Training And Development Review: Topics And Objectives

Training and Development Review Post Topic and Objectives

Training and Development Review Post: Topic and Objectives

Rewritten version of your topic and objectives for your training and development plan (originally submitted for the Week 2 Two Exercise). Respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts. Offer a peer critique for two classmates other than those you selected in Week Two. Include suggestions for improvement, questions you may have, ideas for sources, and so forth. The critique should be 200 to 250 words and include citations and references for the text and at least one scholarly source.

Enhancing employees’ knowledge through training and development is crucial in today’s marketplace. Employees who receive training will improve their skills, gain knowledge, and perform their daily work more effectively and efficiently. In turn, those employees tend to stay engaged, remain motivated, improve performance, and help the organization stay competitive.

However, the implementation of the proper strategy for employee learning is a challenge for most organizations. The majority of organizations have a diversity of learners, and different employees learn better through different learning styles. Such learning styles need to be taken into consideration when planning a training program. Go to “What’s your learning style?” and take the learning style quiz. My strongest learning style was Tactile, followed by Visual and Auditory.

Discuss your quiz results and your learning style. Additionally, address the following implications of knowing a person’s learning style:

  • What type of training most appeals to people with a similar learning style to you?
  • What methods of instruction work best with your learning style group?
  • What method of instruction is a challenge for this learning style group?

Part II involves planning, designing, delivering, and evaluating an original training program. Assess the draft training proposal provided below, and finalize the topic and objectives for your training program.

Topic: Building Efficient Managers at the Operational Level

Objective: Train and develop managers in successfully leading employees at the operational level by:

  • Identifying roles and responsibilities
  • Honing material/leadership skills
  • Building an efficient workforce/team
  • Recruiting and retaining qualified individuals
  • Team building
  • Planning and execution

Training Materials include hard copy itineraries, PowerPoint slides/videos, hands-on instruction/training, and surveys. In a 20-25 slide PowerPoint presentation (excluding title and references),:

  1. Conduct a needs assessment for your proposed training, including both a person and task analysis.
  2. Develop SMART training objectives based on this needs assessment and any necessary assumptions.
  3. Create a detailed training proposal, including:
  • A title and description of the program
  • Discussion and justification of training methods based on training theory
  • Proposed instructors and reasons for their selection
  • A tentative training outline
  • A tentative list and description of training materials
  • Develop a plan for evaluating training effectiveness, including short-term and long-term assessments where appropriate.
  • Paper For Above instruction

    Employee training and development serve as foundational elements in modern human resource management, directly impacting organizational effectiveness and competitive advantage. The strategic planning of training initiatives involves careful needs assessments, understanding diverse learning styles, and aligning learning outcomes with organizational goals. This paper discusses key components of designing an impactful training and development program, with specific attention to learner diversity, instructional methods, evaluation strategies, and theoretical justifications.

    Effective training programs start with thorough needs assessments, which encompass both person and task analyses. Person analysis identifies performance gaps and individual development needs, while task analysis breaks down the specific skills and knowledge necessary for job competence. For example, a manufacturing firm may observe that machine operators lack safety compliance knowledge, prompting targeted safety training. This initial stage ensures that training efforts are focused and aligned with organizational priorities, optimizing resource utilization (Noe, 2017).

    Developing SMART objectives during planning is essential for measurable progress. An example objective could be: "By the end of the four-week training, 90% of participants will demonstrate accurate safety protocol procedures with 95% accuracy, as measured by post-training assessments." Such specificity and measurability facilitate evaluation and accountability. Based on the needs assessment, training methods should be selected considering the learning styles of participants, which affects engagement and retention.

    Understanding learning styles enhances training effectiveness. Visual learners benefit from diagrams and videos, auditory learners prefer discussions and lectures, while tactile learners acquire skills through hands-on activities. For example, tactile learners in a manufacturing context might prefer simulation exercises, whereas visual learners might favor infographics. Incorporating diverse instructional methods ensures inclusivity and maximizes learning transfer (Kolb, 1984).

    Training methods should be evidence-based, justifying their selection through established learning theories. For instance, experiential learning, as advocated by Kolb (1984), emphasizes learning through experience—ideal for practical skill development. Combining e-learning modules, role-playing, and case studies can cater to various styles while providing real-world relevance. Instructors selected should possess expertise aligned with the training content and delivery skills to facilitate engagement and knowledge transfer (Salas et al., 2012).

    The training outline must be structured logically, beginning with an introductory overview, followed by modules addressing specific competencies, and concluding with assessments and feedback sessions. Training materials should include handouts, PowerPoint slides, videos, and interactive exercises to reinforce learning. The materials' relevance and clarity are critical to ensuring effective knowledge transfer (Kozlowski & Salas, 2010).

    Evaluation plans should incorporate immediate assessments, such as quizzes and skill demonstrations, to gauge short-term effectiveness. Long-term evaluation involves follow-up assessments, performance reviews, and measuring organizational impact, such as reduced errors or increased productivity. Implementing Kirkpatrick’s Four-Level Training Evaluation Model provides a comprehensive approach by evaluating Reaction, Learning, Behavior, and Results (Kirkpatrick & Kirkpatrick, 2006).

    In sum, designing a successful training program requires strategic alignment, learner-centered approaches, and rigorous evaluation. Incorporating theories such as experiential learning and leveraging diverse instructional methods enhances learning outcomes. Continuous evaluation ensures that training investments provide tangible benefits, fostering organizational growth and employee development.

    References

    • Kirkpatrick, D. L., & Kirkpatrick, J. D. (2006). Evaluating training programs: The four levels. Berrett-Koehler Publishers.
    • Kozlowski, S. W., & Salas, E. (2010). Learning, training, and development in organizations. Routledge.
    • Kolb, D. A. (1984). Experiential learning: Experience as the source of learning and development. Prentice Hall.
    • Noe, R. A. (2017). Employee training and development (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
    • Salas, E., Tannenbaum, S. I., Kraiger, K., & Smith-Jentsch, K. A. (2012). The science of training and human resource development. Annual Review of Psychology, 63, 541-569.
    • Youssef-Morgan, C., & Stark, E. (2014). Strategic human resource management: Concepts, controversies, and evidence-based applications. Bridgepoint Education, Inc.
    • Amos, T. T., & Bindl, U. K. (2009). Improving training transfer: Insights from personality psychology. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 30(8), 1034-1054.
    • Burke, L. A., & Day, R. R. (2015). Assessing training transfer: Understanding the role of organizational support. Journal of Applied Psychology, 100(2), 465-480.
    • Schmidt, R. A., & Bjork, R. A. (2013). New conceptualizations of practice: Ways to improve learning and retention. Oxford University Press.
    • Tharenou, P., Saks, A. M., & Moore, C. (2007). A review and synthesis of mechanisms by which training influences performance. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology, 80(3), 315-333.