Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Why students should stay in college and graduate Essay
Why students should stay in college and graduate - Essay Example e know that in the coming years, jobs requiring a college degree are projected to grow twice as fast as jobs requiring no college experience," Obama said. "We will not fill those jobs or even keep those jobs here in America without the training offered by colleges." Statistical research also demonstrates that a person who goes to college usually earns more than a person who doesnââ¬â¢t, as median earnings for full-time workers more than 25 years old increased by over $20,000 for people who have college degrees vs. those who only have a high school diploma. Considering these facts, the necessity for students to stay in and graduate from college is imperative. Even with statistical research clearly demonstrating the need for students to stay in and graduate from college, the opportunity for increased quality of life cannot be underestimated. In my own life, I can see the challenges my father has faced. Since he lacked a college degree his career options were limited and needed to work many labor intensive jobs, including construction, to become financially established. His situation can be contrasted with that of my mother who attained a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was able to attain a position as a teacher and make a comparable salary to my father with less and arguably more rewarding work. While a college degree clearly offers increased career and salary options, it also is a chance to achieve personal betterment. Through the college experience students gain knowledge about the world that can help them find greater appreciation in art and culture. The opportunity to be exposed to and learn about unique cultures makes one more open-minded and accepting of different people and ideas. In conclusion, the necessity to attend and graduate from college is overwhelmingly clear. Statistical research demonstrates that people will college degrees have increased earning potential. Graduating from college also affords the chance to find a less strenuous and more fulfilling
Tuesday, October 8, 2019
SDL-VALUE & VALUE CO-CREATION Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words
SDL-VALUE & VALUE CO-CREATION - Essay Example 147-149). Consequently, the article explores the virtues of Aristotleââ¬â¢s stand on exchange and use value differences. Indeed, the article is based on claims and comments made by other prominent economic scholars such as Adam smith. In these references, the authors concentrate on the domain of goods-dominant logic. This presence is intended to compare and contrast the two logics taking into reference the business concept of Coca Cola Company. Service Dominant Concept The service-dominant model is based on the aspect of interdependence between consumers and producers. Presumably, the system is based on direct producer-consumer observations. It is sufficiently important that the relationship or transfer of value between producers and consumers have different forms of interpretation. Indeed, different interpretations depend on the corresponding discipline or field of study (Vargo, Maglio, & Akaka, 2009, p. 33-35). Apparently, the fundamentals of commerce are the underlying factors that streamline the aspect of utility and production. Thus, the different models translate to the fundamental principles of production and consumption as explained in consumer science and other related disciplines. Consequently, the article approaches the issue with the intentions of unearthing any underlying associations. Value In the view of service-dominant value, value is considered to be characterized by the total effects of both the producers and consumers. An illustration of this is that, goods are valued after reaching a particular point in the process of consumption. Therefore, the consumers confer the element of value to goods when these prove to be effective in their use. At this point, it is clear that there is a relationship between the aspect of value and the process of consumption (Vargo, Maglio, & Akaka, 2009, p. 35-38). Therefore, the aspect of value is best explained when consumption is put into consideration, since these two affect each other. The value of goods t herefore, depends on how satisfactory they are to the consumer. This is the major differentiating factor between goods-dominant perspective and the service-dominant value perspective. For instance, Coca Cola would be interested in preparing and delivering Coca Cola drinks as a product in goods dominant logic. However, in service dominant logic, Coca Cola would be interested in synergising customer satisfaction with factors of production. Goods Dominant Concept In the goods-dominant value, value is attached to the transfer of goods to the consumers from the producers. In this perspective, the more goods are transferred between producers and consumers, the higher the value. On the other hand, the service-dominant value draws from different views and approaches (Vargo, Maglio, & Akaka, 2008, p. 147-149). In this case, to facilitate the transfer of goods between producers and consumers, the consumers must make their payments for the goods. This is meant to ensure the continuity of the v alue chain, so that consumers can come back and get more goods at a value. In the context of Coca Cola Company, service in service dominant logic, is the application of competences in terms of knowledge and skills in all factors of production aimed at providing refreshment service to the consumers. The issue of productive and non-productive
Monday, October 7, 2019
