1 Introduction

As with so many management activities planning is the key to success.

EXTENSION 4 For help in designing clear training objectives and much more, read How to Write and Prepare Training Materials.

This is certainly true of training. To be effective it must be carefully thought out in a logical and clear way. At the beginning we need to have clear objectives. We need to have a precise understanding of what we are trying to achieve. Once we are clear about this we can then start looking at the details of the training.

We need to look carefully at the training methods to be used and to consider which methods would assist with the learning. We also need to plan the content of the programme to ensure that it is logical and sequential and that the most important elements are included. All the administrative arrangements must be carried out to ensure facilities, equipment, materials and trainees are available. And finally we need to plan the way in which we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of the final result.

Induction training is a good example of training that needs to be well planned. A new employee's introduction to the organization needs to contain everything that the person will need to know in order to settle down quickly and fit in. It is not something that will just happen, nor will it be complete and interesting if it is not planned.

During this session we will look at...