Handbook: Evaluation of exercises

This handbook describes how a staff and decision exercise, oriented towards crisis management may be evaluated. The evaluation will cover both the behaviour of the exercise participants and the impact of the chosen exercise format on outcome. Conducting an exercise is really just a part of the process of improving personal and organisational skills. It is through evaluation and feedback that knowledge and learning from past experience or lessons learned become tangible and useful.

The handbook presents an evaluation process consisting of eight stages:

1. Appoint a head of evaluation.
2. Plan and organise evaluation in cooperation with exercise management.
3. Formulate evaluation questions and determine the basis for analysis.
4. Train evaluators.
5. Observe the exercise and conduct direct feedback.
6. Analyse the material collected and compile the evaluation report.
7. Present and disseminate the evaluation results and findings.
8. Utilise lessons learned and start planning the next exercise initiative.