Definitions
                             Training refers to the methods used to give new 
                             or present employees the skills they need to 
                             perform their jobs.
                                                                                     Dessler (2007, p. 270)
                             Training and development are processes that 
                             attempt to provide employees with information, 
                             skills and an understanding of the organization 
                             and its goals.
                                                                               Ivancevich (2007, p. 393)
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                             Training Benefits
                             Training:
                             •    Improves individual, team and organization 
                                  performance.
                             •    Supports employee retention strategies.
                             •    Increases flexibility.
                             •    Improves customer service.
                             •    May increase job satisfaction. 
                             •    May decrease errors in the workplace.
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                             When Is Classroom-Based Training  
                             Appropriate?
                             •    When the desired skills are best taught through 
                                  formal instruction.
                             •    When a number of people need to learn 
                                  skills/knowledge in the same area.
                             •    When critical information must be 
                                  communicated to ensure employees meet their 
                                  responsibilities.
                                                               Source: Armstrong (2006, p. 576)
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                             The Five-Step Training and Development 
                             Process
                             Effective training programs consist of five steps:
                             1. Needs analysis
                             2. Instructional design
                             3. Validation
                             4. Implementation.
                             5. Evaluation.
                                                         Dessler (2007), based on the earlier work of Goldstein
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                             Step 1: Needs Analysis
                             •    Identifies the skills needed for employees to 
                                  perform their jobs.
                             •    Assesses existing skills.
                             •    Identifies objectives to close any identified 
                                  skills gaps.
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