In this article, "Training" editors recognize innovative and successful learning and development programs and practices submitted in the 2012 Training Top 125 application. Best practices: (1) Edward Jones: Practice Makes Perfect (sales training); (2) Grant Thornton LLP: Senior Manager Development Program (SMDP); (3) MetLife, Inc.: Top Advisor…

Purpose: There are three purposes to this article: first, to offer a training approach to employee learning and performance improvement that makes use of a step-by-step process of skill/knowledge creation. The process offers follow-up opportunities for skill maintenance and improvement; second, to explain the conceptual bases of the approach; and…

Attempts to bring a practical emphasis to the subject of sales training guidance for both newer and more experienced sales trainers. Explores the potentials, procedures, and possible limitations of applying a strategic planning process within corporate sales training functions. (CT)

The problem of increasing costs in acquiring sales can be met by training salespeople to become more effective and productive. An accountability system for salespeople and sales managers is presented based on the return on investment management formula, a combination which considers responsibilities, objectives, and indicators. (EC)

Describes the development of a training program for salespeople (trainees and managers) called Dimensional Sales Training (DST). It is noted that DST is designed to increase sales, build skills, and improve performance, while providing a systematic process of collecting data for measuring program effectiveness. (EM)

Seven papers are presented that demonstrate new directions and practices in the evaluation of training programs. Different perspectives and approaches are represented, but in each case the evaluation described has been successful in making trainers more effective and accountable. (SLD)

Based primarily on British conditions, this volume concentrates on methods of industrial training for production workers, craftsmen and technicians, office personnel, technicians and technologists, supervisors, marketing and sales personnel, and the junior, middle, and senior or executive levels of management. General principles and fundamental…