Sears designed a training program to improve tool and hardware sales. The two-hour program involved distance learning and was broadcast from the Sears training facility to fifty salespersons at ten store locations in the United States. The salespersons are paid $15 per hour. The program involved training salespeople in how to set up merchandise displays so they attract buyers attention. Sales of tools and merchandise at the ten stores included in the program averaged $5,000 per week before the program and $6,500 per week after the program. Program costs included: Instructor $10,000 Distance learning (satellite space rental) 5,000 Materials ($100 per trainee @ 50 trainees) 5,000 Trainees salaries and benefits (50 trainees with wages of $15 per hour in a 2-hour training program) 1,500 What is the ROI from this program?

1. What is the ROI for the program described in Application Assignment #4?
2. How does ROI relate to Kirkpatricks Evaluation Model?
3. Why is measuring ROI important, and how is this measurement useful?