Ashford BUS680 Full Course Latest 2020 September

BUS680 Training and Development

Week 1 Discussion

DQ1 Motivating Employees

A major influence on job performance is motivation. There are several theories explaining the concept of motivation (expectancy theory, ERG theory, reinforcement theory, etc.). Select one of the following three scenarios to use as a framework for your discussion. In your post, apply a specific motivational theory to one of the three scenarios. Complete an analysis of the motivational theory using the scenario as a framework for your discussion.

Scenario A

You are a manager at a manufacturing plant forced to reduce 25% of its workforce due to budget constraints caused in part by the increased prices of a raw material. The vast majority of the tasks once performed by employees are now outsourced to India. Consequently, your remaining workforce has suffered a significant lack of motivation. It is your task to move the remaining team forward under the current circumstances ensuring weekly quotas are reached and none of the production numbers suffer.

Scenario B

You are a call center representative working at a mortgage company struggling to keep up with the increased regulations and compliance guidelines imposed to better control this industry. Recently, a junior level manager was promoted to a Vice President (VP) position, much to the surprise of all the employees. The employee perception was that the promotion was unfair and that the chosen candidate lacks the experience and the “people skills” required to excel in the new role. The first few emails from the newly promoted VP set the stage for a less flexible, “numbers driven” environment, potentially negatively impacting employees’ work-life balance. You desperately need this job as a single parent raising three kids.

Scenario C

You have been employed at the same company for 20 years. You have come to terms with the fact that you have no promotional opportunities here and you are at a “dead end job.” You contemplated changing jobs a few times in the last few years, but some of the reasons you stay include a manageable work load, flexible work hours, friendly co-workers, and a supportive upper management team. Yet, you are not motivated to go above and beyond the expectations identified for your position and job description.

Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words. Use this week’s lecture and the course text as a foundation for your initial post. Incorporate the following article into your discussion: The Top 9 Things That Ultimately Motivate Employees to Achieve (Links to an external site.).

Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following questions:

What did you learn from the posting?

What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?

What clarification do you need regarding the posting?

What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion thread and your classmates’ postings?

How do your classmates’ chosen theories apply to other situations?

Your reply posts should be a minimum of 150-250 words each.

DQ2 Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSAs)

Review the Training in Action 1-3 scenario titled, “Training Needs in the Student Registration Office” in Chapter 1 of the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text. Assume that you were hired to develop a training program for the Customer Service Representatives (CSRs) as described in the scenario. Identify four of the most important KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes) a training program for the CSRs must address and include your reasoning for selecting these. Discuss the specific activities to be performed in the five phases of the training process model: Analysis Phase, Design Phase, Development Phase, Implementation Phase, and Evaluation Phase.

Use this week’s lecture as a foundation for your initial post. Incorporate into your discussion the transfer of training concepts from the Jaidev and Chirayath (2012) article with an emphasis on pre-training, during-training, and post-training activities. Utilize concepts from the Develop a Training Plan video and the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text in your discussion. Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words.

Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following questions:

What did you learn from the posting?

What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?

What clarification do you need regarding the posting?

What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion thread and your classmates’ postings?

Compare the KSAs you identified with those identified by others.

What are the differences or similarities in the activities identified for the five phases of the training process model between your initial discussion thread and others?

Analyze your classmates’ chosen KSAs. Do you agree or disagree with the choices? Why or why not? Provide examples where possible.

Your reply posts should be a minimum of 150-250 words each.

 

BUS680 Training and Development

Week 2 Discussion

DQ1 Needs Analysis

Read the following scenario:

A manager says, “We need a training course on time management. We have 30 field representatives coming in for a conference next week and only 20% of them are actually meeting their goals. This is disappointing because they had the training four months ago but still have not met their overall goals in sales and customer service. I want you to give them a half-day training on time management.”

Provide a detailed description of how you would respond to and proceed in this situation. In your post, respond to the following questions:

What is the purpose of a training needs analysis (TNA)?

How do you determine when needs analysis should be conducted?

Is it always necessary to conduct a TNA?

What methods and tools would you use to help this manager?

Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words. Use this week’s lecture as a foundation for your initial post. In addition to the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text, use at least one additional scholarly source to support your discussion.

Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following questions:

What did you learn from the posting?

What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?

What clarification do you need regarding the posting?

What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion thread and your classmates’ postings?

What are the differences or similarities in the specific methods and tools you would use to help this manager compared to those identified by others?

Analyze the methods and tools chosen by others. Do you agree or disagree with the choices? Why or why not? Provide examples where possible.

