This study in an attempt to examine the training and development impact on employees’ performance in the administrative cadre of the Personnel Management Office (PMO), being the human resource unit of The Gambian Civil Service, investigated whether the trainings were meeting the training needs of administrative officers and whether there had been any improvement on their skills. The study also investigated whether training and development had made any significant changes to the administrative officers’ job performance and the impact of such performance on PMO and the Ministries on their service-delivery with reference to Kirkpatrick’s four-level evaluation model (reaction, learning, behaviour, and results). The research and interview questions were adopted and further developed to enhance their validity and credibility of the research. The study sample comprised four trainees (two from PMO and two from the Ministries), three heads of departments of the Ministries, and three senior management officers of PMO, who are both providers and beneficiaries of the training and development. Participants were interviewed and relevant documents at PMO reviewed for data collection. The interviews’ data were recorded and transcribed. Then the coding was done, categorized and themes identified, which helped establish the findings in line with the research questions. Results revealed that trainees’ training needs were basically met and skills improved significantly. Trainees also demonstrated improved job-related behaviours, which impacted positively on PMO and the Ministries in terms of timely individual and overall service-delivery, despite some identified short-comings based on which suggestions were made.

This study in an attempt to examine the training and development impact on employees’ performance in the administrative cadre of the Personnel Management Office (PMO), being the human resource unit of The Gambian Civil Service, investigated whether the trainings were meeting the training needs of administrative officers and whether there had been any improvement on their skills. The study also investigated whether training and development had made any significant changes to the administrative officers’ job performance and the impact of such performance on PMO and the Ministries on their service-delivery with reference to Kirkpatrick’s four-level evaluation model (reaction, learning, behaviour, and results). The research and interview questions were adopted and further developed to enhance their validity and credibility of the research. The study sample comprised four trainees (two from PMO and two from the Ministries), three heads of departments of the Ministries, and three senior management officers of PMO, who are both providers and beneficiaries of the training and development. Participants were interviewed and relevant documents at PMO reviewed for data collection. The interviews’ data were recorded and transcribed. Then the coding was done, categorized and themes identified, which helped establish the findings in line with the research questions. Results revealed that trainees’ training needs were basically met and skills improved significantly. Trainees also demonstrated improved job-related behaviours, which impacted positively on PMO and the Ministries in terms of timely individual and overall service-delivery, despite some identified short-comings based on which suggestions were made.

African development bank appraisal report (2008). Poverty reduction budget support programme: The Gambia. African Development Bank Group. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://www.afdb.org
Aguinis, H. & Kraiger, K. (2009). Benefits of training and development for individuals and teams, organizations, and society. Annual Review of Psychology, 60:451-474. doi: 10.1146/annurey.psych.60.110707.163505.
Al-Athari, A. & Zairi, M. (2002). Training evaluation: An empirical study in Kuwait. Journal of European Industrial Training, 26(5), 241-251. Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/215388013?accountid=14228 Alliger, G. M., Tannenbaum, S. I., Bennett, W., Traver, H., & Shotland, A. (1997). A meta-analysis of the relations among training criteria. Personnel Psychology, 50(2), 341-358. Retrieved April 15, 2013 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/220144639?accountid=14228
Aluko, R. F. (2009). The impact of an Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) Program on the professional practice of graduates. The International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 10(4). Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://www.irrodl.org/index.php/irrodl/article/view/617/1315
Andrew, M. J. & Martin, D. (2009). Interpersonal relationships, motivation, engagement, and Achievement: Yields for theory, current issues, and educational practice. Review of Educational Research,79(1),327-365. Retrieved May 30, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/214136090/13702A8AE2554283176/1?accountid=14228
Arthur Jr., W., Bennett Jr., W., Edens, P. S., & Bell, S. T. (2003). Effectiveness of training in organizations: A meta-analysis of design and evaluation features. Journal of Applied Psychology. 88(2), 234-245. Barber, J. (2004). Skill upgrading within informal training: lessons from the Indian auto mechanic. Int. J. Train. Dev. 8:128–39
Basit, T. N. (2003). Manual or electronic? The role of coding in qualitative data analysis. Educational Research, 45(2), 143-154.
