Learning and development

This course focuses on the main theoretical contributions (learning theories and methodologies) regarding Employee Training and development and the competitive advantage that Companies using innovative training and development practices are more likely to have. It will include upskilling and reskilling methodologies and a continuous learning approach in light of the work environments' progressive digitalization.
Learning goals are:
- Describe the role of training and development in companies.
- Explain how training practices and the organization's training function can support business goals and when training is appropriate.
- Address the learning process and the characteristics of a learning environment.
- Provide practical suggestions regarding what can be done to facilitate learning and transfer it before, during, and after a training program.
- Develop a critical understanding of traditional training methods (e.g., lecture, hands-on methods, on-the-job training, and behavior modeling), group methods (e.g., adventure learning), and "Technology-Based Training Methods" (e-learning, mobile learning, social media, simulations, serious games, massive open online courses, virtual worlds, and blended learning).
Finally, the course will connect Employee Development with Career Management, introducing developmental methods (assessment, job experiences, and formal courses) and explaining how to use development plans to help employees succeed in their self-directed careers.

At the end of the course, students will be able to:
- Understand the role of the Training and development function within organizations.
- Focus on how adults learn and define proper training approach.
- Assess training and development needs according to current business strategy and future scenarios.
- Know the different training methodologies and choose the most appropriate ones according to goals, organizational constraints, and business environment.
- Measure the effectiveness of training initiatives.
- Connect training and development initiatives to the employee career paths and succession plans.