The Fast-Changing Technology and Rapid Globalization - Essay Example

Introduction The fast changing technology and rapid globalization has necessitated reevaluation of previous strategies, in all areas of human interaction, so as to encompass the changing paradigms and maintain a competitive edge over their competitors. The impact of technology is visible on every aspect of professional and personal life of a modern man. To keep up with the pace of advancement, it has become imperative to upgrade the existing skills through training programs. Technology has revolutionalized the concept of communication and has provided people with vast options of acquiring knowledge and obtaining higher level of academic and professional excellence. The communication technology provides a highly innovative approach to training as opposed to the traditional methodology which is fast becoming obsolete. Hence, in the changing environment of business imperatives, the organizations are opting for training their employees and staff in the emerging new skills to meet the challenges of the time. According to a recent study, ‘the task of finding, retaining, developing, and deploying a skilled workforce to meet an organization’s objectives is the number one obstacle to revenue growth’ (Julian, 2001). They have realized the importance of such programs, especially in the light of rapid globalization which has made business more competitive and complex, with regard to transforming socio-economic paradigms and multi-cultural values. According to a study by Sugrue & Kim, ‘more than half of technology based courses in 2003 were delivered online’(Sugrue & Kim, 2004). Another survey reports that ‘the majority of learning executives anticipated increasing use of online platforms to deliver higher education to their employees’ (Trierweller & Rivera, 2005). To have a cost effective training programs, the organizations need to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of using computer based training versus traditional classroom based lecture training. We would be carrying an in-depth study into the two models of training programs. Objective The process of globalization has changed the dynamics of the business world. Change has become essential for development and organizations tend to adapt to the constantly evolving business environment through appropriate training and learning modules that promote better understanding among the employees for easy changeover. “Organizations must change because their environments change” (Bateman, 1990). They implement necessary changes in the organization to not only survive but compete with their rival with confidence. The basic objective of training programs for the employees and staff is not only to learn emerging new skills in the areas concerned but they are also designed to inform and develop better perception towards new technologies that encourage confidence building and innovation of ideas. Computer based training programs Today the technology has become part and parcel of business strategy and people need to keep abreast with the fast changing models of technological tools and processes. The far reaching impact of technology in all areas of business competencies has necessitated regular training programs for its people so that they are better equipped to meet the challenges of the times. Comparison of Costs of ILT and TBT at Acme Item Instructor-Led Training (ILT) Technology-Based Training (TBT) Design & Development $59,560 $350,000 Delivery $1,026,920 $134,400 Administration & Maintenance $5,168 $16,200 Final Total $1,091,648 $500,600 Source: Technology-Based Training, Kruse & Keil, 1999 (CCRA1, 2001) Advantages The computer based training modules give opportunities to the people to have hands on experience to understand and acquire necessary skills on the latest tools. The programs are cost effective on the long run as changes are easy to incorporate in the computer based training programs Such programs can be conducted through online classes that facilitate participation of trainees from different parts of the globe that helps the organizations to maintain a uniform standard of programs and performance criteria They have the capacity to include wide ranging options that are efficient and flexible and allow people to set their own pace through user friendly software tools. They help to empower people and encourage creative approach towards new skills and learning processes. It makes evaluations easier and faster so that trainees can improve themselves Disadvantages They promote excessive reliance on technologies It discourages people to develop inter-personal skills that are important ingredient of effective communication to resolve workplace conflicts and misunderstandings It becomes ineffective in the remote areas and places where the technology has yet to make a mark It may not always result in the desired outcome for the individuals who may require different learning tools or support system Lecture training The traditional models of classroom based training programs are increasingly becoming irrelevant in the fast advancing time. But a recent study by ASTD shows that ‘nearly 80% of corporate training is conducted in the classroom’ (ASTD, 2001). Advantages They promote inter-personal relationship which are conducive for conflict free work environment People can interact with their trainer and solve their program related problems without worrying about the intricacies of technological tools People are more comfortable with this traditional model This model can be used anywhere in the world as and when required and keep people informed about the new challenges that need to be met real time application of knowledge to complex circumstances Disadvantages They do not facilitate learning through state of the art technological tools that are part of new global business model They are limiting in their scope and confine the learning process within a predefined parameters Traditional teaching tools and accessories like stationery and programs manuals make it a highly expensive model Conducting training programs for its people who may be located at different parts of the world make it increasingly difficult for the organization to adopt it as their regular model of imparting training programs. Coordinating the schedules of employees from different department is difficult and precious organizational time is lost Standard set of instructions not possible with different instructors located at different regions Employees who cannot keep pace with their instructors or vice versa are demotivated and are unable to absorb the new skills or information Conclusion The whole new range of options offered by the computer based training programs have become popular as they foster better time management and uniformity in the program schedule. The training is not confined to classroom and each of the trainees can set his own pace to learn from the computerized training manual thus facilitating cost effective measures for the organization. The computerized training material is also interactive and helps the participant to grasp the rudiments with ease thus improving the quality of instructions. Reference ASTD (2001). ASTD State of the Industry Report. American Society for Training & Development, March 2001. E-Learning in CCRA. Available from: [Accessed 25 September 2008]. Julian, H., & Boone, C. (2001). Blended Learning Solutions: Improving the Way Companies Manage Intellectual Capital. IDC White Paper. Sugrue B, Kim K-H. (2004). State of the industry: ASTD’s annual review of trends in workplace learning and performance. Alexandria, VA: ASTD. Trierweller C. Rivera R. (2005). Is online higher education right for corporate education? Training and Development, 59, 44-47. Read More