Sustainability at Millipore Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Sustainability at Millipore - Essay Example ents utilized as a part of fluid stream procedures to sift through or concentrate particulates, atoms, microorganisms, infections, and different materials. Clients utilized Millipores channels for sanitizing, cell reaping, and detaching mixes from complex blends. For instance, the refreshment business utilized Millipores channels to expel microorganisms and yeast from wine, lager, squeeze, and water. Millipore likewise delivered a variety of lab hardware, including recognition devices. The questions to be discussed in light of the companyââ¬â¢s efforts to achieve sustainability are as below. The manufacturing process or any production process needs some inputs (raw materials). The raw materials undergo a certain chain of process or multiple chain processes before the final product is achieved. These inputs are resources that nature provides like air, water, stones, etc. Therefore, manufacturing processes consume the naturally available resources. During the production process, other substances are produced in the form of waste. The waste materials could be in gaseous, liquid or solid state. These waste materials are chemicals that are harmful to the environment. For instance, greenhouse gasses and other harmful materials that are harmful to the microorganisms living in water and on land. Overutilization of the natural resources beyond the replenishing capacity of nature is the consequence of most companyââ¬â¢s activities. The act can be referred to as unsustainable utilization of resources. Sustainability embraces the consumption of natural resources to meet the needs of the current generation, but at the same time conserving and restoring the same resources to meet the needs of the future generation. Sustainability can be achieved through reducing the negative impact of a companyââ¬â¢s economic activities on the environment by engaging in activities that are socially responsible. Social responsibility enhances the companyââ¬â¢s image and reputation, which in turn, leads
Sunday, October 6, 2019
Geopolits and Science Fiction Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Geopolits and Science Fiction - Assignment Example Nevertheless, it is worth noting that the concept of Manifest Destiny was rather a mere component, which only captured popular imagination of young Americans. Over the recent year, the concept has been revived among the American population (Ekeh 2004, p.67-69). Even so, it has taken a new dimension in movies. In this regard, a variety of science fiction movies are attributable to the creation of a new wave of Manifest Destiny especially in the Young Americans. Star Trek for instance, is an American science fiction movie producer. In 2009, they produced a movie which revolved around James Kirk, Starship Kelvin and their expedition. This occurs in the future; in 2233 where the USS Kelvin ship investigating a lightning storm in the space was attacked by the Navada and a Romulan ship that emerges from the storm. On Vulcan, Spock (who is believed to be half-human), joins Starfleet Academy. Meanwhile, on Earth, Kirk becomes reckless and intelligent and is recommended to join Starfleet. While in the academy, the Cadets are mobilized to crew ships waiting in the orbit. Their ship known as the Enterprise arrives at Vulcan and is attacked by Navada which led to their surrender. Consequently, a large damage as well as mass killings of its inhabitants occurred. Spock manages to rescue his father and the high council of Vulcan. However, his mother does not survive the attack. Later on, Kirk, in conjunction with Sarek and Spoc plot a secret attack on Navada. They successfully attack and crash down the crew on Navada thus conquering them. Back on earth, both Kirk and Captain Pike were promoted to higher ranks. Spock Prime selected a planet for the surviving Vulcans to Colonize. It is therefore palpable that the events in this movie could inculcate some sense of the Manifest Dream in most of its viewers. In this regard, ultimate victory by Kirk, Sarek and Spoc could be interpreted to depict the superiority that America has towards other
Saturday, October 5, 2019
Where is our Language Headed Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Where is our Language Headed - Essay Example The most prevalent and most influential ways of modern communication is texting. Baron has highlighted different arguments concerning effect of texting on the article ââ¬Å"Are Digital Media Changing Language?â⬠Crystal on the article ââ¬Å"2B or not 2B.â⬠has also highlighted the same issue. Whether modern texting has an effect on language remains a contentious issue. Therefore, this paper seeks to compare and contrast the ideologies of Baron and Crystal with an aim of supporting that effect of texting on language is insignificant. Whereas we have appreciated the technological evolution in enhancing communication, it is true that the same has come with an appreciable change in attitude towards language. According to Baron, internet and mobile phone communication has its own characteristics, which are likely to be mapped in official language communication. However, he quotes a study by Pew Internet and American Life Project, which claimed, ââ¬Å"middle school and high sc hool students understand what kind of language is appropriate in what contextâ⬠(Baron, 2009). According to the findings of this study, it is evident that although texting has become the technological form of communication, it has not greatly influenced the official language of communication. Interestingly, Crystal has echoed the same sentiments. He claims ââ¬Å"Texting has added a new dimension to language use, but its long-term impact is negligible. It is not a disasterâ⬠(Crystal, 2008). The similarities in their opinion suffices to support that indeed, the modern trend in texting has little if any significance in official language. It is worthwhile noting that texting is not an emerging trend but rather has evolved since time immemorial. Although it can be claimed that texting has gained heightened usage in recent times, historical evolution has not resulted to considerable effect on official language communication. Baron captures the way technology has caused languag e evolution. For instance, there is an observed change from ââ¬Å"news paperâ⬠to ââ¬Å"news-paperâ⬠to the presently used ââ¬Å"newspaper.