Training and Development Commons^™

The Knowledge Worker And Upskilling: Can Instructional Design Frameworks Help?, Susan W. Brown

Instructional Design Capstones Collection

This paper explores how knowledge workers face uncertainties in the job market and how workers sustain a decades-long career in the midst of technology changes and globalization pressures. In particular, this paper asks how knowledge workers self-assess knowledge gaps, discover appropriate learning opportunities, demonstrate mastery, and promote credentials across decades-long careers. Interviews with 8 knowledge workers in educational publishing, an industry undergoing workforce changes due to market disruption, provides real-world context to this research question. Taking into account various theoretical frameworks offered for adult education and also reviewing the realities of the postmodern workplace, the paper outlines the hurdles impairing …

The Dynamics Of Gender Identity And Implicit Bias Impacting Women's Executive Leadership Development Programs And Female Executive Leadership Coaching, Emelina Belle

M.A. in Leadership Studies: Capstone Project Papers

“The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.” - Albert Einstein

The implicit gender bias and stereotypes in our society continue to impact gender diversity in executive leadership roles within organizations. The critical demand of high-potential talented female leaders to fill the gap in the corporate pipeline of senior executive positions continues to increase in our global world. Our technologically advanced society impacts this demand, the global climate of organizational change, the competition in products and services, and the impact of implicit bias and gender stereotypes influence …

Examining The Relationships Between Performance Appraisal Reactions And Employee Engagement, Kenneth B. Levan

Human Resource Development Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the long-standing debate among scholars and practitioners regarding the effectiveness of the performance appraisal (PA) process as a useful tool to manage individual and organizational performance (Glover, 1996; Gruman & Saks, 2011; Kondrasuk, 2012; Light, 2010; Pulakos & O’Leary, 2011; Thomas & Bretz, 1994). To further this discussion, the relationship between employees’ reactions to the PA process and perceptions of engagement in the workplace is examined.

A survey of 466 respondents finds there to be a significant positive relationship between PA reactions and employee engagement. Other significant findings of the study include: 1) high correlations among Keeping …

Leadership Development Practices And Patient Satisfaction: An Exploratory Study Of Select U.S. Academic Medical Centers, Chien-Ching Li, Peter Barth, Andrew N. Garman, Matthew M. Anderson, Peter W. Butler

Patient Experience Journal

Interest has been growing among academic medical centers (AMCs) in organization-wide strategies that may improve patient satisfaction. Although leadership development programs have been cited as a potentially useful approach, thus far almost all evidence has come from single-organization case studies. The present study sought to examine potential relationships between leadership development and patient experience across organizations. Data for leadership development practices were obtained from a survey conducted by the National Center for Healthcare Leadership. Patient experience data were obtained from the U.S. Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS). Multivariate analyses (general linear regressions) were performed to examine …

Using Training To Increase Standardization And Collaboration Across Teams, Lisa Beck

Instructional Design Capstones Collection

This capstone paper analyzes the effectiveness of a company’s current weekly training and its relationship with communication and dispersed teams that work in geographically separated environments. This paper examines a government contracting project and how the inconsistency of the deliverables produced by team members necessitate a need for training improvements. Research from Blayney, Kalyuga, and Sweller, (2015) and Poell, Krogt, Vermulst, Harris, and Simons (2006) on the role of workplace trainers and cognitive load theory support the training improvements presented in this paper. The proposed changes include the introduction of a standardized method of preparing for training and resources to …

Inside The Va: How Workplace Training Evaluation Impacts Employee Performance, Timica Emerson

Dissertations

Employee performance and patient satisfaction are strong indicators of the current state of a healthcare organization. Workplace training programs are used to teach employees the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively perform on the job. Instructor-led, online, blended and independent learning events are produced to address learning needs and to improve staff performance. These training programs are necessary for preparing staff to meet the demands of daily work expectations. The learning approaches should encourage trainees to apply what they learn to their work assignments.

