The authors report a case study conducted with over 8,000 Samsung salespeople in the Chinese market. Using research-oriented, evidence-based, and systematic approaches, training professionals contributed to Samsung's business outcomes at multiple levels. The case highlights the valuable impacts of training on salespeople's behaviors and new…

Although the need for project objectives is obvious, their value and role are much broader than most think. In this article, we explore the need for higher levels of objectives, along with tips and techniques to develop them properly. More important, we examine the benefits of objectives from many perspectives. In today's competitive environment,…

High-performing organizations and performance improvement professionals frequently speak about the alignment of their instructional curricula with the needs of the business. However, they often lack a systematic methodology for performing that alignment. This article presents such a method. The process provides the ability to better support…

In the right hands, learning objectives are great tools for clarifying thinking, breaking down learning into component parts, creating a logical order to learning, and demonstrating that a learning intervention is successful. Mostly, however, they have become cliches. With the industry's tendency to use them as pro forma media bites, they tend to…

Strategic plans and performance objectives define the results to be accomplished, but selecting a suitable set of performance technologies for your organizations requires more than just knowing the intended benefits. The systematic procedures described in the article will guide you through practical processes and valuable tools for identifying…

Discusses instructional development for human resource development and performance improvement programs that optimize business results. Identifies and defines five key variables: instructional approach, learner role, learning objective, intended outcome, and expected behavior; that can inform the most relevant instructional methods to create a…

The United States Coast Guard uses training situation analysis (TSA) to develop quantified training requirements, collect training and non-training performance data, and overcome turf issues to focus on performance outcomes. Presents the 1947 MLB (Motor Lifeboat Project) as a case study. Outlines 11 steps in the TSA needs analysis for teams and…

Provides eight reasons why a trainer with an instructional technology background and an employee-centered focus on performance improvement should be involved in solving human performance problems. Abilities highlighted include: systematic thinker; systemic thinker; analytical; team player; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; knowing…

Discusses the use of HPT (human performance technology) to get results that add value. Topics include ISD (instructional systems design) and desired results, other than achieving agreed-on learning objectives; cost effectiveness; systemic approaches; and results that can be seen in the performance of individuals. (LRW)

Offers a framework that addresses training and performance relationships based on in-house skills development committees that are employee driven. Key elements include employee ownership of training; working partnerships between management and employees; continuous learning; and measurement of results that show relationships between classroom…

Discusses the need for clear and measurable statements of the learning objectives in cross-cultural training and describes the process one training center used to address this need. The goal was to undertake a competency analysis of intercultural effectiveness to describe the performance expected of an interculturally effective person. (Author/LRW)

According to an April 2006 issue of "HealthDay News," an online medical advisory newsletter, "an Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is characterized by an unusually high level of concern or anxiety about a particular subject. It is believed to be caused by a brain abnormality that affects the way information is processed." Using this disorder as an…

Discusses human performance technology models for describing and understanding factors involved in day-to-day functioning of employees and then to develop specific remedial interventions as needed, and contrasts it to an organizational performance system perspective used to design an organization before employees are even hired to prevent bad…

Although behavioral objectives communicate instructional intent, they lack the detail needed to make decisions about design, intervention, and development. Proposes "proformas" as a more complete and accurate way of defining performance. Describes the "language of work" model, discusses its elements: input, conditions, process,…

Explains four instructional approaches with varied learning processes and provides guidelines for the use of each. Describes receptive instruction, that is highly controlled; behavioral instruction that assumes learning occurs through a gradual building of skills; the situated guided discovery approach, including constructivism and social…