1 London School of Business & Management BTEC Level 5- HND in Business Unit Outcomes Covered: On successful completion of this unit a learner will: LO1 Understand learning theories and learning styles LO2 Be able to plan and design training and development LO3 Be able to evaluate a training event LO4 Understand government-led skills development initiatives GRADING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE Outcomes/ Grade Descriptors AC1.1 AC1.2 AC1.3 AC2.1 AC2.2 AC2.3 AC3.1 AC3.2 AC3.3 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Outcomes/ Grade Descriptors AC4.1 AC4.2 AC4.3 M1 M2 M3 D1 D2 D3 √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ √ Assessor: Signature: ______________ Date: ___/___/___ Centre No 79829 Unit No & Unit Title Unit 23: Human Resources Development Course Title HND in Business Assessor’s Name Marriam Akbar Assignment Title & Type HRD Individual Assignment Date Set 17th January 2017 Due Date 10th April 2017 Semester / Academic Year January 2017 Semester2 Tutor Notes Key Points:  Your work should be submitted by the deadline.  The assignment must be your own work and original in all answers to the tasks.  All sources used should be correctly referenced in Harvard format.  You will be expected to check spelling mistakes and grammar before submitting your work.  The London School of Business and Management Cover sheet should be used in every submitted work.  An appropriate report structure should be used, which may include headings such as: Table of Contents, Introduction, Discussion/Evaluation, Conclusions, References and Appendices (if necessary).  There should be clarity of expression in your work.  Your work should demonstrate, for example, relevant factual content and understanding of the subject, critical analysis, evaluation, justifications, key arguments, correct use of appropriate models/framework etc. Submission Regulations 1. “Assignment Front Cover Sheet” must accompany every submitted work [Cover sheet is available from our Virtual Learning Environment - Moodle]. 2. Assignments must be submitted on or before the due date, via Turnitin. Please refer to the LSBM Moodle for detailed assignment submission instructions.3 Assignment Tasks: Task 1: Scenario People learn in different ways and the various ways that people learn represent their preferred learning styles. According to Honey and Mumford (1982) there are four learning styles such as activist, reflector, theorist and pragmatist. Fleming’s model (2001) postulates that there are three types of learning style; Visual, Auditory and Kinesthetic. Similarly there are various theories of learning. The main ones are behaviourism, cognitivism and constructivism. It is very important for managers to understand the above theories and learning styles in order to design effective training programmes for their employees. (a) Compare the different learning styles.(Covers AC1.1) (Guidance: In this section you have to discuss how far the learning styles are similar and different with reference to learners.) (b) Explain the role of the learning curve and the importance of transfer learning to the workplace. (Covers AC1.2) (Guidance: You have to explain effect of the learning curve and the importance of transferring that learning to the workplace.) (c) Assess the contribution of different learning styles and theories on the planning and designing of a learning/training event. (Covers AC1.3) (Guidance: you have to explain how the different learning styles influence managers in the in the design and planning of a learning/training event.) To achieve M1, you will make effective judgements of the importance for managers to understand the importance of learning styles in designing and planning a learning/ training event. To achieve M2, you will have used suitable techniques in assessing the effectiveness of a learning/training event. (Task 1 covers assessment criteria AC1.1, AC1.2, AC1.3, M1 & M2)4 Task 2: Scenario There are three main levels for the various functions in an organisation’s structure: the lower level (operational level), the middle management level and the senior management level. At different levels staffs have different training needs and require different knowledge, skills and competences to achieve the strategic goals of an organisation. At the operational level staffs need technical knowledge, skills and competences. At the middle management level staffs need knowledge, skills and competences in budgeting, planning organising and controlling and at senior management level staffs need knowledge, skills and competences in dealing with strategic issues. Some training methods are more appropriate and effective at one level than others. Moreover, to plan and to develop a cost effective training event for new employees require a systematic approach. (a) Compare and discuss the training needs of staff at different levels of an organisation. (Covers AC2.1) (b) Assess the advantages and disadvantages of training methods used in an organisation. (Covers AC2.2) (c) Use a systematic approach to plan training and development for a training event for new employees in an organisation. (Covers AC2.3) To achieve M3, your work must be in appropriate format with the use of correct terminology, academic theories and relevant examples of organisations you are familiar with. To achieve D1, you will have used relevant academic theories, analysis, critical thinking and drawn logical conclusions about the strategic roles of training in an organisation of your choice. (Task 2 covers assessment criteria AC2.1, AC2.2, AC2.3, M3 & D1) Task 3: Scenario In the design and planning of any training event managers need to consider how the effectiveness of the training