Glossary S
Sales growth
The increase in revenue generated by a company’s sales over a period of time.
Sample size/power analysis
The process of determining the appropriate sample size for a research study to ensure statistical power.
Sampling techniques
Methods used to select a representative sample of a population for research purposes.
Scalability of implementation
The ability to expand or adjust a plan or program to accommodate growth or changing needs.
Scope of work required
Description of the tasks, responsibilities, and deliverables required for a project or job.
Scoring guides
Criteria and standards used to evaluate performance or achievement.
Selection bias
A bias that occurs when the sample of participants in a study is not representative of the population being studied.
Self-assessment
The process of evaluating one’s own skills, knowledge, and performance.
Self-assessment bias
The tendency for self-assessment to be influenced by personal biases and perceptions.
Self-assessment tools
Instruments used to evaluate one’s own skills, abilities, and performance.
Self-awareness
The ability to recognize and understand one’s own emotions, strengths, and weaknesses.
Self-efficacy beliefs
An individual’s belief in their ability to successfully perform a task or achieve a goal.
Self-enhancement
The tendency to view oneself in a positive light and seek validation of one’s abilities.
Self-esteem
Confidence and belief in one’s own abilities and worth.
Self-evaluation
Assessment of one’s own skills, abilities, and performance.
Self-evaluation reliability
The degree to which an individual’s self-assessment accurately reflects their abilities and performance.
Self-reflection exercises
Exercises that encourage individuals to reflect on their own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Self-regulated learning
The process of taking control of one’s own learning through goal-setting, self-monitoring, and self-evaluation.
Self-serving bias
The tendency to attribute success to personal factors and failure to external factors.
Short-term goals
Goals that can be achieved within a relatively short period of time, usually less than a year.
Simulation-based training
Training that uses simulations to replicate real-world scenarios and provide hands-on experience.
Simulation exercises
Exercises that replicate real-world scenarios to provide hands-on experience and training.
Single-blind design
A research design in which the participants are unaware of which group they are in (control or experimental).
Single-blind study
A research study in which the participants are unaware of which group they are in (control or experimental).
Skill acquisition
The process of learning and acquiring new skills and knowledge.
Skill acquisition rate
The speed at which an individual learns and acquires new skills and knowledge.
Skill Assessment
The process of evaluating an individual’s skills and knowledge to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
Skill-building initiatives
Programs or activities designed to develop or improve specific skills.
Skill development
The process of improving an individual’s skills and knowledge through training, education, and practice.
Skill Development Plan
Plan for improving skills and knowledge in specific areas.
Skill gap analysis
The process of identifying and analyzing the gaps in an individual’s skills and knowledge.
Skill gaps
The difference between the skills an individual currently possesses and the skills required for their job or career goals.
Skill Level Measurement
Assessment of an individual’s proficiency in a particular skill or area of expertise.
Skill maintenance
The process of practicing and reinforcing skills to prevent loss of proficiency over time.
Skill mastery
The level of proficiency achieved in a particular skill or area of expertise.
Skill Retention Evaluation
An assessment of the ability to maintain and apply previously learned skills over time.
Skills gap analysis
Assessment of the difference between current and desired skills within an organization.
Skills inventory
A comprehensive list of an individual’s skills and abilities.
Skill tests
Assessments used to measure proficiency or mastery of a specific skill or set of skills.
Skill training objectives
Specific goals and outcomes for training programs designed to improve employee skills.
Skill utilization persistence
The ability to apply and maintain newly acquired skills over time.
SMART objectives
Goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
Social desirability bias
The tendency to present oneself in a positive light in order to conform to social norms.
Social learning theory
A theory that emphasizes the role of observation and modeling in learning and behavior.
Social loafing
The tendency for individuals to exert less effort when working in a group than when working alone.
Soft skills training
Development of interpersonal skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership.
Sources of input
The various channels through which feedback and guidance on professional development can be obtained.
Spaced repetition
A learning technique that involves reviewing material at increasing intervals to improve retention.