When programs are not evaluated consistently and methodically by the participating employees, their sustainability is uncertain. …

Cultural Diversity In Student Ministry Leadership, Steven Zhou

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

In an attempt to contribute to how ministries and Christian academia is addressing issues of diversity, I am conducting a study to analyze correlations between ethnicity and styles/values of leadership. The goal is to uncover whether or not a particular ethnicity generally prefers one style of leadership over another. Past research on the subject has already seen that, in the business world, certain practices work better than others. For example, those from an Asian culture are more likely to prefer formality and authority as opposed to the collaborative and relationship-oriented style of leadership found in America. I will contribute to …

Maintenance Officer Initial Skills Training Timeline, Aaron T. Vincent

Theses and Dissertations

There is a current gap in training literature with regards to the benefits of on-the-job training (OJT) prior to formal training. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to explore the best time to schedule new logistics managers to attend formal classroom training by using Aircraft Maintenance Officer Course (AMOC) as a real world example. Two surveys were created, a survey of new aircraft maintenance (21A) Officers and a survey of 21A leadership, to collect the primary data for this research. Through the data this research proposes a timeline for the addition of OJT prior to AMOC in order to …

The Effect Of Locus Of Control And Autonomy On Motivation In The Workplace, Kelley K. Nekota

Social Sciences

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of locus of control and autonomy on motivation in the workplace. A sample size of 414 employed individuals was obtained; however, only 243 individuals completed the questionnaire in its entirety over the course of one week. The survey included Rotter’s thirteen question scale on locus of control, and a variety of questions relevant to autonomy and motivation in the workplace. Gender, age, ethnicity, organization size, and hierarchy within the workplace were controlled for. The data showed a significant correlation between locus of control and motivation, independent of autonomy. Autonomy, too, …

Exploring The Impostor Phenomenon's Behavioral Characteristics: How Do Gay Male Leaders And Impostors Cope?, Donald B. Scott

Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this mixed-methods case study was to explore and describe the coping skills used to overcome 9 behavioral characteristics by gay men serving in civic or nonprofit leadership roles who are identified as experiencing the impostor phenomenon (IP) by the Clance Impostor Phenomenon Scale (CIPS; Clance, 1985).

Methodology: This study used a mixed-methods, descriptive case study approach to collect both quantitative and qualitative data about 14 study participants. Each completed the 20-question CIPS that represented the quantitative strand of the study prior to an interview that included 10 semistructured interview questions designed to collect rich, descriptive data. …

The Effects Of Parametrically Manipulating The Ratio Of Complimentary To Constructive Feedback Statements On Performance, Amanda Mentzer

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Performance feedback is frequently discussed and implemented. Although shown to be quite effective, the characteristics of feedback have yet to be fully explored. Feedback ratio was explored in this study. While participants evaluated the postural safety of body positions presented on a computer screen, researchers measured the (a) number of s that it took participants to evaluate body positions (i.e., response time), (b) percent of correctly evaluated body positions (i.e., percent correct), and (c) extent to which participants appreciated the statements they received after responding (i.e., rating). Using a mixed-factorial design, researchers manipulated feedback within groups and feedback ratio between …

Different Not Less: An Evaluation Of The Autism Training Curriculum For The Kentucky Department Of Criminal Justice Training, Joseph Aaron Ellis

Online Theses and Dissertations

Autism spectrum disorder is one of the largest growing neurological behavioral disabilities in the United States, with a rise in diagnoses from 2012 (1 in 88) to present day (1 in 68). Studies have shown that individuals with disabilities are more likely to be victimized. Thus, the increasing diagnoses of ASD increases the chance that a victim of crime will have ASD. Police officers should have a working and growing knowledge of ASD from day one, for this reason. This exploratory study uses a literature review of autism spectrum disorder in order to develop an evaluation to analyze the curriculum …

A Foundation For Understanding Knowledge Sharing: Organizational Culture, Informal Workplace Learning, Performance Support, And Knowledge Management, Shirley J. Caruso

Literacy, Leadership, and Development Faculty Publications

This paper serves as an exploration into some of the ways in which organizations can promote, capture, share, and manage the valuable knowledge of their employees. The problem is that employees typically do not share valuable information, skills, or expertise with other employees or with the entire organization. The author uses research as well as her graduate studies in the field of Human Resource Development (HRD) and professional career experiences as an instructor and training and development consultant to make a correlation between the informal workplace learning experiences that exist in the workplace and the need to promote, capture, and …

Social Network Usage In The Hiring Process, Melissa L. Carpenter

WRIT: Journal of First-Year Writing

Social Network usage in hiring practice is a valuable tool for employers to learn more about an applicant than what can be found on a resume or application. Social Network usage is controversial as it can provide a variety of information to an employer that could impact the hiring process. The responsibility falls on the employer to implement a Social Network screening policy to ensure proper usage of this hiring tool. In combination with current legislation and HR professional recommendations, employers have the resources they need to develop a successful Social Network screening policy.

