The ROI Methodology® is a systematic process that delivers and measures the results of all types of projects and programs with five levels of outcomes: reaction, learning, application, impact, and ROI.

For many projects and programs, there are questions about the value they deliver. Key stakeholders need to see this value expressed in terms they can appreciate and understand. Funders and sponsors want to ensure that the projects are delivering impact and even ROI. “Show Me the Money” is a familiar request. In some situations, funders do not approve budgets for programs unless a credible ROI forecast is provided.

Those who support programs need to see the impact, the key performance indicators. Participants in the program need to see the impact to feel better about participating in the process. This is the “why” for their involvement. All stakeholders want to make sure that programs make a difference, which usually means impact.

The ROI Methodology is a logical flow of data with 12 steps. The process begins with “Start with Why” with a precise alignment to the business, and ends with “Optimize Results,” using the results to increase support and funding for projects and programs. The methodology is guided by a set of conservative standards, known as guiding principles, making the process more credible.

Managers and professionals in 22 professional fields use this methodology to show the success of major projects and programs, ranging from project managers and professional coaches to talent managers, marketing managers, quality specialists, IT managers, and chaplains and counselors. Wherever there is a need to show the value of what people do, the ROI Methodology is used.

The ROI Methodology is used by 5,000 prestigious organizations in 70 countries. It is used in all types of organizations, including governments, nonprofits, non-governmental organizations, universities, healthcare systems, foundations, faith-based organizations, associations, and businesses. They all share the same need to show the value of what they do.

Unfortunately, the use of the ROI Methodology is usually driven by those who are funding, budgeting, or sponsoring programs. A recent benchmarking study of users revealed that 57 percent of the ROI implementations in organizations are driven by senior executives who want to see the value of major projects and programs. Ideally, we prefer managers and professionals to be more proactive, taking the initiative to show the value of major programs before being asked to show the value by senior leaders.

The ROI Methodology is the most used evaluation system globally because it addresses the needs of three essential groups. First, users find it is user-friendly, following a logical step-by-step process with low-level mathematics and finance and accounting. Second, professional evaluators, professors, and researchers find it to be a valid and reliable process. Professors support it in classrooms, where over 70 universities now use ROI Institute books in master’s and Ph.D. level courses. Third, it meets the needs of top administrators, CEOs, and CFOs who need an evaluation system that produces credible results they can support.

Credibility comes primarily from the very conservative standards that the methodology follows. The standards make sure that any value offered is based on the worst-case scenario. For example, if estimates are used, the estimate is adjusted for error, and the most credible sources always provide the data. These standards often exceed the expectations CFOs when they see the standards applied to a particular project.

Although it is possible to develop capability by purchasing books, reading about the methodology, and exploring case studies, most find it is easier to learn through a structured process. The structured process offered by ROI Institute is ROI Certification®. This certification provides a comprehensive earning program surrounding the ROI Methodology and prepares participants to develop an ROI evaluation of a project or program in their organization. The process guides participants as they plan an ROI study, conduct it with virtual support from ROI Institute faculty, and complete it to obtain the Certified ROI Professional® (CRP) designation.

To date, more than 15,000 professionals have participated in ROI Certification, with almost half earning the CRP designation. The certification course is offered internally within an organization, publicly in live virtual or in-person classroom formats, or through a guided self-study approach.