Week 1 – HRM-326T Assignment

Answer the following questions….

1. Avondale Industries established its first training and
   development program in 1989, two years after the organization hired its
   10,000th employee. In 1987, the organization had expanded and
   diversified from solely working in the field of avionics (the electrical
   systems used in aircraft) to also providing aircraft wheel and brake
   production and repair. From 1987 to 1989, the organization found their
   turnover rate rose to more than 36 percent, due in large part to
   employees lacking the skills necessary to work in the new division.
   Company recruiters were finding it harder to attract the number of
   people needed to fill positions because Avondale had a reputation as a
   tough place to work. Training of employees, current and new, was
   implemented for the new division and proved highly valuable as employees
   gained the skills necessary to do their jobs better. Turnover rates
   were significantly reduced within a year to 23 percent. Which of the
   following reasons best explains why the new training program made such
   an impact on the turnover rate?

   The training program helped employees gain competencies; employees were more satisfied, turnover declined, and the company’s ability to retain and recruit improved. The training program allowed the company to develop new ways to perform existing jobs and changed job expectations. The training program allowed the company to identify which of its employees were the most highly motivated and hardworking and focus on training them exclusively. The training program helped line managers determine what skills were most important for their employees to utilize, and they then always hired people with those skills.

2. 
   Bookmark question for later
   
   A little over two years ago, Avondale Industries acquired a
   company that produces a line of adhesives and sealants used in the
   aerospace industry. The acquisition was shortly followed by providing
   the best and brightest employees in the division with training every
   three months on topics selected by the group. A year later, the
   adhesives and sealants division developed a new sealant that lasts
   longer, is less expensive to produce, and is more effective in
   preventing the spread of fire or flames from the engine compartment to
   the airplane and preventing air leakage. The new product resulted in a
   sustainable competitive advantage in the market. Which of the following
   statements best explains how training contributed to the division’s new
   competitive advantage?

   The training engaged the right people and empowered them to innovate and work together more effectively. The training allowed the employees to understand the goals of the company and how their contribution aligned with these goals. The training gave the employees the opportunity to demonstrate their many skills and competencies to the company. The training taught the employees how to look at competitors’ products and determine how to make them better.

3. 
   Bookmark question for later
   
   Avondale Industries’ training and development office was
   asked to develop and implement a training program for its engineers
   located in its Bengaluru, India site. The program was developed in
   conjunction with several managers in Bengaluru who needed to improve the
   flow of their projects, many of which were not delivered on time. The
   managers felt that project management training would help their
   engineers develop the skills needed to understand the importance of time
   management, setting of goals and objectives, and prioritizing their
   goals to assist in making better use of their time. The training was
   delivered as requested, but three months later the managers reported
   they had seen no improvement in meeting project delivery deadlines.
   Which statement best explains why the training was not effective?

   The engineers relied too heavily on technology to guarantee the success of the training they received. The training was not effective because engineers were trained when managers, who oversee project resources and set deadlines, should have been trained. Cultural differences were not accounted for when the training and development team organized the training and was thus not effective. Effectiveness of the training was poor because it did not ask for the engineers’ input or engage their interest.

4. 
   Bookmark question for later
   
   At the end of Avondale Industries’ fiscal year, the
   training and development office reviewed its budget and found that, due
   to the cancellation of two training programs, there were still funds
   left to spend. With just two weeks in which to spend the money, the
   training director put together a program to train employees who were
   transferring from the avionics division to the new adhesives and
   sealants division. The training was held but there was not enough time
   to consult with managers in the adhesives and sealants division to set
   learning objectives for the skills needed in the new division. A month
   later, the training director was asked to provide another training as
   the employees did not have the knowledge, skills, and abilities for
   their new jobs. Why is it important that a thorough analysis of training
   needs be conducted prior to holding a training program?

   A thorough analysis of training needs should be conducted first so that supervisors can provide input and receive recognition for their contribution to the training. Analyzing the needs of the new division prior to offering training will allow the company to better utilize its human resources as well as understand financial implications. Understanding the needs of the new division will help supervisors identify which employees need the training the most. Aligning training with anticipated capabilities needed in the new division will help the company achieve its organizational goals.