Effective Employee Engagement In The Workplace, Schrita Osborne, Mohamad S. Hammoud

International Journal of Applied Management and Technology

Disengaged employees typically cost U.S. corporations $350 billion annually. The purpose of this case study was to explore strategies that some communication business leaders use to engage their employees. The target population consisted of four communication business leaders in Jackson, Mississippi, who possessed at least 1 year of successful employee engagement experience. The self-determination theory served as the study’s conceptual framework. Semistructured interviews were conducted, and the participating company’s archived documents were gathered. Patterns were identified through a rigorous process of data familiarization, data coding, and theme development and revision. Interpretations from the data were subjected to member-checking to ensure …

A Case Study Exploration Of Strategies To Improve First-Line Supervisor Problem-Solving Abilities In The Retail Supermarket Industry, John E. Jarvis, Irene A. Williams

International Journal of Applied Management and Technology

First-line supervisors in U.S. retail organizations are unable to resolve nearly 34% of typical daily customer problems for their organizations. The purpose of this single-case study was to explore the strategies retail supermarket managers have used to improve first-line supervisor problem solving abilities within a retail supermarket company in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Data were collected from semistructured interviews with four retail store manager participants with a successful record of improving first-line supervisor problem solving abilities. Based on inductive data analysis and methodological triangulation of the data collected, four themes emerged after the data analysis: (a) the importance of communicating expectations …

Guide To The Human Resources New Employee Orientation Records, University Of San Diego Human Resources

University Records

This collection consists of binder materials from the 1991 New Employee Orientation. Materials include handouts, forms, handbooks, and department information. While some department information is scarce, sections such as the Capital Campaign, Development, and University Relations contain promotional materials and brochures for the University. These records give a snapshot into what New Employees learned at the outset of their time at USD.

Finding Aids are tools used to aid research by describing the materials in a collection. University Records Finding Aids include historical and/or biographical information along with a description of the collection and a folder listing of the content. …

Cle Promising Practices: Using Staff Networks To Build Community Membership, Oliver Lyons, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

All Institute for Community Inclusion Publications

LOQW (Learning Opportunities/Quality Works) is a community skills training, service coordination, and employment services provider in northeast Missouri. LOQW operates several satellite offices in addition to its main office in Monroe City, MO. One of these satellite offices is located in Hannibal, MO, a city with a population of less than 18,000. But being located in a small city does have its advantages. One advantage is that a majority of the Hannibal staff has lived there for their entire lives, and they have countless connections in the area. Staff often use their own networks to bring people they support into …

Cle Promising Practices: Flexible Scheduling And Creative Staffing, Heike Boeltzig-Brown, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

All Institute for Community Inclusion Publications

Headquartered in a small rural town in northern Maine, Katahdin Friends, Inc. (KFI) provides community employment and life engagement supports, as well as home supports, to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). A flexible approach to staffing and support scheduling helps KFI ensure customized daily support schedules that meet individual goals. This approach also allows individuals to interact with a variety of direct support professionals, which is important for having a more engaged and meaningful life in the community.

Cle Promising Practices: Using Mobile Communication Technology, Oliver Lyons, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

All Institute for Community Inclusion Publications

SEEC (Seeking Equality, Empowerment, and Community) is a Maryland-based provider of employment, community living, and community development supports to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Because SEEC has no central facility, having ways to maintain contact between staff and management is paramount. From prepaid cell phones in 2005 to outfitting every staff member with a tablet or a laptop today, SEEC has embraced mobile communication since it started its conversion. By pursuing non- disability-specific grants and reallocating resources, SEEC is able to maintain a mobile organization.

Cle Promising Practices: A Staffing Approach Based On Client Relationships, Heike Boeltzig-Brown, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

All Institute for Community Inclusion Publications

Avenues Supported Living Services of Valencia, California was founded in 1997 by a husband- and-wife team, Scott and Lori Shepard. The agency provides supported living and community life engagement (CLE) services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Key to Avenues’ success is a staffing approach that is grounded in client relationships.

Cle Promising Practices: Braiding Community Employment And Life Engagement Services, Heike Boeltzig-Brown, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

All Institute for Community Inclusion Publications

WorkLink is a program that braids community employment and life engagement services. The goal is to enable individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to work while receiving wrap-around day supports, as needed. Started in 1996, WorkLink is a program of TransCen, Inc. and is based in San Francisco.

