Preliminary evaluation of the speed reading program

Preliminary evaluation of the speed reading program was that trainees liked it. Two
months after the training was conducted, the technicians told their managers that they
were not using the speed reading course in their jobs, but were using it in leisure reading
at home. When their managers asked why they weren’t using it on the job, the typical
response was, “I never read those memos and policy announcements anyway.”
a. Evaluate the needs assessment process used to determine that speed reading was
necessary. What was good about it? Where was it faulty?
b. How would you have conducted the needs assessment? Be realistic.
3. Consider the interview questions for the lead drivers that are shown on page 115. Write
questions that could be used to interview the six lead driver supervisors and the two
regional vice presidents. How do these questions differ from those for the lead drivers?
1. Replaces components 1 2 1
2. Repairs equipment 2 5 5
3. Interprets instrument readings 1 4 5
4. Uses small tools 2 5 1
Explanation of ratings:
Frequency: 1 = very infrequently to 5 = very frequently.
Importance: 1 = very important to 5 = very unimportant.
Learning difficulty: 1 = easy to 5 = very difficult.

Chapter 3 Needs Assessment 135
4. Several companies are known for linking their values and human resource practices in
ways that have led to business success as well as employee satisfaction. These companies
include Southwest Airlines ( www .ifl ysw a.com ), Cisco Systems ( www .cisco .com ), SAS
Institute ( www .sas.com ), the Men’s Wearhouse ( www .mensw earhouse .com ), Intel
( www .intel.com ), Steelcase ( www .steelcase .com ), whole foods ( www .w holef oods.com ),
and Nokia ( www .nokia.com ). Choose one of these companies’Web sites and perform an
organizational needs analysis. Read about the company’s values and vision; look for
statements about the importance of training and personal development. Is training impor-
tant in the company? Why or why not? Provide supporting evidence from the Web site.
5. Go to wdr .doleta.g o v/SCANS/ , a Web site for the U.S. Department of Labor Employee
and Training Administration that includes reports of the SCANS commission (Secre-
tary’s Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills). Look at the report, “What Work
Requires of Schools.” What competencies does the report identify as being necessary
for effective job performance? What foundational skills underlie these competencies?
Identify a company that you, a friend, a neighbor, or a relative works for. Set up an inter-
view with a manager, trainer, or human resource representative at the company. Ask this
person to discuss with you the extent to which he or she believes that the employees at
this company possess these five competencies. Which competencies are most strongly
represented in the work force? Which competencies are weaknesses in the work force?