Reference no: EM133028473

1 . To contribute to a company's success, training activities should help the company achieve its business strategy. A business strategy is a plan that integrates the company's goals, policies, and actions. The strategy influences how a company uses its physical capital, financial capital, and human capital (employees). How can a training function support a business strategy? Which strategic training and development initiatives do you think all companies should support regardless of economic conditions? Why?

2. What is the Instructional System Design (ISD) model. How is this model used to guide the development of training? What are the steps in this model? How is the ISD model compared to the ADDIE process model?

3. What is a rapid needs assessment? How would you conduct a rapid needs assessment so that it is valuable and accurately identifies training needs? When is a rapid needs assessment required?

4. Why would we consider age and generational differences as part of needs assessment? Is this important? Explain. Also provide the information on the types of evidence that you would look for to determine whether a needs analysis has been conducted improperly.

5. What are the strengths and weaknesses of each of the following designs: post-test-only, pretest/post-test with comparison group, and pretest/post-test only? What are results outcomes? Why do you think most organizations don't use results outcomes to evaluate their training programs? Which factors would have the greatest influence on your choice of an evaluation design? Explain your choices.

6. What are the differences between social contextual learning and guided competency development? Are both types of learning (and associated training methods) necessary? Explain.

7. Distance learning can be used to deliver a lecture to geographically dispersed trainees. How might distance learning be designed and used to avoid some of the learning and transfer of training problems of the traditional lecture method? Why would a company use a combination of face-to-face instruction and web-based training?

8. List and explain the characteristics of effective 360-degree feedback systems. Why do companies develop formal mentoring programs? What are the potential benefits for the mentor? For the protégé?

9. What is a work-life programs? How are they related to work-family programs? What are some of the challenges in developing and using work-life programs? How could you help the survivors of a downsizing remain motivated and productive? Which of your recommendations is most important? Explain why.

10. How will social learning and social networks influence employee expectations about learning, training, and development? How can training contribute to a sustainability initiative?