Berger, F. & Farber, B. (1992). Preparing a training proposal: Ideas from the on-track trainer-A training handbook for hotel & restaurant managers. Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, 33(6), 36-36. Retrieved February 23, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/209723129?accountid=14228 Brignall, S. & Modell, S. (2000). An institutional perspective on performance measurement
and management in the “new public sector”. Management Accounting Research, 11, 281-306. Doi: 10.1006/mare.2000.0136
Brown, J. (2002). Training needs assessment: A must for developing an effective training program. Public Personnel Management, 31(4), 569-574. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/215929238?accountid=14228
Burden, R. & Proctor, T. (2000). Creating a sustainable competitive advantage through training. Team Performance Management, 6(5), 90-90. Retrieved February13, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/217102059?accountid=14228
Cheeseman, J. (1994). How managers can help. Professional Safety, 39(10), 24-24. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/200389980?accountid=14228
Chi, H. (2011). The application of technology acceptance model and theory of reasoned action on the molecular gastronomy message. Journal of Global Business Management, 7(2), 1-10. Retrieved May 29, 2012 from
84
http://search.proquest.com/docview/896556798?accountid=14228
Collis, J. & Hussey, R. (2003). Business Research: A practical guide for undergraduate and postgraduate students, 2nd ed. New York: Palgrave MacMillan.
Devins, D., Johnson, S., & Sutherland, J. (2004). Different skills and their different effects on personal development: An investigation of European social fund objective 4 financed training in SMEs in Britain. Journal of European Industrial Training, 28(1), 103-118. Retrieved October 14, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/215386009?accountid=14228; http://findit.lib.ntnu.edu.tw:3210/sfxlcl3?url_ver=Z39.88-
Doolittle, S. (1996). Practical assessment for physical education teachers. Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, 67(8), 35-37. Retrieved February 19, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/215768972?accountid=14228
Draft Training Policy Report (2009). Design and development of a training policy strategy for the Civil Service of The Gambia. Plan Consult
Ford, D. J. (2004). Evaluating performance improvement. Performance Improvement, 43(1), 36-41. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/237242788?accountid=14228 Franke, F., & Felfe, J. (2012). Transfer of leadership skills: The influence of motivation to transfer and organizational support in managerial training. Journal of Personnel Psychology, 11(3), 138-147. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1027/1866-5888/a000066
Galloway, D. L. (2005). Evaluating distance delivery and E-learning: Is Kirkpatrick’s model relevant ? Performance Improvement, 44(4), 21-27.Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/237243937?accountid=14228
Gambia Information Site (2012). Gambia government information. Access Gambia. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://www.accessgambia.com
Gambia Information Site (2012). Economy of The Gambia. Access Gambia. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://www.accessgambia.com
Gammie, E. (1996). Accountancy graduate selection procedures - a critical analysis. Career Development International, 1(2), 31-38. Retrieved November 15, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/219279805?accountid=14228 Garvey, D. (2006). The importance of research and evaluation. The Journal of Experiential Education, 28(3), 290-293. Retrieved May 15, 2013 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/274919538?accountid=14228 General Orders (1994). Personnel Management Office, The Quadrangle Banjul BPMRU
Gunesekera, R. (1989). Evaluations serendipity: A new approach in evaluating training impact. Public Administration & Development (1986-1998), 9(5), 505. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http ://search.proquest.com/docview/194672273?accountid=14228
Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action (1995). Response to the Questionnaire for the platform for action. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://www.un.org
Janko, S. (2009, December 14). PMO, Commonwealth training policy forum. Daily Observer. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://observer.gm
Judge, T. A., Jackson, C. L., Shaw, J. C., Scott, B. A., & Rich, B. L. (2007). Self-efficacy and work-related performance: The integral role of individual differences. Journal of Applied Psychology, 92(1), 107-127. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/0021-9010.92.1.107
Karney, B. R., Davila, J., Cohan, C. L., Sullivan, K. T., Johnson, M. D., & Bradbury, T. N. (1995). An empirical investigation of sampling strategies in marital research. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 909-920.
Kirkpatrick, D. L. (1998). Evaluating training programs: The four levels. (Second Edition). Berret – Koehler Publishers, Inc. San Francisco.
85
Klein, A., Randell, S., & Lauterbach, C. (2004). Capacity building and economic management project. Glocoms Inc. Kraiger, K., McLinden, D., & Casper, W. J. (2004). Collaborative planning for training Impact. Human Resource Management, 43(4), 337-351. Retrieved February 21, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/222129350?accountid=14228 Laing, I. F. (2009). The impact of training and development on worker performance and productivity in public sector organizations: A case study of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (Master’s thesis). Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://dspace.knust.edu.gh:8080/jspui/Irene%20Ferguson%20Laing.pdf
Leigh, D., Watkins, R., Platt, W. A., & Kaufman, R. (2000). Alternative models of needs assessment: Selecting the right one for your organization. Human Resource Development Quarterly, 11(1), 87-93. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/234903823?accountid=14228
Lin, H. (2008). Is training evaluation necessary? What are the constraints that might exist in the evaluation of training programmes in Taiwan? How can the constraints be overcome? The Business Review, Cambridge, 10(2), 154-158. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/197307919?accountid=14228
Lockee, B., Moore, M., & Burton, J. (2002). Measuring success: evaluation strategies for distance education. Educause Quarterly, 1, 20-26.