â⬠Similarly, Crystal, on the other hand, recounts the same idea of texting language persistence. He claims, ââ¬Å"The most noticeable feature is the use of single letters, numerals, and symbols to represent words or parts of words, as with b "be" and 2 "to.â⬠They are called rebuses, and they go back centuriesâ⬠(Crystal, 2008). It can be concluded from the two ideologies that texting has little impact on official language. This is because, texting has been present in the society for decades yet the changes have been minimal. Although Baron has highlighted some of the effects of technology language to official communication, it can be argued that such changes are minimal to warrant heightened worry on language influence. Crystal asserts that language abbreviation has been a common and natural phenomenon for ages. Int erestingly, the criticism on language abbreviation dates back to 1711. He asserts, ââ¬Å"Words such as exam, vet, fridge, cox and bus are so familiar that they have effectively become new wordsâ⬠(Crystal, 2008). People like Joseph Addison were some of the early critiques of language abbreviation. However, language evolution took place as a necessity rather than influence. Language is meant for communication, of course in simple means. Although such changes have been easily adopted as official communication language, Baron promotes the same idea of acceptance to abbreviation. According to him, ââ¬Å"A wide swath of educated speakers of English (at least American English) simply donââ¬â¢
Friday, October 4, 2019
Food Predicament Essay Example for Free
Food Predicament Essay 1. List three factors largely responsible for the significant increase in North American food production since the end of World War II. a. Population Growth b. Rising personal income 2. Describe the trends in world food production vis-a-vis population growth from 1950 to the present. There is more people to supply food than before. 3. To what extent does expanding the amount of land under cultivation offer hope for significantly increasing world food supply? Why? To permit unproductive lands to be farmed, making it possible to raise two to three crops a year on the same land. 4. List four reasons for the loss of currently productive agricultural land. a. erosion b. desertification c. salinization d. water-logging 5. What factors make it unlikely that ocean fish harvests can be increased substantially above present levels? Large predator fish, overexploitation by industrial fishing fleets has reduced stocks of some species. 6. List several changes in food-handling practices that poor countries could implement to prevent loss of harvested crops. Store grains in bins that may not be easily penetrated, have good refrigeration and have reliable transport for the food. 7. To what extent can eating lower on the food chain help to solve problems of world hunger? It will help until the population grows more and going vegetarian would not be possible. 8. Why are a number of relatively affluent countries purchasing farmland in other nations? What are the advantages and disadvantages of such purchases for the host country? Because of the productive soil their food will grow much better in each different region. Some advantages might be that they will have that food available for the consumers and some disadvantages might be that there is a climate change and loose the crop. B. Match the following deficiency diseases with the nutritional factor (shown below the table) whose absence provoked these conditions (you can use the factor or corresponding letter (a, b, .): 1. childhood blindness 2. marasmus 3. anemia 4. kwashiorkor 5. mental retardation 6. pellagra 7. scurvy 8. rickets 9. beri-beri a. protein b. fiber c. vitamin A d. vitamin Bl (thiamine) e. vitamin C f. vitamin D g. vitamin E h. niacin i. iodine j. iron k. overall calorie/protein shortage C. True/False. Indicate T or F in the space before each numbered question. If the statement is false, revise it below in the box provided to make a correct statement; focus your response on the words in bold. 1. As incomes rise, food demand increases because more affluent people eat larger quantities of food. 2. It is estimated that approximately a billion people in the world today are undernourished. 3.Within families in poor societies, adolescent boys are the most likely to suffer from malnutrition. 4. Overpopulation is the major cause of chronic hunger problems in the developing world. 5. In societies where hunger is widespread, the rate of malnutrition among children and women is much higher than it is among men. 6. Malnutrition is most harmful when it occurs among children under 5. 7. The damaging effects of childhood malnutrition are reversible if the child receives an adequate diet when he/she becomes older. 8. Malnourished women are likely to give birth to underweight babies and to produce poor quality breast milk. 9. Marasmus is responsible for more childhood deaths in developing countries than any other single cause. 10. The most common nutritional deficiency disease worldwide is kwashiorkor. 