Human Resource Discuss why a company should approach its training function strategically.

Training is a critical component to success in the modern business environment. Effective training can ensure that the human resources have the skills they need to make the organization competitive in their industry.

Thoroughly discuss the phases of training.

The first phase is assessment in which the organization has to determine whether or not training would benefit the organizational goals. There are a series of analyses that can help an organization determine if training would be beneficial. The next phase is training design. Training design is important because it can allow the efficient and effective transfer of knowledge and skills. The design should be customized to meet the individual needs of the circumstances and the participants. The final phase is delivery in which the training is actually conducted. There are a wide array of different types of training and after one is designed and performed the final step is to evaluate its effectiveness.

3. Identify the 3 important considerations in training design presented in your notes. Why are these 3 considerations important for managers to know?

Three important considerations when designing training are learner readiness, learning styles, and transfer. It is important for managers to understand these considerations because they can represent the success or failure of a training objective. For example, if the learners are not ready then almost any design will fail.

4. Discuss evaluating training.

Training evaluation is important because it will help assess how effective a training program...

It provides feedback to an organization that can be the basis for future decisions. For example, if not all the information was successfully transfer then more training might be necessary or a different design might be more appropriate.
5. Discuss discrimination in the context of training.

Discrimination can occur when an organization decides which members receive training or development and which do not. Sometimes these decisions can occur in a discriminatory manner in which employees are chose on some criteria other than merit.

Development

1. Discuss the 6 issues that should be addressed in development that were presented in your notes.

One issue is how to approach development. The methods organizations use to assess development needs include assessment centers, psychological testing, and performance appraisals. One the approach is determined then there is an array of different decisions that can be made as to the tactical decisions such as coordinated development efforts through coaching, committee assignments, job rotation, "assistant-to" positions, online development, corporate universities, career development centers, and learning organizations. Off-site approaches include classroom courses and degrees, human relations training, simulations/business games, sabbaticals and leaves of absence, and outdoor training.

2. Distinguish between development and training.

Training is more short-term focused while development focuses more on long-term career development and succession planning.

3. Discuss the tradeoffs between " hiring from outside" and "developing from within."

When you hire from the outside…