Significance of Data Sources for Improving Learning and Development Practices

This document investigates the significance of data sources in improving learning and development practices in the professional field. It explores the impact of data sources on the learning and development process, the challenges faced, and the benefits it brings to organizations. The document also discusses the research methods used to gather data and provides recommendations for improving the learning and development process.

Running head: MANAGEMENT
Investigate the significance of data sources for improving the Learning and development
practices in professional field
Name of the student
Name of the university
Author note

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Table of contents
Activity 1.........................................................................................................................................2
Activity 2.........................................................................................................................................3
Introduction......................................................................................................................................3
Rationale of the investigated area....................................................................................................4
Research methods............................................................................................................................9
Findings.........................................................................................................................................11
Conclusion and recommendation..................................................................................................14
Limitation of the research..............................................................................................................16
Reference list.................................................................................................................................16
Appendix........................................................................................................................................18

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Activity 1
Learning metrics play an effective role in case of bring the progress in communication
process. In order to gain both the short term and long term benefits, the metrics are being used
for driving the improvements of proper utilization of resources (You 2016). Depending on the
learning and development initiatives, the critical business changes brings the strong impact on
professional field. The learning and development process can be improved with the training
processes that can ensure the basic efficiency and effectiveness. Analyzing the learning and
development metrics it can be said that depending on behavioral characteristics of individuals,
the professional growth can be driven. Depending on the workplace applications, the learners get
new evidences for adopting the skills and knowledge. Due to the behavioral changes on
individuals the corporate culture as well as corporate goals in an organization get selected.
It is true that from the past few years the learning intervention process has got changed in
different organizations. Analyzing the emerging situation different areas have been identified
that talent, market share, efficiency in training, products and services are important
performance indicators (Weng et al., 2017). In order to increase the values in business activities.
Talent is being considered as the important key metrics that is being measured based on the
attrition rates, productivity level, time to competency and engagement level of individuals
towards achieving the organizational goals. Market share is another important performance
indictor, based on the information the company gets the chance to understand the abilities of
individuals. In order to measure the effective learning and development process time spent can
be considered as the important key metrics in the training process. Using this key metrics it can
be easier for the learner to understand the struggling areas while doing a particular task. On the
other hand it also helps to deal with the difficult activities. Activity completion rates can be

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considered another important key metrics that help the learner to understand the areas which
have been left over by the performance, while performing a task. It cannot be denied that in case
of improving the overall performance, analyzing the abilities of individuals are important. While
conducting an efficient training program, it is important for the team leader to provide healthy
environment to the participants. Satisfying the needs of individuals, the behavioral perspectives
can be changed through the learning and development process.
There are two types of data sources, one is primary data and another is secondary data. In
case of collecting the primary information, the surveys and interview methods are being
conducted for collecting the record (Su and Cheng 2015). In that case getting the information
regarding the influences of key metrics, the survey method has been conducted. Not only the
survey method, but also interview and official records have been reviewed. Collecting the
primary information randomly participants from different professional fields have been chosen.
Some of the participants have been chosen from manufacturing sector, some of the participants
have been chosen from automobile industry and some of are from the retail sector. Using the
quantitative data analysis technique, the collected information has been transformed into
numerical form. On the other hand, in case of collecting the secondary information authentic
articles, journals and books have been used. In case of collecting the information from primary
sources, the authenticity of the information becomes the important concern. On the other hand, in
case of secondary information, the authenticity of the information is comparatively higher than
the primary sources. In case of collecting the information from primary sources, the chances of
getting the wrong information increases.

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Activity 2
Introduction
In the current business scenario, due to advancement in operational activities as well as
changing needs of individuals, data sources have become important part for managing the
professional growth (Su and Cheng 2015). The purpose of data sources is to gather the
technological information which is needed for accessing the project. Maintaining the proper data
base plays an important role in the management system. Data collection is important for
gathering the quality information for ensuring the further analysis of a particular topic
(Tempelaar, Rienties and Giesbers 2015). Depending on the data sources as well as data
collection techniques, the decision making process in the management gets influenced. The
purpose of this report is to investigate the significant impact of data sources in the learning and
development process and describe its positive impact in the professional field. In case of
improving the organizational infrastructure as well as ensuring the standard productivity rate, the
significance of data sources in professional field cannot be ignored.
Objectives
 To identify the significant impact of choosing appropriate data sources for professional
field
 To analyze the challenges faced by organization to bring performance efficiency
 To provide measurable recommendations that can help to deal with the challenges
Rationale of the investigated area
In order to connect with the idea of managing the information, the role of data sources is
important. It cannot be denied that in case of reforming the learning and development process,