DQ2 Levels of Analysis

Discuss the differences between, and the relationship among, the following levels of analysis: organizational analysis, operational analysis, and person analysis. Do more than provide a basic definition. Generate at least two important questions to ask when conducting each level of analysis. Identify at least two techniques, sources of data, or methods to collect data for each level.

Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words. Use this week’s lecture as a foundation for your initial post. In addition to the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text, use at least one additional scholarly source to support your discussion.

Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following questions:

What did you learn from the posting?

What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?

What clarification do you need regarding the posting?

What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion thread and your classmates’ postings?

How do the questions you have generated for each level of analysis compare to those identified by others?

 

BUS680 Training and Development

Week 3 Discussion

DQ1 Training Design

For this discussion, imagine that you are designing a 4-hour leadership development training session. Identify specific learning objectives for your training session. Conduct an Internet search to identify the types of games and business simulations that are available. Select one game or business simulation appropriate for your audience and learning objectives. Provide a brief description, detailed rationale, and thorough analysis of the game or business simulation as it pertains to your specific audience and learning objectives. Do not simply cut and paste from the Internet source.

Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words. Use this week’s lecture as a foundation for your initial post. In addition to the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text, use at least one additional scholarly source to support your discussion.

Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following questions:

What did you learn from the posting?

What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?

What clarification do you need regarding the posting?

What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion thread and your classmates’ postings?

Ask each other questions about why the specific game or simulation was selected.

How does the chosen game or simulation apply to other situations?

What are the differences or similarities in the specific game or simulation you selected compared to those identified by others?

Analyze your classmates’ chosen game or simulation. Do you agree or disagree with the choice? Why or why not? Provide examples where possible.

What are the differences or similarities in the learning content objectives for your training session compared to those identified by others?

Your reply posts should be a minimum of 150-250 words each.

DQ2 Training Delivery

Consider your best workplace learning experience. Describe the training delivery method(s) used and identify the factors that contributed to making it an effective workplace learning experience. Then, consider your worst workplace learning experience. Describe the training delivery method(s) used and identify the factors that contributed to making it an ineffective workplace learning experience. Discuss what you would suggest to make each workplace learning experience more effective.

Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words. Use this week’s lecture as a foundation for your initial post. In addition to the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text, use at least one additional scholarly source to support your discussion.

Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following questions:

What did you learn from the posting?

What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?

What clarification do you need regarding the posting?

What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion thread and your classmates’ postings?

What are the differences or similarities in the delivery methods for your workplace learning experiences compared to those identified by others?

How do the factors that contributed to your best or worst workplace learning experience compare to those identified by others?

Your reply posts should be a minimum of 150-250 words each.

 

BUS680 Training and Development

Week 4 Discussion

DQ1 Types of Trainees

A successful trainer needs to effectively engage various types of trainees and adapt quickly in the learning environment to meet their needs. Chapter 8 of the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text lists and offers tips on dealing with different participant personalities. Review the three scenarios below. Discuss how you would effectively engage and manage each group of participants in a 2-day training seminar. Apply two to three specific adult learning principles and/or techniques to each of the scenarios listed below.

Scenario A

Your colleague is a training specialist who has just concluded an activity on techniques for overcoming challenges in the classroom. He clearly understood the content, but did not ask questions of the group to confirm their understanding. In addition, when explaining activities, the directions were not clear and there was never an opportunity to ask for clarification. What constructive feedback would you give to your colleague?

Scenario B

Your colleague is a department manager who has just opened a training session. Her opening included group introductions, but she went directly into presenting content. About an hour later, a few participants began talking out of turn. What feedback would you give to your colleague on the impact this may have had on participants, and what could have been done differently to avoid this situation?

Scenario C

Your colleague is a human resources manager who just completed an activity followed by a group discussion. The activity went well, but the debrief did not. As the facilitator, he had trouble getting the group to answer his questions. The group did not appear to be very engaged. What feedback could you give him on how he could get participants to participate?

Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words. Use this week’s lecture as a foundation for your initial post. In addition to the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text, use at least one additional scholarly source to support your discussion.

Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following questions:

What did you learn from the posting?

What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?

What clarification do you need regarding the posting?

What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion thread and your classmates’ postings?

What are the differences or similarities in the techniques recommended in your discussion compared to those identified by others?

Analyze the recommendations made by others for each scenario. Do you agree or disagree with the recommendations? Why or why not? Provide examples where possible.

Your reply posts should be a minimum of 150-250 words each.

Search entries

DQ2 Training Methods

There are several instructional methods and activities that can be used to deliver training. As a trainer, you should have a broad awareness of different kinds of instructional methods so that you can recommend and utilize the most appropriate solutions for the specific learning objectives.