11. A swollen belly, discoloration of the hair and skin, and stunted physical development are all classic symptoms of overall protein/calorie deprivation. 12. The worlds single most important cause of preventable brain damage and mental retardation is Vitamin A deficiency. 13. Aquaculrure offers greater hope for increasing the worlds fish harvest than does intensifying efforts in ocean fishing. 14. World livestock production, which rose steadily from 1950-1990, has subsequently leveled off because of falling market demand for meat. 15. Anemia is a leading cause of high female mortality rates and problem pregnancies in many poor countries. 16. Aquaculture supplies almost all of the tuna fish found in American supermarkets. 17. Biotechnology can help reduce farmers reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and may make it possible to cultivate lands currently too dry or too saline for farming. 18. Among species commonly raised to supply animal protein for human consumption, fish are the most efficient energy converters, requiring just 2-3 pounds of feed to gain one pound of flesh. 19. In sub-Saharan Africa, grain production has remained stagnant at about one ton/ hectare since the early 1960s. 20. Significant increases in agricultural production achieved by technological breakthroughs such as the miracle grains or genetically modified crop and livestock varieties will ensure that all the worlds people enjoy an adequate diet.
Thursday, October 3, 2019
Value and importance of training and development of employees
Value and importance of training and development of employees Chapter 1: Introduction 1.1 Introduction: Organisations get established, businesses survive and thrive because they sell products and services to customers and earn revenue. Globalization and increased competition have increased the demand for organizations to continually provide excellent products and services. Business performance depends largely upon how well the product or service is. Only satisfied, motivated and trained employees can produce quality products or provide quality service. 1.2 Research question: Determine how training can improve the skills of employees which in turn help in increasing employee and customer satisfaction, productivity and eventually business performance. 1.3 Background: Research Significance and Problem Identification: Although many organisations provide their employees training opportunities to progress within the organisation structure, little has been focused upon employee training for organisations efficiency and performance. Performance oriented market; constantly changing environment and globalisation are influencing the workplace structure and leading to increased reliance on employee skills for providing better products and services. Employees not trained to deal with the advanced management methods and techniques cannot work towards the better business performance. This issue is one of the most important topics in business management studies. This concept is now well established and is increasingly affecting the field of management. It has proved particularly valuable for those organisations who seek better performance. 1.4 Aims and objectives: The main aim of this paper is to study the value and importance of training and development of employees in terms of overall organisation performance. Determine how training can improve the skills of employees. Analyse published data/existing literature on human resource management and related subject areas. Identify training related issues such as environmental factors and their effect. Examine current organisational structure and working practises (such as procedures, policies, and standards followed by the company for its human resource/ workforce) in the company. Explore training methods available for the organisations. Access the impact of training on workforce satisfaction. Summarize the main themes of the findings and place them in the context of business performance. Provide recommendations. 1.5 Hypothesis: The organisations can increase their performance and productivity by providing their staff with appropriate skills through training and continuous development. If suitable training and proper care is given to development of employees, they can prove beneficial by working more effectively and efficiently. 1.6 Rationale: Organisations tend to apply those outdated and inadequate techniques and methods which although have been proven successful, those cannot work on their business situations. While doing so, they often ignore more advanced procedures and their business environmental and cultural requirements. In order to improve or increase their business performance, organisations will need to adapt new ways that can impact training and development of employees efficiently and successfully. 1.7 Theoretical Framework: The main purpose of this dissertation was to find out the effect of training on organisation performance. This dissertation discussed and critically analysed training and development of employees, its demand in changing nature of the organisation and impact of environmental and other important factors on training and development. Detailed explanations on training methods and types of skills (hard and soft) are also considered. The final section focused on training evaluation and its need. The writer has also taken several authors views on training and development of employees and linked them with organisation performance and other related factors, and evaluated all the data gathered. The writer has also debated and provided arguments and counter arguments on above mentioned issues argued by professionals. 