Training managers' roles in mature manufacturing organizations

¶ … Role of a Training Manager in a Manufacturing Environment

The roles of training managers in mature manufacturing environments.

What is the theoretical foundation for your work?

Many mature manufacturing organizations employ training managers in their human resources departments. There is confusion, however, as to what roles these managers play within the organization. There is need, therefore, to examine how these roles differ across firms, and how they are similar. Studies have shown that there can be significant discrepancies in the ways that different organizations view the training function and the role of the training manager (Saari et al., 2006). This research cuts across a number of training subjects. For example, Kontoghiorges (2001) notes that some training managers play a critical role in the implementation of new technology, something that even mature companies are faced with. There have also been correlations noted between the empowerment of employees, which occurs through higher levels of training and through organizational design, and enhanced performance (Patterson, West & Wall, 2004)

4. What is your research question (or questions)?

How do mature manufacturing companies define the role of the training manager? What contribution do they see training managers making? Is training considered to be a strategic function in these organizations?

6. What is the purpose of your research?

The purpose of this research is to build a body of knowledge about the role of the training manager. This contributes to a larger body of knowledge about the role of training in general, with particular emphasis on mature manufacturing companies. It is important to know how these companies are using training to contribute to organizational success, and if they are not it is important to understand the gaps between the approach of these types of companies and the best practices within the industry, again something to which this research contributes.

7. What source material have you located thus far to support your research plans?

There is a fair amount of material in academic journals, particularly on the role of training in strategy. When this is refined to the training manager level, there is less information. Some of the initial sources are listed in the bibliography, but there are dozens more about training in traditional industries that can be cultivated in an annotated bibliography. The bulk of the research in this paper will be from my survey, and this will be developed in line with the findings that will be compiled in the literature review.