will be evaluated and what techniques will be used. Observations, performance appraisal, interviews, survey questionnaire, peer observations are common techniques used in evaluation. (a) Prepare an evaluation plan using suitable techniques you are planning for in AC2.3 (Covers AC3.1) (Guidelines: In order to address this task satisfactorily, you should explain when the evaluation will take place; who will evaluate the training event, and so forth and explain at least two methods to evaluate the effectiveness of the training event. (b) How to carry out an evaluation of the training event you have planned in AC2.3 (Covers AC3.2) (C) Review the success of the evaluation methods used. (Covers AC3.3)5 (Guidelines: In order to address this task, you need to review the strengths and weaknesses of the two methods of evaluation you mentioned in task AC3.1) (Task 3 covers assessment criteria AC3.1, AC3.2 & AC3.3) Task 4: Scenario So as to support the growth, survival and competitiveness of UK firms the government has implemented several training and development initiatives with a strong focus on lifelong learning for continuous professional development of the labour force and the employability of people in the working age group. Some examples are : Industry Training organisations (ITOs), Investors in People (IiP), Business Links (BLs), Training and Local Enterprise Councils (TECs/LECS), National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) and Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) (a) Explain the role of government in training and development and the growing emphasis on lifelong learning. (Covers AC4.1) (Guidance: you must undertake some research on the above organizations to understand the role of government in promoting training and development in the UK labour force) (b) Explain how the development of the competency movement has impacted on the public and private sectors. (Covers AC4.2) (Guidance: You have to explain how UK government initiatives have improved the performance of both the public and the private sectors. You must undertake some research work.) (c) Assess how contemporary training initiatives introduced by the UK government contribute to human resources development of an organisation. (Covers AC4.3) (Guidance: You must undertake some research work for this section. Make recommendations what other initiatives the UK government should take to face future challenges) To achieve D2, you will have demonstrated an effective approach to independent research, theories and Harvard style of referencing. This applies to the whole assignment. To achieve D3, you will have to show effective thinking to reflect your learning and development in the study of the module. You will also include some recommendations to reflect your effective thinking. (Task 4 covers assessment criteria AC4.1, AC4.2 & AC4.3, D2 & D3)6 Grading Criteria (Pass, Merit, Distinction) Learning Outcomes Assessment Criteria for Pass LO1: Understand learning theories and learning styles AC1.1 Compare different learning styles AC1.2 Explain the role of the learning curve and the importance of transferring learning to the workplace AC1.3 Assess the contribution of learning styles and theories when planning and designing a learning event LO2. Be able to plan and design training and development AC2.1 Compare the training needs of staff at different levels in an organisation AC2.2 Assess the advantages and disadvantages of training methods used in an organisation AC2.3 Use a systematic approach to plan training and development for a training event. LO3. Be able to evaluate a training event. AC3.1 Prepare an evaluation using suitable techniques AC3.2 Carry out an evaluation of a training event AC3.3 Review the success of the evaluation methods used. LO4. Understand government led skills development initiatives AC4.1 Explain the role of government in training, development and lifelong learning AC4.2 Explain how the development of the competency movement has impacted on the public and private sectors AC4.3 Assess how contemporary training initiatives introduced by the UK government contribute to human resources development for an organisation. Grade Descriptors for MERIT Possible evidence M1 Identify and apply strategies to find appropriate solutions To achieve M1, you will make effective judgements of the importance for managers to understand the importance of learning styles in designing and planning a learning/ training event. (Task 1) M2 Select / design appropriate methods / techniques To achieve M2, you will have used suitable techniques in assessing the effectiveness of a learning/training event. (Task 1) M3 Present and communicate appropriate findings To achieve M3, your work must be in appropriate format with the use of correct terminology, academic theories and relevant examples of organisations you are familiar with. (Task 2) Grade Descriptors for DISTINCTION Possible evidence D1 Use critical reflection to evaluate own work and justify valid conclusions To achieve D1, you will have used relevant academic theories, analysis, critical thinking and drawn logical conclusions about the strategic roles of training in an organisation of your choice. (Task 2)7 D2 Take responsibility for managing and organising activities To achieve D2, you will have demonstrated an effective approach to independent research, theories and Harvard style of referencing. This applies to the whole assignment. (Task 4) D3 Demonstrate convergent / lateral / creative thinking To achieve D3, you will have to show effective thinking to reflect your learning and development in the study of the module. You will also include some recommendations to reflect your effective thinking. (Task 4) .