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18 Dec 2007 16:27:20
A leading business expert from the University of Bedfordshire has given advice and guidance on how top organisations succeed, at an event organised by the Large Organisation Network Group (LONG).
Dr Colin Coulson-Thomas shared his top tips for maximising the benefits of training at Edinburgh’s Royal Infirmary, where the LONG conference was held earlier this month.
Speaking to LONG members, the University’s Visiting Professor highlighted key research that reveals how many organisations are missing the point of training and development activities.
Delegates from high-profile organisations including NHS Scotland, Royal Bank of Scotland, Jacobs, First Scot Rail, Jewel and Esk College, and the Scottish Government, gathered to find out more about how they can increase returns from training and development activities.
Based on a long-term research programme involving more than four thousand businesses, Dr Coulson-Thomas spoke of how organisations need to move on from traditional training and development approaches to ensure performance improvement. By doing this, organisations can find the often elusive link between training and performance increases.
Dr Coulson-Thomas said: “To generate returns of more than 30 times the cost of training, organisations need bespoke support tools to help staff understand complex issues so they can put learning into practice.
“By understanding how high-performers operate, organisations can build critical success factors into support tools that quickly boost workgroup productivity. By investing in this approach, research has proven that returns of between 20 or 30 times the costs involved can be obtained within just a few months.”
Pioneering companies were highlighted as examples. Dr Coulson-Thomas added: “In one case, a return of more than 70 times the cost of the tool was obtained in the first year alone.”
In fact, research reveals that while large sums are spent on ‘fashionable’ training concepts, such as empowerment, quality, teamwork and leadership, far too little is being done to help people carry out difficult and important jobs.
Dr Coulson-Thomas summarised: “Many trainers and human resources teams follow fashion and buy off the shelf rather than think about what would be most appropriate for staff in specific situations. They provide standard programmes, regardless of individual interests and workgroup needs.
“Simply providing knowledge is not enough. Staff lack the tools they need to be effective. Many organisations are missing opportunities to boost workgroup and corporate performance.”
Further information on how job support tools can turn average performers to adopt winning ways can be found at www.coulson-thomaspublications.com
To find out more about postgraduate business courses at the University of Bedfordshire’s Business School, call 01234 400400 or visit www.beds.ac.uk/courses
Latest news» 2007» December» Professor gives lasting lessons on training at national conference
