Module 3 Training
Module 3 Training
TRAINING
Training is a systematic process through which individuals acquire new knowledge,
improve existing skills, and develop the necessary attitudes to perform their current or
future job roles effectively. It is an essential function of human resource development
aimed at enhancing employee competence, productivity, and organizational performance.
Training not only helps employees to perform their tasks more efficiently but also prepares
them to adapt to new technologies, processes, and organizational changes. It bridges the
gap between job requirements and the current capabilities of the workforce.
In short, training is a continuous learning process that focuses on both professional growth
and personal development of employees.
―Training is the act of increasing the knowledge and skills of an employee for doing a
particular job.‖ — Edwin B. Flippo
— Michael Armstrong
Employee training helps bridge the gap between what employees know and what they need
to know to succeed in their roles.
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NEED FOR TRAINING
OBJECTIVE OF TRAINING
To enhance the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for specific job roles.
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To increase employee confidence, motivation, and job satisfaction.
IMPORTANCE OF TRAINING
FOR EMPLOYEES:
Skill Enhancement:
Training provides employees with the knowledge and abilities needed to perform
their jobs effectively and efficiently.
When employees feel valued and invested in, their morale and job satisfaction
tend to increase.
Career Development:
Training equips employees with the skills and knowledge necessary for career
advancement and taking on new challenges.
Staying Current:
Training ensures employees stay updated with the latest trends, technologies, and
best practices in their field.
FOR ORGANISATION:
Improved Productivity:
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Reduced Costs:
Well-trained employees make fewer errors, reducing the need for rework and
minimizing waste.
Enhanced Quality:
Stronger Workforce:
Employees are more likely to stay with organizations that invest in their
development, reducing turnover costs.
Adaptability to Change:
Training helps employees adapt to new technologies and processes, allowing the
organization to remain agile and competitive.
TYPES OF TRAINING
1. Induction Training
Induction training is the first training provided to new employees when they join an
organization. It helps them become familiar with the company’s culture, values,
policies, and their specific roles within the workplace. The aim is to make the new
employees feel comfortable and confident in their new environment, reducing
anxiety and helping them adjust faster.
2. Job Training
Job training focuses on teaching employees the specific knowledge and skills
required to perform their current job effectively. It is practical, role-specific, and
often conducted on the job site. This type of training helps employees understand the
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exact nature of their work, tools, machinery, systems, and processes they need to use
daily.
3. Apprenticeship Training
It is a structured method of training that combines practical, on-the-job learning with
classroom-based theoretical instruction. It is typically used in skilled trades and
technical fields where hands-on experience is essential. Apprenticeships are longer
in duration and often lead to certification or full-time employment.
4. Internship Training
Intership training is primarily aimed at students or recent graduates who seek
practical exposure in a professional environment. Internships allow individuals to
apply theoretical knowledge gained in educational institutions to real-world
scenarios, helping them gain work experience and improve employability. These are
usually temporary and may or may not lead to permanent employment.
5. Refresher Training
Refresher training is provided to existing employees to update their knowledge and
skills after a period of time. This type of training is essential when there are changes
in technology, organizational procedures, legal regulations, or industry standards. It
helps employees stay current and maintain high performance levels.
6. Training for Promotion
It is aimed at preparing employees for higher positions and greater responsibilities
within the organization. It focuses on developing leadership skills, decision-making
abilities, and the technical expertise required for the next level. This training is often
part of succession planning and helps organizations build a strong internal talent
pool.
STAGES IN TRAINING
1. Needs Assessment
This initial stage focuses on identifying the specific training requirements within
the organization. It involves analyzing performance gaps, skill deficiencies, and the
overall learning needs of employees. Common methods used include surveys,
interviews, performance appraisals, and feedback analysis.
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2. Training Design and Development
Once the needs are identified, the next step is to design a training program tailored
to address those needs. This stage involves:
3. Training Implementation
4. Evaluation
METHODS OF TRAINING
A large variety of methods of training are used in business. Even within one organization
different methods are used for training different people. All the methods are divided into
two classifications for:
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A. On-the-job Training Methods
B. Off-the-job Training Methods
ON-THE-JOB TRAINING
On-the-Job Training is a method of employee training that takes place directly at the
workplace while the employee is performing actual job duties. It allows individuals to learn
by doing, under the supervision and guidance of experienced workers, supervisors, or
trainers. This hands-on approach helps employees develop practical skills, understand real
work situations, and build confidence as they gain experience in their roles.
1. Coaching
2. Mentoring
3. Job Rotation
4. Job Instruction Technology
5. Apprenticeship
6. Understudy
1. Coaching
2. Mentoring
3. Job Rotation
Job rotation means moving employees through different roles or departments to help
them gain broader skills and knowledge of various functions. It reduces monotony and
prepares them for future leadership roles.
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Example: A management trainee working in marketing, finance, and operations
departments in rotation.
4. Understudy
In this method, an employee learns by observing and assisting a senior employee who
currently holds the position. It is often used to prepare employees for promotion or
succession.
Example: An assistant manager working closely with the branch manager to learn
managerial duties.
