Question

Scenario: Imagine you are the new Training Manager for Tiger Markets, a small chain of grocery stores. The president of the company asks you to determine a training strategy for the cashiers.

Following the SHRM guide outline your plan to conduct steps 1 and 2 of a Training Needs Assessment including questions you will ask to complete Step 1 as well as how you will complete Step 2 (if you plan to use interviews, what questions will you ask; if you plan to use observations, what behaviors will you be observing, etc.). Try to be detailed!

Answer 1

Training Needs Assessment of Employees

Step 1: Identify the business need for training

• This step can be done by analyzing and presenting a cost benefit analysis of the proposed training. The objective of the training must also be established strategically. The following questions can be asked to comprehensively complete the first step of training needs assessment.
  • Why this particular training is needed?
  • Who will be the trainer and the trainees of this training program?
  • How the trainees will be selected?
  • Is training the only way in which the business objective can be met?

Step 2: Perform a Gap Analysis

• This will strengthen the objective of the training program as the team will be able to state the skills and competency gap among the employees. There are various gap assessment tools which can be used. Some of them are:
  • Employee interviews: The employees can be asked the following questions:
    • What do they perceive as their strength?
    • What is their weakness?
    • Do they feel the weakness is impacting their work?
    • How do they plan to work on the same?
  • Performance Records
  • Employee observations
  • Questionnaires and Surveys
  • Focus group