Blanchard, P. N., & Thacker, J. W. (2013). Effective training: Systems, strategies, and practices (5th ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education, Inc.

· Chapter 1: Training in Organizations

· Chapter 2: Aligning Training with Strategy

· Chapter 3: Learning, Motivation, and Performance

Articles

Bersin, J. (2014). Spending on corporate training soars: Employee capabilities now a priority (Links to an external site.). Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/joshbersin/2014/02/04/the-recovery-arrives-corporate-training-spend-skyrockets/

Accessibility Statement does not exist. Privacy Policy (Links to an external site.)

Jaidev, U., & Chirayath, S. (2012). Pre-training, during training and post-training activities as predictors of transfer of training. IUP Journal of Management Research, 11(4), 54. Retrieved from EBSCOHost database.

Accessibility Statement does not exist. Privacy Policy (Links to an external site.)

Llopis, G. (2012, June 4). The top 9 things that ultimately motivate employees to achieve (Links to an external site.). Forbes. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/glennllopis/2012/06/04/top-9-things-that-ultimately-motivate-employees-to-achieve/

Accessibility Statement does not exist.

Privacy Policy (Links to an external site.)

Multimedia

Foster, A. (2014, April 18). Adult learning theory (Links to an external site.)[Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vkyYY1xTB7U

Accessibility Statement (Links to an external site.) Privacy Policy (Links to an external site.)

Films on Demand (Producer). (1998). Developing a training plan [Video file]. Retrieved from the Films on Demand database.

Discussion 1

Motivating Employees

A major influence on job performance is motivation. There are several theories explaining the concept of motivation (expectancy theory, ERG theory, reinforcement theory, etc.). Select one of the following three scenarios to use as a framework for your discussion. In your post, apply a specific motivational theory to one of the three scenarios. Complete an analysis of the motivational theory using the scenario as a framework for your discussion.

Scenario A You are a manager at a manufacturing plant forced to reduce 25% of its workforce due to budget constraints caused in part by the increased prices of a raw material. The vast majority of the tasks once performed by employees are now outsourced to India. Consequently, your remaining workforce has suffered a significant lack of motivation. It is your task to move the remaining team forward under the current circumstances ensuring weekly quotas are reached and none of the production numbers suffer.

Scenario B You are a call center representative working at a mortgage company struggling to keep up with the increased regulations and compliance guidelines imposed to better control this industry. Recently, a junior level manager was promoted to a Vice President (VP) position, much to the surprise of all the employees. The employee perception was that the promotion was unfair and that the chosen candidate lacks the experience and the “people skills” required to excel in the new role. The first few emails from the newly promoted VP set the stage for a less flexible, “numbers driven” environment, potentially negatively impacting employees’ work-life balance. You desperately need this job as a single parent raising three kids.

Scenario C You have been employed at the same company for 20 years. You have come to terms with the fact that you have no promotional opportunities here and you are at a “dead end job.” You contemplated changing jobs a few times in the last few years, but some of the reasons you stay include a manageable work load, flexible work hours, friendly co-workers, and a supportive upper management team. Yet, you are not motivated to go above and beyond the expectations identified for your position and job description.

Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words. Use this week’s lecture and the course text as a foundation for your initial post. Incorporate the following article into your discussion: The Top 9 Things That Ultimately Motivate Employees to Achieve (Links to an external site.).

Discussion 2

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSAs)

Review the Training in Action 1-3 scenario titled, “Training Needs in the Student Registration Office” in Chapter 1 of the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text. Assume that you were hired to develop a training program for the Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) as described in the scenario. Identify four of the most important KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes) a training program for the CSRs must address and include your reasoning for selecting these. Discuss the specific activities to be performed in the five phases of the training process model: Analysis Phase, Design Phase, Development Phase, Implementation Phase, and Evaluation Phase.

Use this week’s lecture as a foundation for your initial post. Incorporate into your discussion the transfer of training concepts from the Jaidev and Chirayath (2012) article with an emphasis on pre-training, during-training, and post-training activities. Utilize concepts from the Develop a Training Plan video and the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text in your discussion. Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words.

Week 1 – Assignment

Case Analysis: Rick’s New Job

Read the Rick’s New Job case analysis at the end of Chapter 3 of the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text. In an 800 to 1,000 word paper (excluding the title and reference pages), respond to the following case questions:

· Explain why Rick was let go and how reinforcement theory applies to this situation.

· Explain Rosie and Walter’s reaction to Rick’s computer in terms of resistance to change. Use the concepts in this chapter to explain how Rick might have approached the computer situation so as to gain acceptance.

· Explain Rick’s inability to “fit in” using social learning theory. Identify where breakdowns occurred.

· If Val hired you to develop a management training program for the senior managers at PPP, explain how you would go about designing the program. Provide appropriate theoretical rationale to support your position.

Your paper must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Your paper must also include citations and references for the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text and at least two scholarly sources from the Ashford University Library. An Abstract is not required. Use APA formatted headings, rather than numbers, to delineate your response to each case question. For example, the following headings (or equivalent) can be used to identify each section of your paper:

· Reinforcement Theory

· Resistance to Change

· Social Learning Theory

· Designing a Management Training Program

The paper

· Must be 800 to 1,000 words, double-spaced (excluding title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. (Links to an external site.)

· Must include a separate title page with the following:

· Title of paper

· Student’s name

· Course name and number

· Instructor’s name

· Date submitted

· Must use at least two scholarly sources in addition to the course text.

· Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

· Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing

· Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric (Links to an external site.) for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.