The unsteady economy has surely changed the way many businesses operate. From pay cuts to layoffs, many industries have had to adapt and endure, and the manufacturing business is just one of many. During these tough economic times, manufacturers have had to learn to run their business with a smaller workforce. This means having a staff that has the ability to take the lead and execute tasks all across the board. Since...
E-Learning has the potential to change the world of learning. And, assuming that is a true statement, we should all look forward to the impending fall of the wall between business and education. That wall has separated the two sectors for many years, but the pressure of global economic competition is leading many to plan for that barrier’s demise. The historical separation is between business and that sector of the educational system...
When it comes to industrial training, to increase your success rate, you must first determine your desired outcomes. More than often businesses train employees when a standard of work is not met, however training workers in advance will allow you to maintain a superior quality of work. To accomplish this you must be able to clearly communicate what your desired standard is as well as assess the level of skill your workforce...
On Wednesday, Aric Newhouse, the Senior Vice President for Policy and Government Relations of the National Association of Manufacturer (NAM) released a statement concerning the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Cement MACT and Boiler MACT regulations. Mr. Newhouse stated that the House will have an opportunity to protect manufacturing jobs and economic growth when they meet later this week. They can do so by passing legislation to stop the EPA from executing the...
As you know, there are two operating philosophies that are common to many successful organizations—whether the enterprise engages in industrial manufacturing, service, distribution, finance or any other kind of business—Total Quality Management (TQM) and Just-In-Time (JIT). Total Quality Management seeks to develop a dedication to the customer, a predictable process of manufacturing, operations, or service, a climate in which employees strive for continual improvement and the desire to get to the root...
Shades of the 1980s! Imagine my surprise when I read a long-established training vendor’s recent press release. Omitting the organization’s name, I’m going to quote from it: “(Company X) conducted a survey of its clients to determine the effectiveness of online training. Comparing over 100,000 pre- and post-test scores, (Company X) found that clients using (Company X’s) courses significantly increased their trainees’ technical and safety knowledge. After reviewing the tests results from...
According to the most recent Beige Book of the Federal Reserve Board, lately there has been more manufacturing activity in the Midwest and West than in the Mid-Atlantic region. While Cleveland reported a decrease in auto production, the decline was not alarming as it is expected this time of year due to normal seasonal retooling for model changes. Chicago reported a leveling off of auto production in August after a great month...
There is a creative aspect of effective learning that is often overlooked. Particularly with most current E-Learning examples we see courseware that has been “engineered” and with little capability to motivate the trainee either to learn or remember. “Cookie cutter” E-Learning (repurposed PowerPoint and written procedures) abounds all around us. And, of course, with disastrous consequences. (These reading-based courses have abysmal retention results, if for no other reason then the fact that...
How important is training investment to business and industry? A recent international study conducted by Bo Hansson of Malardalen University suggests that, “the single most important factor associated with profitability is how much is invested in training . . .” Moreover, a recent U.S. Department of Education study found that by increasing an individual’s training by 10%, productivity is increased by 10%. Compare that to only a 6% productivity increase when adding...
As the last months of 2011 near, many manufacturers have considered what the remainder of the year will look like for their industry. The ups and downs of the economy have surely wearied us all, however things are looking bright for some manufacturers in the United States. With a positive outlook on revenue, employment and growth, industrial manufacturers may be in for a treat. The New York Times article, “Factory Field Trip”...
When it comes to industrial trades, safety should be the number one concern for all employers and employees. Working in plants, on site and with heavy machinery are risky jobs. Often industrial workers come in contact with harsh chemicals, electrical circuits and dangerous tools on a daily basis. Because of the nature of their work relevant safety training is essential to the well-being of your staff and your business. Proper maintenance and...
My career in visual-media training goes back a long way — to the earliest days of videotape instruction (black and white, as color cameras were not an option). In addition, there was no profession called “Instructional Design.” Rather an SME prepared the content (all factual with only the uniqueness of the camera work and rudimentary hand-drawn graphics to provide the motivational elements) and, then, the SME became the on-screen talent. Later, the...
While training new and existing staff will benefit the output of your employees, the ultimate objective is to maximize your return on investment. In order to do so, your company must assure those being trained understand the goals of your business and how advancing their skill sets will be critical to your company’s success as well as their own. Below are a few tips to enhance the online training experience for your...
“PROACTIVE TRAINING” Too often, new training initiatives are merely reactive solutions to present problems. For example: “We’re producing too much scrap!” “The same pumps need bearing replacement too often!” “Too many on-the-job accidents are occurring!” While it is understandable that reactive training can often become a short-term necessity, organizations that want to increase efficiencies and company profitability become proactive in their training plans and goals. Proactive Training in the process and manufacturing...