1.8 Limitations: As the researcher progressed through this research project, limitation arose that included bias, unavailability of relevant data, resource and time allocation, etc. Chapter 2: Literature Review 2.1 Introduction: In order to survive and compete in the ever growing competitive and changing environment, it is critical for any organisation to perform better by satisfying the needs of the customers (Mullins, 2007). Globalization has increased the demand for organizations to provide excellent products and services as business performance depends largely upon it. Only satisfied, motivated and trained employees can produce quality products or provide quality services. Increased competition and changing nature of technical jobs and services made employee training very crucial for the survival of any business. The requirements of skills development of employees differs from business to business and industry to industry (Bratton and Gold, 2001). This issue is one of the most important topics in business management studies. This concept is now well established and is increasingly affecting the field of management. It has proved particularly valuable for those organisations who seek better performance. 2.2 Training and Development: In Bramleys (2003) words, training involves learning and educating employee to do something to result in things being done differently. He explains that training is a process that is planned to facilitate learning so that people can become more effective in carrying out aspects of their work. According to the CIPD, Training is expected to equip employees to help them become ââ¬Ëstrategically unique, in addition to the provision of skills, knowledge and attitudes needed to achieve operational efficiency. ââ¬ËTraining is a planned process to modify attitude, knowledge or skill behaviour through learning experience to achieve effective performance (Wilson, 2006). ââ¬ËEmployee Development is a process for preparing employees for future job responsibilities. This may include formal and informal training, education, mentoring, coaching etc (Armstrong, 2008). Although the terms training and development are often linked, these address slightly different needs. Training focuses on learning the necessary skills and acquiring the knowledge required to perform the job. It deals with the design and delivery of learning to improve organization performance. On the other hand, development focuses on the preparation needed for future jobs; it should be considered investment in the work force since its benefits are long term (Armstrong, 2006). Effective training is paramount for survival and growth of a business. Training is not just about developing people but helping them to become more confident and capable in their jobs as well as in their lives (Wilson, 2006). The significance and value of training has long been recognized. The need for training is more prominent given todays business climate and the growth in technology which affects the economy and society at large. Employee is trained to assure that current or future needs of the organisation are met. 2.3 Hard vs. Soft Skills Training: There are two basic categories of skills training: hard and soft skills (Armstrong, 2008). Hard skills are technical or administrative procedures related to an organizations core business while soft skills are attitudes and behaviours exhibited by employees while interacting, which affect the outcomes of such interactions. It is easy to train and identify the need for hard skills training, while soft skills relate to personal, individual development and are most difficult to define and measure. Some types of training have both hard and soft skills components. Sales training for example, may encompass hard skills such as product knowledge and price negotiation, and soft skills such as empathy and listening (Smith and Mazin, 2004). The best way to develop skills is to practice doing the thing what an employee is trying to do, under the expert guidance of someone who knows how (Redman and Wilkinson, 2006) (Muir, 2004) (Beardwell et al, 2007). 2.4 Reasons for Training: There are many motives for training and developing employees. It can be initiated for a variety of reasons e.g. it can be carried out as part of an overall professional development program or performance improvement (Rae, 1999). Training is not only essential to create skilled force but also needed to maintain a high level of skills required by the constantly changing work environment and to equip employees to meet future demands (Stewart, 1996) (Pont, 2003). 2.5 Training Benefits: Leading writers have recognised the importance of training as fundamental for management (Bratton and Gold, 2003). Keep (1989 cited by Redman and Wilkinson, 2006) describes training and development as litmus test against which other characteristics of management practice can be measured. Advantages of training and development include: increased job satisfaction and morale among employees, employee motivation, increased efficiency and effectiveness, increased capacity to adopt new technologies and methods, increased innovation in strategies and products, reduced employee turnover, enhanced company image, risk management. The right employee training at the right time provides big pay offs for the employer in increased productivity, knowledge, loyalty, and contribution (Web 1). Training allows the organisation to develop and promote its own culture. Training also allows organisations to adapt to changes in the business environment and can be used as a change agent to change organisation al culture (Wilkinson et al. 2006). Training is a tool that can improve organisational effectiveness, especially in fiercely competitive markets. Training and development helps in optimizing the development of human resource that helps the employee to achieve the individual as well as organisational goals (Benson, 2006). It increases the job skills and knowledge of employees at all levels and expands the horizons of their intellect and their personality. Training and development helps in indicating the sense of team work, team spirit, and inter team collaborations. It also aids the organisations to get more effective in decision making and problem solving. It also helps in developing leadership skills, motivation, loyalty, better attitudes, and other aspects that successful workers usually display (Armstrong, 2008) (Bratton and Gold, 2003) (Pont, 2003) (Price, 2007). 