List and describe three types of training methods. What type of activity is it? What types of activities precede and follow it? What learning style(s) does this activity accommodate? What adult learning characteristics does this activity incorporate? Discuss the pros and cons of each method. Lastly, using Bloom’s taxonomy, create a training objective for each instructional method. Be sure to consider the specific skills and knowledge to be learned in the training in order to appropriately apply each instructional method.

Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words. Use this week’s lecture as a foundation for your initial post. In addition to the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text, use at least one additional scholarly source to support your discussion.

Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following questions:

What did you learn from the posting?

What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?

What clarification do you need regarding the posting?

What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion thread and your classmates’ postings?

Ask each other questions about why the specific training methods were selected.

How do the types of training methods selected by your classmate apply to other learning style(s)?

Analyze your classmates’ training objectives. Do the learning objectives describe the key conditions, observable performance/behavior, and set the standard for performance? What modifications would you suggest to ensure that trainees understand the expectations clearly?

Your reply posts should be a minimum of 150-250 words each.

 

BUS680 Training and Development

Week 5 Discussion

DQ1 Engaging Participants

Conduct research to identify techniques for maintaining participant interest in training. List a minimum of three specific techniques not found in the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text and give a short explanation of each. Explain how these techniques can be used to deliver effective training, noting the learning style to which each technique appeals. Compare these three techniques with those identified in the course text, noting any differences or similarities.

Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words. Use this week’s lecture as a foundation for your initial post. In addition to the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text, use at least one additional scholarly source to support your discussion.

Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following questions:

What did you learn from the posting?

What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?

What clarification do you need regarding the posting?

What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion thread and your classmates’ postings?

Compare the techniques you identified with those identified by others noting any differences or similarities.

Your reply posts should be a minimum of 150-250 words each.

DQ2 Effective Facilitation

Reflect on a facilitated training session you experienced that affected you either positively or negatively. Describe the methods, tools, or strategies from the session that you would like to emulate, if the experience was positive, or avoid, if the experience was negative. Analyze the facilitated session in terms of the characteristics of adult learning and effective facilitation that you have learned about in the course and course readings. Then, explain the role the training played in improving your individual performance and whether or not the learning objectives and design supported overall organizational improvement.

Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words. Use this week’s lecture as a foundation for your initial post. In addition to the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text, use at least one additional scholarly source to support your discussion.

Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following questions:

What did you learn from the posting?

What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?

What clarification do you need regarding the posting?

What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion thread and your classmates’ postings?

Compare the characteristics you identified with those identified by others. Are there commonalities between your examples that could lead to a list of “best practices” for effectively facilitating a session?

Your reply posts should be a minimum of 150-250 words each.

 

BUS680 Training and Development

Week 6 Discussion

DQ1 Training Evaluation

What is the relationship among Kirkpatrick’s four levels of evaluation? Would you argue for examining all four levels, even if your boss suggested you should look only at the last one (results) and, that if it improved, you would know that training had an impact? Provide at least one example (e.g., tool, device, etc.) that would be used to gather evaluation data at each level.

Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words. Use this week’s lecture as a foundation for your initial post. In addition to the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text, use at least one additional scholarly source to support your discussion.

Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following questions:

What did you learn from the posting?

What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?

What clarification do you need regarding the posting?

What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion thread and your classmates’ postings?

Your reply posts should be a minimum of 150-250 words each.

DQ2 Training Effectiveness

Reflect on and explore the reasons why evaluation is critical to training success. Discuss the reasons evaluation is critical to effectiveness of training. Explain the connection between organizational improvement and training effectiveness.

Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words. Use this week’s lecture as a foundation for your initial post. In addition to the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text, use at least one additional scholarly source to support your discussion.

Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following questions:

What did you learn from the posting?

What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?

What clarification do you need regarding the posting?

What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion thread and your classmates’ postings?

Your reply posts should be a minimum of 150-250 words each.

 

BUS680 Training and Development

Week 1 Assignment  

Case Analysis: Rick’s New Job

Read the Rick’s New Job case analysis at the end of Chapter 3 of the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text. In an 800 to 1,000 word paper (excluding the title and reference pages), respond to the following case questions:

Explain why Rick was let go and how reinforcement theory applies to this situation.

Explain Rosie and Walter’s reaction to Rick’s computer in terms of resistance to change. Use the concepts in this chapter to explain how Rick might have approached the computer situation so as to gain acceptance.

Explain Rick’s inability to “fit in” using social learning theory. Identify where breakdowns occurred.

If Val hired you to develop a management training program for the senior managers at PPP, explain how you would go about designing the program. Provide appropriate theoretical rationale to support your position.

