Top companies realize how vital training is to their success and continue to invest in it, even in trying times. This article presents "Training" magazine's 11th annual ranking of the top companies with employee-sponsored workforce training and development. First-time No. 1 winner Farmers Insurance puts such a premium on learning that its new…

Discusses the new generation of videoconferencing technology and suggests that it is less expensive, less cumbersome, more reliable, and easier to use than earlier versions. Indicates that it can enhance training, personalize meetings, and help ease time-to-market challenges. (JOW)

Discusses the theory of Lucy and Paul Guglielmino that individuals must take more responsibility for the management of their learning. Describes a self-directed learner as one who takes charge, accepts responsibiltiy, and is not stopped by problems. (JOW)

Defines action research and discusses its application to training. (JOW)

Offers 20 strategies for motivating trainees based on motivators such as action, variety, choice, stake-sharing, and encouragement. Groups the strategies into three categories: (1) what to do before training; (2) what to do during training; and (3) what to do after training. (JOW)

Hamburger University is McDonald's training facility in Oak Brook, Illinois. Its management development program grants college-credit hours recognized by the American Council on Education to managers from all over the world. (JOW)

Suggests that long-term vision, commitment of sufficient time and money, adequate planning, and sufficient training and coaching are necessary for the success of teams. In addition, teams must be responsible for solving their own problems. Offers recommendations for a number of problems and situations that often arise. (JOW)

Business simulation can give everyone a fresh overview of the business. Well-designed games and simulations can help players understand why change is necessary and can create within the learner a demand for know-how that no lecture can match. (JOW)

Having teams in the workplace requires new approaches such as learning how to run efficient meetings. Facilitators fill a number of roles: role model, catalyst, meeting manager, trainer/consultant, guide and goad, peacemaker, and coach/mentor. To ensure that facilitators can handle these tasks, they need facilitator training. (JOW)

Discusses the problems associated with the use of overhead projectors in training--specifically the fact that they are so often used so poorly. Offers suggestions for using them effectively. (JOW)

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, training managers cannot ignore the valuable resource represented by the motivated, talented, qualified applicant who happens to have a disability. (Author/JOW)

Looks at the practice of using employees from other departments as short-term trainers. Advantages include getting fresh ideas and perspectives, having real-life experiences, providing credibility for the training department, and providing links with other departments. The problems are people who do not want or know how to train, lack of knowledge…

Suggests that resistance, noncooperation, and inattention on the part of trainees is often caused by fear. Offers reasons for trainees' fears as well as tips for trainers in calming them. (JOW)

Discusses the training problems faced by small companies. Suggests solutions such as hiring consultants; using local schools, associations, and vo-tec centers; purchasing commercial training programs; and attending seminars and workshops put on by others. (JOW)

A computer system conversion in a business was relatively painless for users and invisible to customers. The plan relied on basic training strategies that apply to a variety of technology upgrades. (Author/JOW)