5. 
   Bookmark question for later
   
   When Avondale Industries was started in 1958, it employed
   40 people. As more people were hired and the company grew, leadership
   provided a formal one-day orientation for new employees to help them
   navigate paperwork and review key procedures and policies. In 2005, the
   training and development office recognized that the orientation process
   was not sufficient because 70 percent of new employees complained they
   did not know enough about their jobs at a month after their hire date.
   The office developed a more extensive onboarding process that included
   in-depth coaching and mentoring from an experienced employee, quick job
   rotations, and an initial performance review at the two-week mark. Why
   was this change an important step for the company?

   The onboarding process helps the company analyze employee performance early and identify employees who are higher performers. The onboarding process gives senior employees the opportunity to provide feedback early in the training process. The onboarding process allows an employee to determine if the company is the right fit for them. The improved onboarding process helps employees form a more favorable initial impression of the company.

6. 
   Bookmark question for later
   
   Avondale Industries’ training and development office
   mandates compliance training for sexual harassment prevention; workplace
   safety, violence, and substance abuse; diversity; and so forth.
   Supervisors are required to go through this training every two years.
   However, supervisors have complained that these topics, while important,
   are not the only training they need. What they really want is training
   that will help them adapt quickly to changes and solve problems they
   face every day as they try to meet their goals. Which statement best
   explains why the training and development office should be concerned
   about helping supervisors learn and improve in their jobs?

   Improving supervisors’ capabilities will directly impact their interactions with their direct reports and help them transfer knowledge to their employees. When a supervisor increases their skills, they are better able to respond to issues that can arise in their area of responsibility. When supervisors know how to do their jobs better, they are able to identify ways in which they can adapt to changes and challenges. Enabling a supervisor to learn how to do their job better helps the company successfully achieve its overall goals and objectives.

7. 
   Bookmark question for later
   
   Avondale Industries’ training director conducted an
   employee survey and found that employees in several departments lacked
   trust and confidence in their supervisors. The director arranged for
   training of these supervisors to help them strengthen their
   interpersonal, communication, conflict resolution, and problem-solving
   skills. Why is it in the best interest of the organization to help its
   supervisors improve their performance and gain the trust and confidence
   of their direct reports?

   Providing training for individuals that focuses on improving skills allows employees to develop competencies for future jobs. Helping individuals improve their performance through training helps the organization reach its strategic goals. Improving relationships between employees is an essential role for the training and development office and helps it achieve its goals. Training supervisors to be more trustworthy will help them relate more effectively with their employees and encourage better communication.

8. 
   Bookmark question for later
   
   One of Avondale Industries’ global locations (located just
   outside of London, England) is part of the aircraft wheel and brake
   production and repair division and focuses on brake repair for aircraft
   at the nearby Heathrow Airport. The site competes with three other
   companies in the area to provide brake repair service. Improvements in
   brake design on several aircraft that the site has service contracts
   with has necessitated the installation of new equipment to aid the
   company in responding more quickly and efficiently to service demands.
   Avondale’s training and development office has been asked to arrange for
   employee training on the new equipment within one week. What is the
   most important reason for the employees to be trained quickly to operate
   the new equipment?

   Employees need to be aware that their jobs could be in jeopardy if they don’t learn to operate the new equipment. Employees’ skills need to be constantly upgraded for the company to maintain its ability to respond quickly to customer demand. Employees should be quickly trained to operate the new equipment so the transition will go smoothly and make their jobs easier. Employees need to be more aware of new product technologies and the benefits the company will gain from utilization of the new technologies.

9. 
   Bookmark question for later
   
   One of Avondale Industries’ senior vice presidents over
   avionics has requested training for one of her directors in Fort
   Lauderdale, FL. The director has been with the company for more than
   twenty years, has a fantastic understanding of the challenges the
   company faces and what needs to be done, but has a hard time retaining
   employees who work directly with him. Employee exit surveys indicate
   employees recognize the director’s expertise but fear him because he
   does not listen to their ideas, easily angers, and does not allow them
   opportunities for growth. The senior vice president wants to keep this
   employee because of his expertise but will let him go if turnover is not
   significantly reduced. How can the training and development office best
   address this issue?

   Provide leadership training that teaches how to create a safe environment where employees’ opinions are valued, emotions are controlled, and opportunities for growth are encouraged. Provide training that helps the director improve his interpersonal skills, build his self-confidence, and clarify his vision so his employees will better understand what he expects from them. Provide anger management training and require the director to participate. If the director refuses to attend, then his employment will have to be terminated. Provide training on how to treat all employees fairly and without bias so they will be able to trust the director and be more apt to stay with the company.

