Training and Development

Training and development is a vital component of human resource management. It deals with improving employees' current and future performance by enhancing their skills and knowledge through training and development programs.

Methods of Training and Development

1) Lectures

It is a traditional and cost effective method. It is used by the companies to train a group of employees with similar training needs. In this method, the trainer can share huge amount of information with large number of employees in less time.

2) Job Rotation

In this method, the employee is shifted temporarily to other departments. The employee interacts with different people and performs different job tasks, not related to his routine tasks. It gives employee a deeper understanding of how an organization works and how one job is related to another. It is very effective in smaller organizations, where an employee may be asked to perform different jobs.

3) Apprenticeship Training

In this method, the trainees are called apprentices. They work under the supervision of skilled instructors and offered lower remuneration than trained employees. This method is suitable for those job tasks that can be learned in short duration by working under an expert. After completing the training the employees develop certain level of skills that is required for the job.

4) Job Mentoring

In this method, a senior employee of the company is asked to perform the role of mentor, counselor or guide for the trainee. This training is on one to one basis and usually conducted for managerial positions. The trainee gets the required tips, suggestions and support from the mentor to perform his job confidently.

5) Simulation

In this method, a virtual environment that resembles the real work environment is created. It helps employees learn without putting themselves into any danger and damaging costly equipments. Employees learn from their mistakes and slowly acquire the required skills and expertise to perform the real job.

6) Case Study Method

In this method, the business issues, problems and challenges faced by the companies are presented in the form of case reports. The trainees study and analyze these reports and suggest different solutions for the problem described in the report. It improves the analytical and reasoning skills and promotes independent thinking in the trainees.

7) Role Playing Method

In this method, the trainees are assigned different roles to play. A scenario is created and the trainees play their roles. The interactions are not scripted, trainees exhibit real behaviors. The method is widely used by the companies to teach negotiation, selling and grievance handling skills.

8) In Basket Method

In this method, the trainee receives a packet or basket containing papers and files related to different tasks like mails, calls, memos and business meetings. The trainees have limited time to prioritize different tasks and prepare action plan to accomplish the tasks in a best way. The method effectively improves the organizing ability, decision making and problem solving skills of the trainees.