Question 1: Define 'training' in the context of a business. Why is training important for employees?

Answer: Training is the process of teaching employees specific skills or knowledge to perform their jobs effectively. It is important because it improves performance, increases efficiency, and helps employees adapt to new systems or procedures.

Question 2: Identify two common types of training that a business might provide to its employees and briefly explain each.

Answer: On-the-job training: Employees learn while performing their actual job tasks under supervision. Off-the-job training: Employees attend courses or workshops away from the workplace to learn skills or knowledge relevant to their roles.

Question 3: Explain the benefits of providing training to new employees in a business.

Answer: Training helps new employees understand their roles quickly, reduces mistakes, increases confidence, and promotes consistency in work quality, leading to better overall performance.

Question 4: Describe two potential disadvantages or challenges a business might face when providing training.

Answer: Training can be costly in terms of money and time, which may affect productivity temporarily. Additionally, if not well-planned, training may not lead to improved performance or skills.

Question 5: Suggest two ways a business can evaluate whether its training programs are successful.

Answer: By measuring employee performance before and after training or by collecting feedback from employees about the usefulness of the training sessions.

Question 6: Imagine you are designing a training session for new staff on customer service. Sketch a rough plan of the key topics you would include in the training.

Answer: A clear sketch would outline topics such as: 1. Importance of good customer service, 2. Communication skills, 3. Handling complaints, 4. Product knowledge, 5. Dress code and professional behaviour. The sketch should show these points in a logical sequence with space for notes and activities.

Question 7: Explain how ongoing training can benefit a business in a competitive market.

Answer: Ongoing training helps employees stay updated with new skills and industry developments, leading to improved productivity and innovation, which can give the business a competitive edge.

Question 8: Describe the difference between inductive and developmental training.

Answer: Inductive training aims to teach specific skills or procedures to perform a task, often in a structured way. Developmental training focuses on improving overall abilities such as leadership, problem-solving, and decision-making for future roles.

Question 9: Suggest three ways a business could motivate employees to participate actively in training programs.

Answer: Providing incentives such as certificates or bonuses, linking training to career progression, and making training engaging and relevant to employees’ roles.

Question 10: Draw a flowchart showing the typical stages involved in planning and delivering a training program.

Answer: A correct flowchart would include stages such as: 1. Needs analysis, 2. Setting objectives, 3. Designing the training, 4. Delivering the training, 5. Evaluating effectiveness. The flow should be logical, with arrows connecting each stage.