Performance Technology (pp. 1024-1046). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Guerra, I. (2006). How to plan an evaluation. In M. Silberman, & P. Phillips’s (Eds.). The 2006 ASTD Training and Performance Sourcebook (pp. 233-239). Alexandria, VA: American Society for Training and Development.

Guerra, I. (2005). How to develop useful questionnaires. In M. Silberman & P. Phillips’s (Eds.). The 2005 ASTD Training and Performance Sourcebook (pp. 233-238). Princeton: Active Training.

Guerra, I. (2003). Does your performance require improvement? In M. Silberman & P. Phillips’s (Eds.) The 2003 Training and Performance Sourcebook (pp. 125-137). Princeton: Active Training

Watkins, R. & Guerra, I (2003). How do you determine whether assessment or evaluation is required? In M. Silberman & P. Phillips (Eds.) The 2003 Team and Organizational Development Sourcebook (pp.131-139). Princeton: Active Training

Guerra-López, I. & Hutchinson, A. (2017) Stakeholder-driven learning analysis: A case study. Journal of Applied Instructional Design.

López, M., González, N. Navarro, A., & Guerra-López, I. (2016). Evaluación de un modelo de innovación aplicado a una empresa de servicio. Revista de Administración y Finanzas.

Guerra-López, I. (2016). Design-Oriented Needs Assessment: Transitioning from Problem Definition to Solution Design. American Evaluation Association (AEA) 365.

Guerra-López, I. & Hicks, K. (2015). Turning trainers into strategic business partners. TD at Work, 32(1506), 1-15

Kaufman, R. & Guerra-López, I. (2015). Needs Assessment vs. Needs Analysis. Association for Talent Development.

Guerra-López, I. & Hicks, K. (2014). The participatory design and implementation of a monitoring and evaluation system in an international development environment. Evaluation and Program Planning, 48(2015), 21-30.

Guerra-López, I. (2013). Performance indicator maps: A visual tool for understanding, managing, and continuously improving your business metrics. Performance Improvement, 52, 11-17.

Guerra-López, I. & Hutchinson, A. (2013). Measurable and Continuous Performance Improvement: The Development of a Performance Measurement, Management, and Improvement System. Performance Improvement Quarterly. 26(2).

Guerra-López, I. & Elo Hicks, K. (2013). The impact monitoring and evaluation process: A systemic approach to continual improvement. Journal of Business and Technology. 1(1).

Guerra-López, I. (2012). The monitoring and impact evaluation process: A systemic approach to improving performance and impact. International Journal for Environmental Science and Engineering Research. 3(3), 80-85.

Guerra-López, I. (2012). The prevalence of performance improvement as a central topic in the professional literature. Performance Improvement Quarterly.

Guerra-López, I. & Toker, S. (2012). A performance measurement and evaluation framework for K-12 environments: Supporting decision-making through ongoing performance measurement. Evaluation and Program Planning, 35, 222-235.

Guerra-López, I. & Blake, A. (2011). Leadership decision-making and the use of data. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 24(2). 90-104.

Guerra-Lopez, I. & Norris-Thomas, M. (2011). Making sound decisions: A framework for judging the worth of your data. Performance Improvement Journal, 50(5), 30-38.

Chow, A., & Guerra-Lopez, I. (2011). Educational informatics: designing performance-based measurement systems for rapid response learning environments. Association for Educational Communications and Technology Annual Conference Proceedings, November 9-11, Jacksonville, FL.

Guerra-López, I. (2010). The impact evaluation process. Social and Organizational Performance Review, 2(1), 91-117.

Guerra-López, I. (2009). Introduction to social and organizational performance review. Social and Organizational Performance Review, 1(1), 7-8

Guerra-López, I. & Leigh, H. (2009). Are performance improvement professionals measurably improving performance? A look at what PIJ and PIQ have to say about the current use of evaluation and measurement in the field of performance improvement. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 22(2).

Guerra-López, I. (2007) Planning a responsive evaluation: Establishing solid partnerships by clarifying expectations and purpose. Performance Improvement Journal, 46(8), 32-36.

Guerra-López, I. (2007). The impact evaluation process: Building a case for demonstrating the worth of performance improvement Interventions. Performance Improvement Journal, 46(7), 33-38.

Guerra-López, I. (2007). A Seven-Step evaluation process for evaluating performance improvement interventions. Performance Improvement Express. No. 10.

Guerra, I. (2005). Outcome-Based Vocational Rehabilitation: Measuring valuable results. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 18(3), 65-75.

Guerra, I. & Rodriguez, G. (2005). Social responsibility and educational planning. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 18(3), 56-64.

Guerra, I; Bernardez, M. Jones, M. & Zidan, S. (2005). Government workers adding societal value: The Ohio Workforce Development Program. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 18(3), 76-99.

Guerra, I. (2003). Asking and answering the right questions: Collecting relevant and useful data. Performance Improvement Journal, 42(10), 24-28.

Guerra, I. & Watkins, R. (2003). Systematically designing instruction for distance education. Quarterly Review of Distance Education, 4(3), 199-201.

Kaufman, R. & Guerra, I. (2002). A perspective adjustment to add value to external clients, including society. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 13(1), 109-115.

Kaufman, R., Flowers, G., Guerra, I. & Crispo, N., (2002). Thriving and not just surviving: New Realities for tomorrow’s public service executive. International Public Management Review, 3(1), 68-83.

Kaufman, R., Watkins, R., & Guerra, I. (2002). Getting valid and useful educational results and payoffs: We are what do, say, and deliver. International Journal of Educational Reform, 11(1), 77-92.

Kaufman, R., Watkins, R. & Guerra, I. (2001). The future of distance learning: Defining and sustaining useful results. Educational Technology, 4 (3), 19-26.

Guerra, I. (2001). Performance improvement based on results: Is our field adding value? Performance Improvement Journal, 40(1), 6-10.

Guerra, I. (2003). Identifying and tracking key performance indicators. ASTD Links.

Ingrid Guerra-López and Karen Hicks discuss talent and the business alignment of learning on Training and HR Talk Radio