Chapter 5 Homework Assignment

1. Consider three time periods (pre-training, during training, and after training) and three parties involved in transfer of training (manager, trainer, trainee). Construct a matrix showing what each party can do to facilitate transfer of training at each time period.

Pre-training:
Manager
- emphasize the importance of the training program
- stress the application of training content to the job
Trainer
- establish goals for training
Trainee
- help in the design of the training process
- set up a peer network

During Training:
Manager
- allows trainees to practice
- participate as a trainer
- discuss progress with trainees
Trainer
- give employees real-life, meaningful examples
Trainee
- pay attention
- participate in the process

After Training:
Manager
- keep encouraging employees to perform based on learning
Trainer
- follow up on employee performance
Trainee
- share learned knowledge with other employees
- implement the learned skills into daily tasks

2. What could be done to increase the likelihood of transfer of training if the work environment conditions are unfavorable and cannot be changed?

You could try to implement training that will not rely on the current work environment to succeed. If there is no way for managers to effectively communicate the benefits of training, allow experienced employees to communicate these benefits throughout the workplace. If finding the time to train employees is an issue, allow employees to make their own time.


3. Discuss how trainees can support each other so that transfer of training occurs.

They can form a support network and discuss their progress with the training program. They can offer advice on how to be successful in the training process, or provide other trainees experience in coping with interference in the work environment.

4. What technologies might be useful for ensuring transfer of training? Briefly describe each technology and how it could be used.

A blog/wiki within a company might be very useful in that it would facilitate the transfer of training by allowing trainers or trainees to post information about the training process, what they learned, and what benefited them the most. E-mail is also a useful tool in that employees can communicate with the trainer or manager about the training process. This could keep employees up to speed on training and make them feel as if they are a part of the process.


5. What is knowledge? Why is knowledge important? How can companies manage knowledge?

Knowledge is what employees know or know how to do. Knowledge is important because the knowledge of employees allows them to successfully or unsuccessfully perform tasks on the job. Companies can manage knowledge by allowing employees to reference directories that list what employees do and how they can be contacted. Also, they can let employees give presentations to other employees about what they have learned from training programs. They can also allow employees to receive time off of work to attend training.