Your paper must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Your paper must also include citations and references for the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text and at least two scholarly sources from the Ashford University Library. An Abstract is not required. Use APA formatted headings, rather than numbers, to delineate your response to each case question. For example, the following headings (or equivalent) can be used to identify each section of your paper:

Reinforcement Theory

Resistance to Change

Social Learning Theory

Designing a Management Training Program

The paper

Must be 800 to 1,000 words, double-spaced (excluding title and references pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. (Links to an external site.)

Must include a separate title page with the following:

Title of paper

Student’s name

Course name and number

Instructor’s name

Date submitted

Must use at least two scholarly sources in addition to the course text.

Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing

Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric (Links to an external site.) for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

 

BUS680 Training and Development

Week 2 Assignment  

Training Needs Analysis (TNA)

Presented at the end of Chapters 4, 5, 8 and 9 of the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text, are examples of what would be done in a real situation regarding a small business that requested training. Review the Fabrics Inc. example at the end of Chapter 4. In the Fabrics Inc. example, Blanchard and Thacker (2013) have demonstrated, needs analysis, the first phase in the Training Process Model.

In an 800 to 1,000 word paper (excluding the title and reference pages), discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the approach and what might be done differently using the Fabrics Inc. example. Identify the sources of data used in the analysis. Discuss how closely the approach correspond to the ideal model presented in the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text. Consider the advantages and disadvantages of the assessment methods used. Then, describe at least two additional methods that could have been used, providing rationale as to why these methods could be used.

Your paper should include an introduction (a thesis statement and a preview of your paper), APA formatted headings to organize and identify each section of your paper, and a conclusion paragraph including restatement of the thesis. An Abstract is not required. Your paper must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Your paper must also include citations and references for the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text and at least three scholarly sources from the Ashford University Library.

The paper

Must be 800 to 1,000 words, double-spaced in length (excluding the title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. (Links to an external site.)

Must include a separate title page with the following:

Title of paper

Student’s name

Course name and number

Instructor’s name

Date submitted

Must use at least three scholarly sources in addition to the course text from the Ashford University Library.

Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric (Links to an external site.) for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

 

BUS680 Training and Development

Week 3 Assignment  

Training Design Proposal

Imagine that you are tasked with the development and delivery of a two-day training workshop for 100 managers on how to use effective feedback skills when delivering one-on-one performance reviews to employees.

In an 800 to 1,000 word paper (excluding the title and reference page), construct a proposal that identifies three specific learning objectives, a discussion of the content the training would entail, methods to be used (e.g. lecture, case study, role play), and the instructional media and equipment required and explains why. Specify the logistical arrangements, such as type of room setup, that can enhance or undermine the content and interaction between participants. Assess the impact that room set up has upon communication within the group.

Take into consideration:

Length of workshop (2 days)

Number of trainees (100)

Learning objective (developing effective feedback skills)

Your introductory paragraph must include a clear and concise description of the training. Tables, graphs and charts may be used. APA formatted headings should be used to organize and identify each section of your paper. An Abstract is not required. Your paper must be formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center. Your paper must also include citations and references from the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text and at least three additional scholarly sources.

The paper

Must be 800 to 1,000 words, double-spaced in length (excluding the title and reference pages) and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center (Links to an external site.).

Must include a separate title page with the following:

Title of paper

Student’s name

Course name and number

Instructor’s name

Date submitted

Must use at least three scholarly sources in addition to the course text from the Ashford University Library.

Must document all sources in APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Must include a separate references page that is formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

Carefully review the Grading Rubric (Links to an external site.) for the criteria that will be used to evaluate your assignment.

 

BUS680 Training and Development

Week 4 Assignment  

Training Development

Last week, you submitted a proposal for the design of a two-day workshop to train managers on how to use effective feedback skills when delivering one-on-one performance reviews to employees. Design a 15-20 slide PowerPoint presentation that would be used in this training workshop (excluding the title and reference slides). Use the features of PowerPoint to effectively present the material to managers. Create a professional visual using various design elements, such as: background, color, font style, animations, transitions, audio, images, etc. Include approximately 50 words of speaker notes on each slide (a total of approximately 750-1,000 words). These notes are the a facilitator’s script. Identify at least three specific learning objectives for this training (making any necessary modifications to the learning objectives that were submitted in the proposal last week).

Your introductory slide must include a clear and concise description of the training. Your presentation must also include citations and references from the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text and at least three additional scholarly sources. Your final submission should include: 1) the PowerPoint with facilitator notes, and 2) a comprehensive APA-formatted Word transcript of all slide notes/ facilitator’s script (a total of approximately 750-1,000 words), including a reference page.

As needed, use the How to create a power point presentation (Links to an external site.) video for instruc