Question

Part 1 - Conduct an HRD-focused needs assessment for Initech - include all three levels of needs assessment: organizational, task, and person. As you conduct this assessment, keep in mind the multiple variables in this dynamic: management, employees, process, the environment, culture, etc.

Part 2 - Secondly, prepare an outline of an HRD program that you believe will help address some of these needs. You will provide an outline for each of the six key activities presented in the text.

Again here, keep in mind the multiple variables in this dynamic: management, employees, process, the environment, culture, etc.

Key Activities in HRD Design

1. Setting objectives

2. Selecting the trainer or vendor

3. Developing a lesson plan

4. Selecting program methods and techniques (including the appropriate use of technology)

5. Preparing materials

6. Scheduling the program

Answer 1

PART 1

Conducting a Needs Assessment

A Needs Assessment can shed further light on an important aspect on something known as a “Systems Approach.” Further various systems of training are an integral part and lie largely affected by policies of organizations, conventional work ethics and personal skills. Moreover this particular revolves around 3 main aspects as described below.

Organizational analysis - This is basically the blueprint or none other than the backbone of Needs Assessment. Primary objectives could lie in gathering the right training methods, right training material and right trainers. Other objective could lie in ensuring all training imparted be transferred back to the respective workplace where workers could therefore put the respective training imparted to them to good effect.

Task Analysis – Further breakdown of the Task Analysis into skill, ability and knowledge for accomplishment of the same. In short, just stating that a particular worker has to be trained as a “Finance Assistant” doesn’t really solve the problem. Deep knowledge subject of the respective trainer and related training skills would be paramount if not anything else.

Person Analysis – This particular analysis basically provides an insight into individuals and their characteristics which lie within the assigned target of population to be trained.

PART 2

1. Setting objectives

Setting objectives would primarily focus on areas of Adaptability, Equity and Employability.

a) Adaptability: Adaptability is nothing but training imparted on a constant basis that nurture employee professional skills who in turn play a pivotal role in development of Human Resources. This further leads to adaption of employees to frequent changes in the organization.

b) Equity:

Equal recognition of individual or worker irrespective of caste, color, creed, religion and community which further creates a harmonious working environment.

c) Employability:

Refers to the competency, skill and ability of a worker to further gain meaningful employment. Hence primary objective of the HRD would lie in improving employee skills and motivation.

2. Selecting the trainer or vendor

How would you possibly choose a trainer that would cater to all your employees/workers training needs?

Highly effective trainers must possess excellent interpersonal skills, competency, motivational ability and further be able to impart their respective knowledge in a clear and transparent manner.

3. Developing a lesson plan

Developing a Lesson Plan basically revolves around a course of action and list of objectives that could be used for the same are listed below.

a) Subject
b) Duration
c) Outcome
d) Audience to be targeted
e) Individual Preparation of Worker/Individual
f) Requirement of Various Training aids:
g) Training Material
h) Assessment
i) Format
j) Timing
k) Critical Areas
l) Sequential Delivery
m) Assignment Briefing

4. Selecting program methods and techniques (including the appropriate use of technology)

Various program methods and techniques as highlighted below could be used as selection criteria.

a) Case Study                                                                                                                                                               b) Self Study                                                                                                                                                                c) Web Oriented Programs                                                                                                                                              d) Classroom Programs                                                                                                                                                e) Seminars                                                                                                                                                                  f) Simulations                                                                                                                                                                 g) Programs based on Virtual Reality                                                                                                                             h) Workshops                                                                                                                                                               i) Technology (Web, DVD/ROM/CD Material, Video Conferencing)                                                                                     j) Library

5. Preparing materials

Preparing materials would involve an arduous task as it would involve the following factors.

a) Financial Resources                                                                                                                                                 b) Availability of Material                                                                                                                                                c) Time Constraints                                                                                                                                                      d) Expertise Involved In Gathering & Assembling of Material                                                                                             e) Logistical Constraints                                                                                                                                                f) Management Co-operation                                                                                                                                          g) Expertise Required to deliver Material

6. Scheduling the program

Scheduling of the program would further involve important aspects of;

a) Time constraints due to normal working hours                                                                                                             b) Availability of Trainer & Workers                                                                                                                                  c) Required resources for scheduling the respective Program                                                                                           d) Logistical aspects                                                                                                                                                     e) Scheduling of training personnel/workforce to be considered