Abstract:

Purpose - The paper aims to define the mission, characteristics, objectives and evaluation processes concerning a specific training seminar entitled "Business administration for public sector executives". Furthermore, the research intends to underline the evaluation criteria, set by trainees and training officers as necessary in order to maximize the seminar's overall impact on all those involved.Design/methodology/approach - The seminar was organized by the University of Athens, Greece, in order to contribute to the continuing education of public sector executives in the field of business administration. The educational methodology was based on adult education principles and the evaluation included the preparation, development, and delivery phases. The seminar's effectiveness was assessed based on predetermined criteria and parameters using methods such as questionnaires, comments, observation and team discussions. Finding - Through this process the seminar's strengths and weaknesses were revealed by making use of quantitative analysis methodological tools, such as statistics and econometric prototypes. The trainees' overall response to the seminar was "measured" and the results proved the high-calibre structure and content of the seminar sessions. The trainees stated that the seminar offered key essential knowledge and aided in skill development; furthermore, they expressed their willingness to attend further lifelong-learning seminars. Practical implications - The criteria set forth by trainees and training officers alike could pave the way for a new approach to lifelong learning/training seminar design, implementation, and evaluation in the short-term future. Originality/value - The paper highlights the assessment criteria that offer meaningful insight into the participants' perceived level of seminar-related satisfaction and can potentially be utilised for the design of future seminars. © Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

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