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data source very important for improving the quality of information. Depending on the
reformation of data, the volume of task as well as rate of productivity can be judged. Analyzing
the current business scenario, it has been identified that in order to sustaining in the competitive
professional field ensuring the efficiency in the workplace has become necessary (Tempelaar,
Rienties and Giesbers 2015). By continuing this, it can also be said that introducing the
efficiency in professional field, it is very important for maintaining the performance report. With
the effective uses of data sources, the performances evaluation process is being done in the
numerical form. Among the corporate leaders, Big data uses can help to explore the benefits of
the particular organization. Both the unstructured as well as structured information can be
converted based on the data analysis process. In the year 2015, it has been identified that near
about 63% of small businesses and 80% of enterprises have introduced the data initiatives in the
workplace.
Using the effective data analysis process, it has been identified that it plays an important
role for investigating the multiple operational areas in an organization. It is true that big data
analysis process has become the rising phenomenon in the learning and development process.
Not only based on the volume of published data but also data analysis process helps to describe
the new information. In the current training and development process, data sources are being
used as the important resources that helps to deliver the effective contents to the agencies. By
continuing this, it can be said that data analysis tools can also play an important role for getting
the right learning materials that makes the learning process more effective (Akter et al. 2016).
Depending on the sources of data, the creativity as well as authenticity of the information can be
understood. Analyzing the significance of data sources in the learning and development program,
it can be said that creating the personalized training programs, it has significant impact.

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Learner preferences as well as patterns of the users, adaptive and personalized learning
strategies are being developed with the effective uses of data sources. Tracking the performance
record of individuals and a learning group, the betterment in an organization can be ensured.
Certain portion of learning and development program can be collected from videos and pictures
(Akter et al. 2016). Analyzing the data collected the organization can be able to identify which
training program can be more appealing for the participants. In that case, based on the
requirement of individuals, the growth process can be improved. If the organization will get the
chance to evaluate the performance data, in that case, it can not only bring the professional
improvements but also it can help to bring the personal development. In order to gain both the
short term and long term benefits, the metrics are being used for driving the improvements of
proper utilization of resources. Depending on the learning and development initiatives, the
critical business changes brings the strong impact on professional field. The learning and
development process can be improved with the training processes that can ensure the basic
efficiency and effectiveness. Analyzing the learning and development metrics it can be said that
depending on behavioral characteristics of individuals, the professional growth can be driven
(Groves et al. 2016).
Depending on the collected information, it can also be easier for the team leader to
identify the uniqueness of individuals that can help the organization to understand the strength
areas (Fidalgo-Blanco et al. 2015). On the other hand, it is true that predicting the future needs of
training programs, the data analysis is very important. In case of professional fields, it cannot be
denied that the selection process of data sources is important as based on the data selection
process comparative effectiveness of the learning process can be analyzed. It can be said that in
order to determine the significant baseline of a particular research topic, availability of existing

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data can play an effective role to maintain the performance record in proper manner (Groves et
al. 2016). By continuing this, it can also be said that in case of increasing the richness of
information in a research paper, the proper contribution of data sources can effectively help to
measuring the performances in professional field. It is true that depending on the different data
analysis technique, both the advantages and disadvantage of the particular topic can be analyzed.
In the current business scenario, significance of data sources cannot be denied. Depending on the
availability of data sources, the performances of the individuals can be measured that can help
the organizations to identify the further requirements for the organization.
Significance of learning and development process for reaching the business goals
Training program helps to identify the strength of the needs of the employees. It also
helps to strengthen the skills of individuals that can focus on sharing the knowledge. This can
also help to reduce the weak links. The training and development process brings the prime
opportunity for the organization to enhance the skills as well as dedication of the employees
towards organization. The employees who get the chance to attend the training sessions gets the
competitive environment that helps them to get the self-assessment report.
Skill enhancement
Depending on the learning and development initiative in the workplace time management
as well as productivity rate in the company increases. Employee who gets the necessary learning
and development opportunity can be able to perform their job in better manner. Enhancing the
confidence of the employees the industry standard as well as position in the competitive market
can also be increased (Groves et al. 2016).
Employee morale and satisfaction