Job Instruction Training follows a step-by-step approach where a task is broken down
into simple steps, demonstrated by a trainer, and then practiced by the trainee until
perfection is achieved.
Example: A factory worker being taught how to operate a machine safely.
6. Apprenticeship
7. Cross-Training
Cross-training involves teaching employees to perform tasks outside their primary job
role. It increases flexibility, helps in multitasking, and ensures business continuity in the
absence of key staff.
Example: A receptionist trained to assist in basic accounting when needed.
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8. Simulated/Sandbox Training
This involves creating a realistic but controlled environment where employees can
practice tasks or handle situations without the risk of real-world consequences.
Example: A pilot using a flight simulator to practice emergency landings.
ADVANTAGES
Practical Learning:
Employees learn by actually doing the job, which helps them gain hands-on experience
and understand real work situations.
Cost-Effective:
There is no need for expensive training centers or materials since training happens in
the workplace itself.
Time-Saving:
Employees can start working and learning at the same time, which saves time for both
the employer and the employee.
Immediate Feedback:
Supervisors and trainers can give instant feedback, helping employees correct mistakes
and improve quickly.
Increases Confidence:
Employees feel more confident as they practice tasks in real work settings and see their
progress directly.
Better Team Integration:
Since training takes place in the actual work environment, employees quickly become
part of the team and understand organizational culture.
DISADVANTAGES
Risk of Errors:
Since trainees are working on real tasks, mistakes can happen, which may affect the
quality of work or cause financial loss.
Disruption of Work:
Training new employees can slow down the regular work process as experienced workers
spend time teaching instead of performing their own duties.
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Lack of Structure:
In some cases, the training may not be well-planned or standardized, leading to uneven
learning outcomes.
Limited Learning:
Employees may only learn the specific job they are trained for without gaining a broader
understanding of the company or industry.
Safety Concerns:
In industries involving machinery or hazardous tasks, untrained workers may pose safety
risks if not properly supervised.
OFF-THE-JOB TRAINING
Off-the-Job Training refers to any form of training that takes place away from the actual
workplace. It is designed to help employees learn new skills, gain knowledge, or improve
their attitudes in a setting free from daily work pressures. This training focuses on
theoretical learning, skill development, and personal growth and is often conducted in
classrooms, seminars, workshops, or online platforms.
2. Simulation Exercises
3.Vestibule Training
4. Case studies
5. Role-Playing
6. Sensitivity Training
7. Transactional Training
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2. Simulation Exercises
3. Vestibule Training
4. Case Studies
This method involves presenting real-world business problems to trainees, who then
analyze the situations and suggest solutions. It helps develop problem-solving, critical
thinking, and decision-making skills.
Example: MBA students analyzing a failed marketing campaign and proposing corrective
strategies.
5. Role-Playing
Role-playing allows trainees to act out specific scenarios to practice soft skills such as
communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution. It is widely used in customer service
and management training.
Example: Employees role-playing to handle difficult customer complaints.
6. Sensitivity Training
Sensitivity training focuses on helping individuals become more aware of their attitudes,
behaviors, and biases. It aims to improve interpersonal relationships, cultural sensitivity,
and teamwork.
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Example: A diversity and inclusion workshop where participants reflect on unconscious
biases.
7. Transactional Training
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
Costly:
Organizing seminars, workshops, or simulations can be expensive, especially if
external trainers are involved.
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Time-Consuming:
Employees may need to take time away from their regular duties, which can
impact productivity.
Less Practical Application:
Theoretical knowledge may not always directly apply to the actual work
environment, making it harder to transfer learning into practice.
Limited Real-World Experience:
Since the training is away from the real workplace, some skills might not be
fully tested under real conditions.
Risk of Disengagement:
If the training is too theoretical or poorly delivered, participants may lose
interest and fail to absorb key lessons.
Training effectiveness is a measure that examines the degree to which training improved
the employee's knowledge, skill, and behavioural pattern within the organization as a
result of the training.
Training effectiveness measures the impact of training on the trainee’s knowledge, skills,
performance, and the company’s ROI. The training’s goals and objectives should be
determined before training occurs, allowing these to be clearly and accurately measured.
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Evaluating training effectiveness helps organizations ensure that their investment in
training delivers value, identifies areas for improvement, and aligns learning programs
with overall business success.
The Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model is one of the most widely used and respected
frameworks for evaluating the effectiveness of training programs. Developed by Donald
Kirkpatrick in 1959, this model offers a systematic way to assess training outcomes at
four distinct levels. It helps organizations understand not just whether participants
enjoyed the training, but also whether they learned, applied the learning, and contributed
to achieving organizational results.
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The Four Levels of Kirkpatrick’s Evaluation Model
Level 1: Reaction
Evaluation Methods:
Feedback forms
Post-training surveys
Quick polls or verbal feedback
Example: At the end of a customer service training session, participants fill out a survey
rating the quality, usefulness, and delivery of the program.
Level 2: Learning
This level assesses whether participants gained the intended knowledge, skills,
or attitudes from the training.
It answers the question: What did participants actually learn?
