Chapter 5: Designing Effective HRD Programs

Train-the-trainer Programs

A training program that identifies in-house content experts (SMEs) who lack training skills, and then trains them to become effective trainers.

A lesson plan is:

A way to translate program objectives into an executable training session.

Broad and observable objectives:

Can cause frustration and conflict through different interpretations.

Blended learning means:

Classroom training is enhanced with technology.

An LMS is a:

Learning Management System

Training Manuals

The instructional materials used for training. This can include basic instructional material, readings, exercises, and self-tests.

Training Competency

The knowledge and varied skills needed to design and implement a training program.

When scheduling an HRD program during work hours trainers should consider which of the following:

all of the above

Which of the following factors can influence an organization's decision to in choosing an outside vendor?

all of the above are factors

In a training program objective, the level at which behavior is determined to be acceptable is called the:

criteria

Content to be covered, activity sequence, training media, exercises, and the timing of each activity are considered parts of a:

lesson plan

Langdon has proposed moving beyond objectives to what he calls:

proformas

All of the following are factors to consider before purchasing an HRD program EXCEPT:

registration issues

Which of the following have seen growth in its use as a training method in recent years?

web-based self-study programs and virtual (online) classrooms

Which of the following is NOT a part of the program outline?

A list of participants

Which of the following is NOT a quality of a useful training objective?

It describes some of the difficulties that may be encountered in doing this job

Lesson Plan

A guide for the delivery of the content of a training program. Creating a lesson plan requires the trainer to determine in advance what is to be covered and how much time to devote to each part of the session.

training program objectives

A collection of words, symbols, pictures and/or diagrams describing what you intend for trainees to achieve.

Preparing a lesson plan requires the trainer to do which of the following:

All of the above are needed for a good lesson plan

Which of the following is an outside source of information and training programs?

All of the above are sources

Computer-based Training (CBT)

An instructional method that uses computer technology, CBT can be implemented using a computer at an employee's desk or workstation, in a company classroom, or even at an employee's home. The primary advantage of CBT is its interactivity and flexibility.

Which of the following is NOT a key activity in designing an HRD program?

Determining a budget.

Over half of trainers report saving a lot of money by outsourcing their programs.

False

There is a very limited number of outlets and vendors that provide HRD programs, materials, and advice; and the number is decreasing as more organizations make the decision to keep training and development in house.

False

Trainers working as HRD professionals and educators are allowed to use and copy other trainers' materials without violating copyright laws.

False

Training programs are best conducted on either a Monday or a Friday in order to have the most employee participation.

False

When designing an HRD program, it is often more effective to use objectives developed by an outside vendor rather than developing your own objectives.

False

Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Individuals with particular expertise on a given topic. Many train-the-trainer programs seek to provide SMEs with the necessary knowledge and skills to design and implement a training program.

Training Methods

Instructional approaches including both on-the-job training as well as various classroom (off-site) techniques. The selection of the appropriate technique should be guided by the specific objectives to be obtained, as well as by participant expertise.

A general lesson plan would include all of the following EXCEPT:

Instructions on how to do a needs analysis

Smith and Henry Industries are in the process of hiring a new employee for their marketing department. One of the objectives for this new position is "To develop a social media marketing plan for new products as they enter the market." Which of the following qualities of useful objectives does this best illustrate?

Performance

Which of the following services is NOT usually provided by outside vendors to help an organization's training program?

Serving as an organization's HRD department

When scheduling an HRD program during work hours, which of the following aspects do trainers NOT consider?

The availability of meeting space

All of the following are advantages of using outside trainers (e.g., a consultant) EXCEPT:

They are committed to the company and its problems in the long run.

What is true about training manuals?

They provide a hands-on approach to the subject.

Trainee characteristics and preferences include:

Trainee readiness and target population diversity.

If an organization has a large number of trainees, it will generally design an HRD program in-house rather than using an outside vendor or consultant.

True

Individuals who have a mastery of the training subject do not always make effective trainers.

True

It is better for an organization to set program objectives before designing or purchasing an HRD program.

True

According to Mager and the text, a good objective would be:

Write a program to calculate arithmetic means using Cobol