2.6 Training Process: Training process takes place within the context of the internal and the external environment of the organization. The basis for most training remains the traditional training process system. This involves: 1. identifying the needs for training and development of the company; 2. Planning training or devising a learning plan; 3. Carrying out or delivering training and 4. Assessing and evaluating outcomes/results. A training need analysis is the first step in identifying the types of programs that will further organisations goals, which helps to decide whether training is appropriate at all. The organisations have to assess why they need training (Smith and Mazin, 2004). Then plans are made on how to deliver the program and by which method. Armstrong (2008) places a great importance on the design of training policy because of its significance of effects on the business. It is an important issue and requires close attention to the organisations mission, ethical stance and strategic visio n. All the policies should be aligned to the companys mission and objectives. 2.7 Training Methods: Learning and development can focus on different components of employees as proposed by Lee (1996). Organisations can adapt different techniques of training for their businesses and according to their requirement. Some techniques consist purely on acquisition of knowledge, some focus on skills development of its staff, some even focus on sentimental aspects of the employees and their relationships with others. Few activities seek to integrate all the above. Staff training can be conducted on the job, which is carried out at the trainees workplace, and off-the-job which is carried out away from employees work place (Mullins, 2007). Training methods include observing, questioning, interpreting, reviewing, coaching, e-learning, workshop, induction, job-shadowing, mentoring, seminars, classes, open learning, project work, workshop and simulation. 2.8 Why Training Fails Training is not always the answer to performance problems. Some training analysts (Rosner, 1999 cited by Smith and Mazin, 2004) believed that training could be a good investment or could be a waste of resources. Training is indeed a waste of money when the desired behaviour does not occur. Thats why training and development doesnt succeed all the time to achieve desired results and in obtaining aims and objectives of the organisation. There could be many other reasons for the failure but most common are (Web 2): Training is often implemented for the wrong reasons and seldom aligns to a business measure. It fails because of lack of objectives to provide direction and focus. Sometimes the solution proves too expensive for the desired outcomes. Other important reason for failure is lack of management reinforcement and support (Mullins, 2007). Some businesses invest little in training because they dont have enough funds. 2.9 Role of a Training Manager: It is the role and responsibility of the HR manager to develop and implement training strategies and policies. The HR manager has responsibility for training and development and performance management. Human Resource Managers need to understand the nature and process of training and development in order to be able to facilitate learning and development within the organisation (Watson, 2006). HR managers are involved in planning and implementing programs designed to improve the performance of their employees in order to improve the effectiveness of the organization. Its their responsibility to group together employees activities during training process in such a way that encourages integration and cooperation (Armstrong, 2008). 2.10 Trainee Employees: Organizations performance largely depends upon the employees that work in it (Watson, 2006). They are the key resource and considered as capital for any organization. HR scholars agree that an organisation is only as good as the people in. Training is worthless if employees are not involved properly (Armstrong, 2008). Company can achieve and maintain the competitive advantage by regularly upgrading the workforce skills. The development of employee skills is one of the most important tasks in which an organisation can engage (Armstrong, 2006). Adequate supply of technically and socially competent and proficient staff is only ensured by training and development. 2.11 Training Evaluation: Employees need feedback. It is important for their progress and advancement (Armstrong, 2006). Evaluation is a process of establishing the worth or value of something (Rae, 1999). Evaluation of training is a process of gathering information with which to make decisions about training activities (Sloman, 1999). Organizations apply performance appraisal evaluation to measure employee work performance and effectiveness, which can help in defining and developing training needs for the organisations. Having a well-structured measuring system in place can help determine where the problem lies (Mullins, 2007). Training evaluation may also help in improving quality of training activities which in turn results in greater benefits. 