Importance of Training and Development

Assignment Brief

Assessment 4 - Outcome covered 4

Instructions

The Management Team were impressed with your recruitment and selection brief and example documents and have asked you to produce a final briefing document this time covering the importance of training and development.

Your document you should include the following:

Induction

You should provide five reasons why induction of staff is important to the organisation.

Performance review

You should explain how the process of performance review will help the organisation manage two of the following:

target setting and monitoring

identify training needs  plan future performance  succession planning

Training needs

There are various different methods that can be applied when identifying training needs. You are required to evaluate two methods which can be used to identify training needs.

Training methods

With reference to the case study, evaluate two methods that Michael could adopt for each of the following:

• on the job training
• off the job training

You must include two advantages and two disadvantages of each method.

Evaluation of training

Identify two methods that Michael could use to evaluate the effectiveness of training.

Sample Answer

Importance of Induction

The induction process is vital for any organisation as it sets the foundation for how new staff will adapt and contribute. Firstly, induction helps employees understand the values and culture of the workplace, which is essential for long term alignment with organisational goals. Secondly, it reduces uncertainty and stress for new staff, giving them the confidence to carry out their duties correctly. Thirdly, induction allows employees to understand policies, procedures and health and safety requirements, reducing the risk of mistakes and accidents. Fourthly, the process fosters early engagement, making staff feel welcome and valued from the start, which directly supports retention. Finally, induction improves productivity because employees become familiar with their role and responsibilities more quickly, enabling them to contribute effectively without long adjustment periods.

Role of Performance Review in Managing Targets and Training

Performance review is a structured way for organisations to monitor and guide employee development. In terms of target setting and monitoring, performance review allows clear goals to be agreed between staff and managers. These goals can then be measured over time, ensuring accountability and helping the organisation track progress against wider business objectives. Performance review also allows managers to identify training needs. When an employee struggles with a particular aspect of their role, the review highlights gaps in knowledge or skills. This information is critical for planning tailored training interventions that will improve performance and benefit the organisation as a whole.

Identifying Training Needs

Two common methods can be applied to identify training needs. The first method is performance appraisal. This involves structured discussions between managers and employees, reviewing past performance and comparing it to expected standards. It helps highlight areas where employees are excelling and areas where additional training is required. Performance appraisal is useful because it is based on real performance data, though it can be limited by the subjectivity of managers. The second method is skills audits. These are systematic assessments of the workforce to determine the skills currently available and compare them to the skills required. Skills audits provide an overview of organisational capability and highlight collective training priorities. However, they can be time consuming and may not always reflect the individual learning needs of staff.

Training Methods on the Job

Michael could consider mentoring as a form of on the job training. Mentoring allows a less experienced employee to learn directly from a more experienced colleague during daily tasks. The main advantage is that it provides practical learning in real situations and strengthens workplace relationships. Another advantage is that it costs very little to implement. The disadvantages include the risk that the quality of training depends heavily on the mentor’s ability, and the fact that it can slow down work while employees are being trained.

Job rotation is another on the job method that could be used. Employees move between different tasks or departments to gain a wider range of skills. This method is advantageous because it increases flexibility within the workforce and helps prevent monotony. On the other hand, it can be disruptive to workflow, and employees may feel unsettled if they are moved around too frequently.

Continued...