Mbendi (2011, November). Gambia - An Overview. Mbendi Information Services. Retrieved November 13, 2012 from http://www.mbendi.com
McCracken, G. (1988). The Long Interview (Sage University Paper Series on Qualitative
Research Methods, No.13). Newbury Park, CA: SAGE Publications.
NewGambia.gm (2009). Celebrating fifteen years of development (1994-2009). Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://www.newgambia.gm/pmo.htm
Othman, Z. & Rahman, R. A. (2011). Exploration of ethics as moral substance in the context of corporate governance. Asian Social Science, 7(8), 173-182.Retrieved February 13, 2012 fromhttp://search.proquest.com/docview/886553327?accountid=14228
Panuwatwanich, K., Stewart, R. A., & Sherif, M. (2008). The role of climate for innovation in enhancing business performance. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 15(5), 407doi:10.1108/09699980810902712
Patton, M. Q. (1987). How to use qualitative methods in evaluation. Newbury Park, CA: SAGE Publications. Pedrick, D., Babakus, E., & Richardson, A. (1993). The value of qualitative data in quality improvement efforts. The Journal of Services Marketing, 7(3), 26-26. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/212650927?accountid=14228
Personnel Management Office (PMO) (2011). Public service reform and institutional development project. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://www.pmo.gov.gm
PMO (2007, August). Public Service Reform Sector StrategyPaper. Retrieved February 13, 2012 fromhttp://www.gm.undp.org/rtable/public_service.pdf
Pineda, P. (2010). Evaluation of training in organisations: A proposal for an integrated model. Journal of European Industrial Training, 34(7), 673693. doi:10.1108/03090591011070789
Public Service Reform and Institutional Capacity Development (PSRICD) (2009, December). Weekly Newsletter. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://www.gm.undp.org
Sahin, V. (2006). Evaluation of the in-service teacher training programme (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved February 11, 2012 from http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12607752/index.pdf
86
Santos, A. & Stuart, M. (2003). Employee perceptions and their influence of training effectiveness. Human Resource ManagementJournal,13(1), 27-45. Retrieved February 13, 2012 fromhttp://search.proquest.com/docview/199347028?accountid=14228 Scheme of Service for Administrative Cadre (2012). Civil Service of The Gambia. PMO, The
Gambia.
Scott, W. A. & Johnson, R. C. (1972). Determinants of differential test validity. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 38(3)327-328. doi:10.1037/h0032898
Siniscalchi, J. M., Beale, E. K., & Fortuna, A. (2008). Using importance-performance analysis to evaluate training. Performance Improvement, 47(10), 30-35. Retrieved April 11, 2013 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/237237994?accountid=14228
Steensma, H. & Groeneveld, K. (2010). Evaluating a training using the "four levels model". Journal of Workplace Learning, 22(5), 319-331. doi:10.1108/13665621011053226 Tam, E. K. L. (2002). Challenges in using environmental indicators for measuring sustainability practices. Journal of Environmental Engineering and Science, 1(6), 417-425. Retrieved April 15, 2013 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/237207748?accountid=14228
Terrion, J. L. (2006). The impact of a management training program for university administrators. The Journal of Management Development, 25(2), 183-194. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/216356479?accountid=14228
Trading Economics (2012). Gambia GDP per Capita at current Prices in US Dollars.
IMF Trade Specifications. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://www.tradingeconomics.com
UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children Report (2009). Gambia - Overview. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://www.unicef.org
Van, d. M. (2010). Does human capital theory explain the value of higher Education? A South African case study. American Journal of Business Education, 3(1), 107-118. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/195911389?accountid=14228
Vokic, N. P. (2008). The importance of educated and knowledgeable employees for the hotel industry performance: The case of Croatia. Paper Presented at 1926-1941. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/217739333?accountid=14228
Wang, C. F. (2010). National professional licensure and human resource development: A study on healthcare industry in Taiwan (Master’s thesis).
Werner, J. M. & DeSimone, R. L. (2009). Human resource development, 5th ed, Mason, OH: South-Western CENGAG Learning.
World Bank Document Report (2010). The Gambia improving Civil Service performance. Department for International Development. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://ddp-ext.worldbank.org
Yin, R. K. (2008). Case Study Research, Design and Methods. Vol. 5. USA: SAGE Publications Inc.
Zairi, M. (1998). Building human resources capability in health care: A global analysis of best practice - part III. Health Manpower Management, 24(5), 166-169. Retrieved February 13, 2012 from http://search.proquest.com/docview/206623689?accountid=14228
Zuzeviciute, V. & Tereseviciene, M. (2010). The role of a human resource manager as a facilitator of learning. Baltic Journal of Management, 5(1), 68-81. doi: 10.1108/17465261011016568