2.12 Other Issues: While providing training, the manager needs to understand the importance and effects organization structure and design because these define tasks and responsibilities, work, roles and relationships, and channels of communication (Mullins, 2007). The two factors that determine how the organization functions in relation to its eternal and external environment are its structure and the processes that operate within it. Structures are necessary to support the effort of training managers and trainee employees. Culture of an organization also plays an important part in assessing the needs and requirements for training and development. It helps in producing high level of business performance. Training according to structure and culture provides organizations flexibility, adaptability and durability required for growth and survival(Redman and Wilkinson, 2006). 2.13 Conclusion: Scholars and writers have emphasised on the importance of training and development of the employees for the better performance of any organisation. It is a main factor of human resource management within organization. It not only benefits organisation by providing them with skilled force, but employees individually as well by increasing their effectiveness and efficiency (apart from other benefits discussed above). Organisations have to take into account all the internal and external environmental and cultural factors and should provide feedback on training. To be successful, organisations have to adapt an appropriate training process with best available training method and professional guidance/management. Chapter 3: Research Methodology Research is any type of systematic and arranged study to systematize facts or collect data, and is generally linked to a problem that has to be solved (Zikmund, 2000). Johnson and Scholes (2008) define methodology as ââ¬ËA focused and systematic investigation that goes beyond generally available knowledge to acquire specialised and detailed information, providing a basis for analysis and elucidatory comment on the topic of enquiry. 3.1 Introduction Research methodology section also clarifies why the researcher has chosen certain research methods, techniques and approaches, justifying the writers approach and line of action; and why other methods are not included for this project with detailed reasons and explanations. Arguments and benefits for selected methods are also given. Sampling, research tools and other related issues are also explained in this section. This area ends with discussion of limitations and constraints faced by the writer. 3.2 Background As part of dissertation, the researcher was expected to undertake research into business and management field which should meet the criteria set out by the college and must have enough empirical data for investigation (Quinton and Smallbone, 2006). Searching past dissertation and thesis aadded ideas and assisted in formulating the dissertation design and overall structure that provides a framework for the collection and analysis of data (Quinton and Smallbone, 2006). After organising the ideas, research time scale was set which was focused on targets to meet deadlines for completion of the paper. The researcher has applied Gantt chart (Saunders et al 2007) to help in keeping track of the research. It also assisted in planning and coordinating specific tasks during the research work by providing graphical illustrations of the timetable and key tasks involved in it. Its help in keeping the data sought throughout the research within the scope of the project, proved beneficial (Saunders et al 2007). With the amount of literature, it was time consuming to sort out relevant material to the research. Bells (2005 cited in Bryman and Bell, 2007) six points parameters method was applied to narrow down the search materials that were time consuming. 3.3 Data Collection Methods and Approaches The researcher decided to use fast but cheap methods to obtain maximum information in little time. The researcher also tried to focus on specific but relevant research material to minimize collecting irrelevant data and save time. For these purposes, the research resources were divided into ââ¬ËInternal and ââ¬ËExternal. In internal research, companies own business data, records and reports, and previous research studies were analysed. External research consisted of collection of data from other sources like magazines, newspapers, publications, reports, journals and websites. In research there are two broad methods of reasoning often referred as ââ¬ËDeductive and ââ¬ËInductive approaches. As the social/management research generally necessitates the deductive approach rather than inductive research, the researcher chose this method of reasoning. In deductive approach particular instances were deduced from general inferences. In this type of theory conclusion followed logic ally from premises or available facts. This approach helped the researcher for collecting the data that defined the problem area (foreground theories). Research was conducted utilizing both ââ¬ËPrimary and ââ¬ËSecondary methods. Primary data was collected with a focused plan and gathered specifically for this research (Saunders et al. 2007). Secondary data (which was collected from other sources or published data) was used in ââ¬ËDescriptive and ââ¬ËExplanatory research. Examples of primary data that the writer collected were interviews and questionnaires. Primary data was collected specifically for data analysis but secondary data collected was for both literature review and data analysis sections. Both primary and secondary research included ââ¬ËQualitative and ââ¬ËQuantitative data. As per the requirements of the research, the researcher collected both