Index at lowest measure since 2010.

Learning executives’ optimism and confidence about the outlook and expectations for the learning function continued to fall in the third quarter of 2012, according to the latest measurement by ASTD. The current Learning Executive Confidence Index (LXCI) surveyed 323 learning executives (LXs) about their expectations in four areas: impact on corporate performance; ability to meet learning needs; status as a key strategic component; and availability of resources. It is modeled on the CEO Confidence Indices reported by Chief Executive Magazine and The Conference Board.

The ASTD LXCI for the third quarter of 2012 was 64.5, down from 65.6 in the second quarter of 2012, and the lowest on the LXCI since Q4 2010 (62.9). While the LXCI started strong in 2012, with a record high 67.3, it has continued a steady slide and indicates learning executives are wary as the end of the year approaches. Despite the downward trend, scores still remain higher than they were in 2009 and 2010. The LXCI is measured by a 100-point scale.

Highlights from the LXCI for the third quarter of 2012 include

• Learning as a key strategic component was the most positive LXCI indicator, with 69.3 percent believing that it will be moderately or substantially better in the next six months.

• 66.2 percent of LXs predict that workplace L&D funding will stay the same or moderately decrease over the next six months.

• 56 percent believe the availability of resources needed to meet learning needs, would be the same or worse in the next six months.

• 65.5 percent of learning executives project that over the next six months, learning will positively improve corporate performance.

• Nearly one-half of learning executives believe that money spent on outsourcing will remain the same over the next six months.

• The economy continues to impact the optimism and funding for travel related to training expenses, with only 12.1 percent of learning executives feeling that there will be a substantial or moderate increase in this category.

ASTD’s Learning Executive Confidence Index was launched in August 2008 and is designed to assess the outlooks and expectations of learning executives for the next six months.

Visit http://www.astd.org/Professional-Resources/LXCI.aspx to read the full report.