10. 
    Bookmark question for later
    
    Avondale Industries’ IT department has requested that five
    percent of its budget and five percent of its employees’ time be devoted
    to learning. Corporate leadership is questioning both the amount of
    money and the amount of time and has asked the training and development
    office to review the request and determine if the request is valid and
    will bring value to the company. Why might the training and development
    office support IT’s request?

    d. Training the employees will help increase the possibility they will remain with the company instead of looking for other employment. b. Because the request requires training, the training and development office will be able to count the training toward their office goals. a. Continual learning helps employees stay current in their knowledge, skills, and abilities, which in turn benefits the company. c. The request is valid because it conveys to the employees the value the company has for them and their contributions.

11. 
    Bookmark question for later
    
    Avondale Industries’ senior leadership has identified
    several standout employees who are highly productive and motivated, have
    a great attitude, and have strong communication skills. The leadership
    team has asked the training and development office to develop a
    leadership training course for these outstanding employees. Which of the
    following is the best reason to offer leadership training?

    Through the leadership training course, the company can teach effective ways to provide feedback to motivate and increase the skill level of their team members. Employees who receive opportunities for career growth through learning and development activities will likely stay with the company longer. The leadership training course will improve the skills these employees have and enable them to make better decisions in their current roles. Providing leadership training will help these employees develop their own personal leadership style that team members will best respond to.

12. 
    Bookmark question for later
    
    Avondale Industries opened its first global office in
    London, England in 1978. Since that time, additional sites have been
    opened in Brisbane, Australia (1990); Hong Kong, China (1998); and
    Bengaluru, India (2011). While there are many advantages to having a
    diverse workforce, the training and development office has faced
    challenges when training employees from different parts of the world,
    and changes have had to be made for all training. Which statement best
    explains why the training and development office has needed to adjust
    their training?

    Differences in learning styles from country to country necessitate adjusting training styles to meet the needs of the majority of company employees. The training and development office has needed to adjust their training to match their learning objectives to what is needed at each site. To be effective at all locations, training needs to consider country differences and norms and help all employees develop a global mindset and appreciate cultural diversity. The content and strategies for training need to be designed and adjusted to cater to a much wider audience, not just employees in the US.

13. 
    Bookmark question for later
    
    During Avondale Industries’ acquisition of the adhesives
    and sealant company, the training and development office was asked to
    train employees retained in the acquisition to help them transition to
    the new organization. Which of the following trainings would provide the
    best value to the new employees as well as the organization and why?

    Training that provides the new employees with the nuts and bolts of the organization will help employees settle into their new environment more quickly. Quality training for the new employees will help them detect, eliminate, and prevent problems and help save the company money. Training that matches learning goals to company strategies and goals will help the new employees engage quickly and be more productive. Training in soft skills, such as listening, motivating others, and communicating effectively, can help new employees navigate the new organization with greater ease.

14. 
    Bookmark question for later
    
    New employees at Avondale Industries’ unmanned systems
    production line in Denver, CO, participate in employee training under
    the direction of the training and development department, but the line
    managers conduct the actual training. During the last two trainings, the
    line managers cut the sessions short and explained that the employees
    would receive better training while working on the production line. The
    trainer responsible for the program understood the line managers’
    viewpoint about developing skills used on the line but needed them to
    see that training should provide more than just developing those
    specific skills. Which of the follow statements best explains why
    training should provide a longer-term view than just teaching line
    workers the skills needed to perform satisfactorily in their current
    jobs?

    Training with a longer-term view allows new employees the chance to see how the company is organized and how their work relates to the company’s success. Line workers should have the opportunity to advance their careers in the company, and line managers should help them learn and give them opportunities to grow and develop. Giving line workers expanded training helps them understand more than specific skills; it also helps them become more confident contributors. Providing line workers with a longer-term view of the company enables them to become more flexible workers who are more productive.

15. 
    Bookmark question for later
    
    An economic downturn has significantly impacted Avondale
    Industries, and, as a way of reducing costs as revenues shrink, the
    company is considering cutting training and development dollars. Why is
    it a good idea for the company to still offer training, even though the
    training and development office might have to offer programs in more
    cost-effective ways?

    Offering ongoing training increases the likelihood that, in case the company needs to downsize, employees will have updated skills if they need to seek employment elsewhere. Training current employees is cheaper than hiring new employees, so offering training to existing employees will actually save the company money. Offering training will help employees use company resources more effectively, which will allow them to be more satisfied in their current jobs. If the training and development budget is totally cut, it will be extremely difficult to rebuild the office when the economy has recovered.