Learning organization 16 talent management 21 total

learning organization, 16
talent management, 21
Total Quality Management
(TQM), 25
Malcolm Baldrige National
Quality Award, 26
ISO 9000:2000, 26
Six Sigma process, 28
lean thinking, 28
ISO 10015, 28
e-commerce, 29
Internet, 29
alternative work
arrangements, 31
work teams, 32
cross training, 32
virtual teams, 33
outsourcing, 40
human resource
development, 41
Discussion Questions
1. Describe the forces affecting the workplace and learning. How can training help com-
panies deal with these forces?
2. What steps are included in the training design model? What step do you think is most
important? Why?
3. What are intangible assets? How do they relate to training and development?
4. How is Starbucks using training to benefit the company during difficult economic
times?
5. Training professionals continue to debate whether the ISD model is flawed. Some argue
that ISD should be treated as a project management approach rather than a step-by-step
recipe for building training programs. Others suggest that ISD is too linear and rigid a
process, that it is the primary reason training is expensive, and that it takes too long to
develop. ISD focuses on inputs; management wants outputs. Businesses want results,
not the use of a design technology. Do you believe that ISD is a useful process? Why or
why not? Are there certain situations when it is a more (or less) effective way to design
training?
6. Which of the training professionals’ roles do you believe is most difficult to learn?

7. How might technology influence the importance of training professionals’ roles? Can
technology reduce the importance of any of the roles? Can it result in additional roles?
8. Describe the training courses that you have taken. How have they helped you? Provide
recommendations for improving the courses.
9. How does training differ between companies that are considered BEST Award winners
and those that are not?
10. What are the implications of the aging work force? What strategies should companies
consider from a training and development perspective to best utilize older employees
and prepare for their retirement?
11. How has new technology improved training and development? What are some of the
limitations of using iPods or PDAs for training?
12. Explain how training relates to attracting new employees, employee retention, and
motivation.