Abstract
The cost-effectiveness of Training Officers is discussed in terms of the roles and tasks which they undertake. Key roles of the Training Officer at a Science Research Institute, which forms the basis for this case study, are described and compared with those listed from previous research including that of the American Society for Training and Development. A total of ninety two tasks which are linked to seventeen key roles are listed and examples given of the practicalities of undertaking them. It is suggested that a further role which is needed in the fast-growing field of Training and Development during the 1990s is that of Communicator particularly with regard to nonroutine events. The role of Assessor of Competencies for competency-based training may become important in the future. The cost-effectiveness of the Staff-Development function at the Research Institute is evaluated in terms of organisational and staff development. It is concluded that it is cost-effective and that factors which contribute to the success of the programme include the expertise and support of staff, line-managers and Management Teams. Training Officers also have the potential to contribute substantially to the success of staff development functions within organisations in that they are required to perform a wide range of roles and tasks. They need to acquire professional qualifications to help them to achieve excellence. An overview of the dissertation is provided and further potential areas of research are outlined.