WorkLink clients do not have to give up day supports when deciding to pursue work. In addition to helping individuals establish and maintain meaningful community relationships, day supports are used to discover and explore vocational goals and job options. This information then helps guide individuals’ employment planning process.

Listen Up! Listening Session For The Rrtc On Advancing Employment, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

All Institute for Community Inclusion Publications

Slides from a conference listening session about the Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) on Advancing Employment for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

Rrtc On Advancing Employment: Bringing Employment First To Scale, Thinkwork! At The Institute For Community Inclusion At Umass Boston

All Institute for Community Inclusion Publications

The RRTC on Advancing Employment for People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, housed at the Institute for Community Inclusion at UMass Boston, is convening a State of the Science process in 2017. Towards that end, we are hosting a variety of listening sessions with multiple audiences to reflect the level of stakeholder engagement that has been a hallmark of the RRTC since our launch. In this listening session, we will focus on a “knowledge to action” agenda that grounds our research in issues important to the lives of individuals with disabilities and the systems and people that provide support. This …

Strategies To Retain Millennial Employees At Full-Service Restaurants, Candace A. Ruiz, Anne Davis

International Journal of Applied Management and Technology

Some supervisors lack effective strategies to retain millennial-generation employees. The purpose of this multicase study was to explore effective strategies to retain culinary-educated millennial employees in a full-service restaurant. Nine millennials and three supervisors from three full-service restaurants in Denver, Colorado, consented to semistructured interviews concerning retention strategies. Herzberg’s two-factor theory served to guide the scope and the data analysis for the multicase study. Ten subcategories emerged from the three themes that aligned with Herzberg’s motivation factors, hygiene factors, and millennial values and attitudes. The 10 subcategories were developed suggesting effective strategies differ by supervisor. Among the 10 subcategories, the …

Empowering Women For Economic Growth: A Measurement Of Social And Demographic Impacts On Afghan Women In Business, Tracy Taylor

MPA/MPP/MPFM Capstone Projects

Non-governmental organizations working in conflict-prone, resource-deprived developing countries face a very unique set of challenges. Like with other non-profits, program dollars and other resources must be allocated carefully and thoughtfully so the maximum output is achieved with the inputs allotted. Unlike other non-profits, however, the political, social, and economic environment is constantly changing in developing countries like Afghanistan. Basic human needs are not being met, leaving the path to NGO program success fraught with seemingly impossible challenges. This is the case for Peace Through Business, a training and development program serving women entrepreneurs in Kabul, Afghanistan.

Peace Through Business seeks …

Strategic Recommendation For Evertec, Inc., Talia Zook

Undergraduate Theses, Professional Papers, and Capstone Artifacts

Our research seeks to improve the operational effectiveness of Latin American transaction processing firm Evertec, headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The unstable economic status of Puerto Rico—as the site of headquarters and as the source of approximately 7% of Evertec’s total revenue—is of external concern, though there are promising technological trends occurring in much of Latin America. The risk of entry by potential competitors in industry appears high, but all other risks as outlined by Michael Porter’s Five Forces are low, indicating an attractive market. Internally, Evertec exhibits several core competencies, including innovation, end-to-end (comprehensive) service, community service/social responsibility, …

Aquatic Managers Of Northeast Iowa : A Description Of Current Practices Of Staff Training And Implementation Detailing Competencies, Frequency, And Evaluation, Tracy N. Carey

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study is to identify and describe how aquatic managers implement aquatic staff training and development. According to the American Society for Training and Development, U.S. organizations spend more than $50 billion annually on employee training. Organizations place an important emphasis on training and development for their employees. Aquatic facilities play an important role in the communities they serve. Operating an aquatic facility has become increasingly more complex in recent years due to new technology with filtration systems, differentiating certifications and facility regulations.

Therefore, aquatic managers must ensure their lifeguards are capable and competent of doing everything …

A Model For Understanding The Complexity Of Repatriation Into Organizations: A Systems Approach, Nancy Hennigar Reisig

Student Articles, Chapters, Presentations, Learning Objects

The expatriation/repatriation cycle is a complex system, only parts of which have been studied. Repatriation occurs within a larger system that includes the employee, his or her family, the organization’s business dynamic and Human Resources practices, and its culture. This article examines this system, reviewing key organizational factors affecting repatriation, including organizational design, development, and culture, as well as the neglected role of Human Resources management. Theories around professional employee turnover that link to the repatriate experience are also explored. The author proposes a model for understanding the complexity of repatriation. Gaps in current understanding are discussed as a basis …