Page 137 - DMGT518_TRAINING_AND_DEVELOPMENT_SYSTEM

Training and Development System

Notes circle of their verbal and non-verbal communication, body language, the group dynamics and
the decision-making process. The observer group may take notes of the observations which can
be used at the time of debrief discussions after the exercise is over.

Self Assessment

Fill in the blanks:
10. ………………… is one of the most direct benefits resulting from the discussion method.
11. In Committee assignments, Trainees are asked to solve a …………… organisational
problem.
12. A debate is essentially a structured but …………......... argument about a particular issue or
motion.

8.5 Choosing a Training Method

8.5.1 Selection Criteria for Training Methods

The main factors to be considered during the selection process of the training methods are the
human factors (trainer, trainees), the programme topic, the available time and facilities.
(a) The trainer: During a training programme, trainer’s knowledge, experience in management
and training and personality are the main factors that affect the communication process
between him/her and the trainees. If that communication is quickly and easily established
then a well-chosen training methods would stimulate and facilitate the learning process.
However, if there is no communication between the trainer and the trainees, the
training process will not match the learning objectives, no matter what the chosen training
method is.
Even if the trainer has a lot of information sources regarding the training methods (e.g.,
training directors, more experienced colleagues, special “train the trainers” programmes,
books, manuals, etc.) it is totally his/her responsibility to choose the most appropriate
method for each particular case. Therefore, the trainer must be capable to evaluate his/her
skills and to adopt those methods that will enhance the impact he/her want to have over
the trainees.

Example: The role-play needs psychological knowledge, a great experience in dealing
with different human problems that may appear during the management process, and the
ability to react quickly during the discussions. If the trainer does not have those qualities and
also an analytical mind and experience in solving business problems, it is better to use case
studies.
(b) The trainees and their environment: The training methods must stand on the intellectual
and education level, the age and the practical experience of the trainees, and on the social
and cultural environment, they come from.

Example: During the training programmes for middle management and small
entrepreneurs, the lectures must be substituted by short discussions using visual aids as much as
possible, together with practical examples and simplified case studies.

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