Evaluation Methods:
Example: Participants take a test before and after safety training to measure their
increased understanding of safety procedures.
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Level 3: Behaviour
This level evaluates whether participants apply what they learned when they
return to their job.
It answers the question: Did behavior change as a result of the training?
Evaluation Methods:
Observation by supervisors
Performance appraisals
360-degree feedback
Example: After leadership training, managers are assessed over time to see if they are
using new communication and team management techniques.
Level 4: Results
This level measures the final results of the training, focusing on its impact on
organizational goals and performance.
It answers the question: Has the training led to tangible, measurable business
outcomes?
Evaluation Methods:
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2. Return on Investment (ROI) Analysis
ROI is a financial evaluation method that compares the monetary value of benefits gained
from the training with the cost of the training itself. It helps justify the investment in
training by showing whether the program has delivered a positive financial return.
ROI Formula:
This method compares participants' knowledge, skills, or attitudes before and after
training. It helps to measure knowledge acquisition and learning effectiveness in a
quantifiable way.
Tools Used:
Written tests
Practical exercises
Simulations or role-plays
Example: Measuring the technical knowledge of software before and after an IT skills
workshop.
Tools Used:
Observation checklists
Supervisor evaluation
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Example: Supervisors observing whether safety protocols learned during safety training
are followed correctly on the factory floor.
5. 360-Degree Feedback
Tools Used:
Structured questionnaires
Anonymous feedback platforms
Encourages employees to reflect on what they have learned, how confident they feel in
applying the new skills, and what changes they have made in their work behaviour. It
promotes self-awareness and lifelong learning.
Tools Used:
Self-assessment checklists
Post-training action plans
Example: Employees rate themselves on their new negotiation skills and note how they
plan to apply them in real scenarios.
In this scientific evaluation approach, one group receives training (experimental group)
while another similar group does not (control group). The performance of both groups is
compared over time to measure the impact of the training.
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Example: A company trains half of its sales team on new techniques and compares their
results with the untrained half.
Linking training outcomes with specific business KPIs is another objective way to assess
effectiveness. These could include productivity rates, customer satisfaction scores,
employee retention rates, sales figures, etc.
Example: Tracking whether customer satisfaction scores improve after customer service
training.
Example: Analysing course completion rates and test scores within an online training
portal to assess digital learning effectiveness.
This model is developed by Jack Phillips. It adds a fifth level (Level 5: Return on
Investment (ROI)) to Kirkpatrick’s model to measure financial impact.
It calculates the monetary value of training benefits vs. the costs of training and helps
organizations determine whether the investment in training is justified.
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This model helps ensure that training is not random but purposefully designed to support
the company’s bigger picture.
Example: Choosing to invest in digital skills training because the organization is moving
towards automation.
Key Features:
It includes:
This model is particularly valuable for organizations that want to ensure continuous
improvement by not just looking at outcomes but also at how the training is designed and
delivered.
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Developed by: Roger Kaufman
Kaufman’s Five Levels of Evaluation goes even further by adding a societal perspective
to training evaluation. This model is used when organizations care not only about internal
outcomes but also about the broader impact on society or the community.
This model is useful for organizations that want to measure ethical, social, or community
contributions in addition to business results.
Example: An environmental sustainability training leads not only to cost savings but also
to reduced environmental harm.
EXECUTIVE DEVELOPMENT
Executive development is not just about teaching technical skills; it also involves helping
leaders develop vision, strategic thinking, problem-solving abilities, and interpersonal
skills necessary for managing teams, adapting to change, and leading the organization
through challenges.
OBJECTIVES
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a) To enhance managerial knowledge, skills, and competencies necessary for
effective decision-making and leadership.
b) To prepare executives for higher responsibilities and future leadership roles
within the organization.
c) To develop the ability to adapt to organizational changes, technological
advancements, and market dynamics.
d) To improve problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical abilities for
handling complex business situations.
e) To foster innovation, creativity, and strategic thinking essential for driving
organizational growth.
f) To motivate and engage executives by offering continuous learning and career
advancement opportunities.
g) To strengthen interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills for
effective team leadership.
h) To build a strong pipeline of leadership talent capable of sustaining the
organization’s long-term success.
On-the-Job Methods
1. Job Rotation: This method involves moving executives through different jobs,
departments, or roles within the organization to expose them to various functions
and broaden their managerial experience. It helps them understand the
organization as a whole and develop versatility.
2. Coaching and Mentoring: In this method, senior leaders or experienced
managers guide and support the development of executives by providing
feedback, advice, and sharing knowledge. It focuses on improving performance,
decision-making, and leadership qualities through one-on-one interaction.
3. Action Learning: Executives work on real organizational problems in teams,
analyze situations, and suggest solutions. This method encourages learning by
doing and develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
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4. Committee Assignments: By involving executives in cross-functional
committees, they gain exposure to decision-making processes, teamwork, and
collaborative leadership, which enhances their ability to handle diverse issues.
5. Understudy Assignments: An executive is assigned to work closely with a
senior leader or manager, learning directly from their experiences, observing their
decision-making, and gradually preparing to take on similar roles.
Off-the-Job Methods
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