Specificity
Clarity and precision in defining goals, objectives, and criteria for evaluation.
Stakeholder engagement
The process of involving stakeholders in decision-making and ensuring their needs and concerns are addressed.
Stakeholder involvement
Active participation of stakeholders in planning and decision-making.
Stakeholder involvement importance
The significance of engaging stakeholders in decision-making and program planning.
Stakeholder involvement planning
Process of engaging stakeholders in planning and decision-making.
Standard deviation
A measure of the variability or spread of a set of data from its mean.
Standard evaluation forms
Pre-designed forms used to collect and evaluate data.
Standardization
The process of establishing uniformity or consistency in a system or process.
Standardization of evaluation processes
Consistent application of evaluation criteria and procedures.
Standardized testing approach
Assessment method that uses uniform procedures and scoring to measure knowledge or skills.
Standardized tests
Tests that are administered and scored in a consistent manner to ensure fairness and accuracy.
Standards-based assessments
Evaluations based on established standards or benchmarks.
Standards-based grading
A system of grading that assesses student performance against specific learning standards or objectives.
Starting point comparison
A method of evaluating progress by comparing current performance to a baseline or starting point.
Statistical analysis
The process of analyzing data using statistical methods to draw conclusions or make predictions.
Statistical analysis techniques
Methods used to analyze data and test hypotheses using statistical models.
Statistical significance
The likelihood that a result or finding is not due to chance but is instead a true effect.
Strategic planning
The process of defining an organization’s long-term goals and developing a plan to achieve them.
Stretch objectives
Goals that are challenging but achievable with effort and commitment.
Student achievement
The level of success a student has reached in their academic pursuits.
Student-centered approach
Teaching method that focuses on the needs and interests of individual students.
Student-centered learning
An approach to education that prioritizes the needs and interests of individual students.
Student progress
The growth and development of a student over time, often measured through assessments and evaluations.
Subjective assessment
The process of evaluating subjective factors such as attitudes, beliefs, and opinions.
Subjective assessment tools
Tools used to evaluate subjective factors such as attitudes, beliefs, and opinions.
Subjective criteria
Standards for evaluation that are based on personal opinions or judgments rather than objective criteria.
Subjective evaluation
Assessment based on personal opinions and perceptions rather than objective criteria.
Subjective evaluation method
Assessment based on personal opinions or judgments rather than objective criteria.
Subjective feedback
Feedback that is based on personal opinions or interpretations rather than objective criteria.
Subjective measurement tools
Instruments used to assess subjective experiences or perceptions, such as attitudes or emotions.
Subjective opinions
Personal beliefs or judgments that may influence decision-making or evaluation.
Subjectivity
The presence of personal opinions, biases, or interpretations in the evaluation of data or information.
Subsequent review
A follow-up evaluation of a program or intervention to assess its ongoing effectiveness.
Success
Achievement of desired outcomes or goals.
Success Criteria Identification
Determination of the criteria for measuring success in professional development.
Success factors analysis
Examination of the key factors that contribute to success in professional development.
Succession planning
A process of identifying and developing potential leaders within an organization to ensure continuity of leadership.
Succession planning committee or task force
Group responsible for developing and implementing a succession plan.
Succession Planning Strategy
Plan for identifying and developing potential successors for key leadership positions.
Succession readiness assessment
Evaluation of an organization’s readiness to fill key leadership positions in the event of a vacancy.
Success measurement
The process of evaluating the effectiveness of a program or intervention in achieving its intended outcomes.
Summarative evaluation
A process of assessing the overall effectiveness of a program or intervention.
Summative assessment
An evaluation of learning at the end of a unit or course to determine mastery of content.
Summative evaluation
An assessment of the effectiveness of a program or intervention at the end of its implementation.
Survey research
The systematic collection and analysis of data from a sample of individuals using surveys.
Survey research methods
Techniques used to design and conduct surveys to collect data for research purposes.
Surveys
A method of gathering information from a sample of individuals through a set of questions.
Sustainability of training programs
The ability of training programs to be maintained and continued over time.