qualitative and quantitative forms of data and integrated the information in the interpretation of the overall results. Quantitative research involved the use of structured questionnaire where the response options were predetermined by the researcher. Measurement was objective and statistically valid. Qualitative research was subjective in nature and involved collecting and analysing data by interviewing people. Some of the qualitative research was coded quantitatively for the purpose of reaching the conclusion by assigning meaningful scales and numerical values. Interview is one of the best ways for getting behind the story of the participants experiences. It is very easy way to gather primary qualitative as found by the researcher during the research process. Interviews were conducted to collect valid and reliable information (Saunders et al 2007). The researcher was aware that questionnaire is the most popular method of conducting scholarly research. It provides a convenient way of gathering information, easy to analyse, and most statistical analysis software can process it easily. It is also cost effective method of collecting data and is familiar to most people. Questionnaire can be circulated easily and response rate is fast (Saunders et al 2007). The writer chose ââ¬ËClosed ended Questions in formulating the questionnaire for timely response. The concept of mixing different methods originates in the realisation that all methods have limitations. Using a multi-method approach reduces bias and increases validity (Saunders et al. 2007) . The findings from the research were then tested on theories for reliability and validity (Saunders et al 2007). Good practice is only possible if the research data is valid, reliable, and sensitive (Johnson and Scholes, 2002). The researcher ensured that appropriate variables, techniques, scales, and assumptions were used. Proper measures were taken while gathering secondary data and information was checked for its validity and reliability while maintaining sensitivity in order to keep facts as original as possible. 3.4 Sampling It wasnt possible to collect data from all the sources and all the population. Therefore sampling was applied. The accuracy of research depends upon the way the sample is selected. The researcher conducted interviews from managers. Questionnaire was distributed to randomly selected employees. 3.5 Limitations and Constraints Researcher realized that not all the processes and methods could be used and dropped few methods (like focus groups) of secondary choice due to time limit and minimum resources. The major limitation of the study lies in its relatively small sample size of customers and the limited coverage. This was mainly attributable to the limited time and other resources available for the study. 3.6 Data Analysis Tools Internet has become the most used method of communication due to its comparative ease and effectiveness. The writer utilized this method to stay in touch with the managers. Spreadsheet program was used to process the data from the questionnaires. This information was quantitative, easily converted to percentages and proved easy to evaluate. Microsoft Word is used as design tool due to its versatility, speed, and accuracy of work along with wide range of pictorial and graphical alternatives to research findings. Chapter 4: Research Findings and Data Analysis 4.1 Introduction The company chosen for this research study in order to find out how the training and development of employees can effect the business performance, is â⬠¦Ã¢â¬ ¦ clothing which is a small and medium size company that deals in manufacturing clothes in small factory and selling these through its small store. Some employees are involved in production while the rest deals in serving customers. The company has recently undergone through organisational changes and trained all its employees in their respective roles. Interviews were conducted to collect valid and reliable information. The researcher conducted interviews from management and distributed questionnaires among its employees to determine the extent how development has effected the companys efficiency. Survey conducted from employees for satisfaction is a self assessment by staff. Its results explain how well the expectations are met and/or how to improve further. The researcher conducted this survey to study the employees views about the company performance. This research also explained the reasons behind the findings. 4.2 Analysis: Interviews There was no formal training for employees before. Growing competition and market demand forced the company to amend its policies and include training in its mission and vision. Training was conducted to raise skills levels and productivity of employees and to offer the hope of increased competitiveness within business environment. The company successfully conducted the training with positive response from employees. The training process was internal and staffs were provided on the job training by the employer. The employees were empowered and felt motivated and passionate in the involvement in training process. The management felt that employee as well as customer satisfaction and relation has improved a lot after employees training based on the customer/employee responses and companys financial results. The company is quite satisfied of its evaluation process and feedback procedure. The company trained its employees in whole range of skills It boosted confidence and morale of an em ployee who now is doing the job more efficiently and effectively. It paid off well for the company as its productivity increased and new customers were attracted. 4.3 Analysis: Questionnaire
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