Book excerpt: Formerly published by Chicago Business Press, now published by Sage Effective Training: Systems, Strategies, and Practices is unique in its integration of theory with effective and practical training applications. Authors P. Nick Blanchard, James W. Thacker, and Dana Cosby examine the relationship between change management and training, introduce the ADDIE model as an overarching framework for the training process, and consider perspectives relevant to small businesses. Additionally, this text provides a step-by-step process for developing learning objectives and highlights the importance of integrating both learning and design theories in creating successful training programs. The Seventh Edition adds new material while enhancing the ease of reading and understanding. The end of each relevant chapter (needs analysis, design, development and implementation, and evaluation) features an example of the process of developing an actual training program (Fabrics, Inc.). At the end of each chapter are discussion questions, cases, and exercises to enhance understanding.