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Introducing the integrated training program in the workplace employee morale as well as
employee satisfaction can be ensured. Learning and development process creates the supportive
working environment in which the company can easily share its values with the employees. By
appreciating employees through the learning and development process the company gets the
chance to enhance the abilities of individuals towards facing the challenges in the workplace.
Address weaknesses
It is true that bringing the development it is very important for individuals to understand
their strength and weaknesses. Not only just friends but also through the effective training
program weak links of individuals can be easily identified (Najafabadi et al. 2015). The training
need analysis process focus on identifying the weaknesses and those impact on the professional
graph of individuals. In that case addressing the weaknesses learning and development process
brings the significant impact on professional growth.
Increasing productivity
Depending on the integrated learning courses the level of productivity in an organization
can get influence. It cannot be denied that training program plays an important role for enhancing
the performance as well as abilities of individuals. In that case increasing the efficiency of the
employees the turnover rate as well as potential market share is being controlled.
Consistency
Learning and development program help to provide the consistent knowledge as well as
background experience to the participants. Through the Learning and development process the
relevant rules and policies of the company are being introduced that helps to increase the
employee awareness (Sennrich, Haddow and Birch 2015).

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Challenges faced by learning and development process
Although the learning and development process brings huge impact on developing the
professional career of individuals but it is also true that in most of the cases participants face
challenges in case of dealing with the changes. It is true that depending on the need analysis
process the new idea is being introduced through the learning and development process. In that
case ensuring the engagement of learners becomes highly challenging for the trainers. By
continuing this it can also be said that operational management and its conflicting situations can
bring strong impact on the growth process of individuals (Kennedy 2016). all the through the
training and development process the company in to bring the improvement it as well as
effectiveness but it is also true that some of the cases due to failure in the most rating the value of
leadership it becomes challenging for the participants to additive the training processes.
Maintaining the consistency while performing a job role has become one of the important
concerns for every organization. In case of adapting the effective learning and development
program in the workplace inconsistency of the organization towards maintaining the rules and
regulations create the major barrier.
Research methods
Research philosophy
In case of understanding the needs of individuals from the learning and development
process the positivism research philosophy will be adopted. Following the positivism research
philosophy it will be easier for the researcher to maintain the flow of the research in systematic
manner (Simpson 2018). It can also play an important role to critically analyze the research
issues which can help the researcher to bring further improvements.

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Research approach
Among deductive and inductive research approach deductive research approach will be
followed in case of developing the training need analysis intervention process. in this case based
on the existing models and theories the learning and development process will be introduced.
Data sources
In order to introduce the effective learning integration method both the primary and
secondary data sources can be used by the researcher. In order to collect the primary information
survey and interview method will be conducted. Conducting the survey method on employees
from different departments in an organization (Fidalgo-Blanco et al. 2015). It can be easier for
the researcher to understand the needs of individuals. In case of understanding the abilities as
well as Expectations of the employees from the particular organization survey method is being
considered as the fastest method for collecting the information. On the other hand interview will
be conducted by the researcher with the involvement of two managers in the particular
organization. Training need analysis is very important for or ensuring the further growth in an
organization. Therefore before introducing the learning intervention method training need
analysis will be done in which the company can be able to identify both the strength and
weaknesses of the participants.
Sample size
In order to conduct the research 100 participants will be selected using the simple random
sampling method. The simple random sampling method can help the researcher to cover the vast
area of research.
Data analysis

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In order to transform the survey information into numerical form quantitative data
analysis technique will be followed by the researcher. Using the qualitative data analysis
technique the interview information will be described.
Cost of intervention
Personnel Activity Amount
Research assistant Training $300
Orientation $500
One-month calls $600
Mailing materials $400
Computer expert system
(Hard ware and software)
Computer $500
Printer $200
Scanner $300
Up gradation of expert
system
$1200
Mailing materials Paper, print and binding $500
Mailing $300
Total =$4800
(Created by author)
Findings
Participant 1
Why the learning and development process in important?

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Engagement of employees towards bringing the organizational growth can be assured
depending on their behavioral characteristics. In order to bring the integrated learning and
development process for avoiding the situation and challenges in an organization training need
analysis has become important strategic initiative for the organizations.
Participant 2
Why the learning and development process in important?
In case of introducing learning and development program for improving the professional
graph of individuals it is very important for analyzing the behavioral characteristics. Depending
on the collected data, the performance abilities as well as different behavioral aspects can be
easily identified.
Survey
1. Training does have impact on organizational growth?
Category Collected responds No of respondents
Yes 40 100
No 30 100
Neutral 20 100

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Training does have impact on
organizational growth
Yes No Neutral
Figure: Training impact on organizational growth
(Created by author)
In the above analysis it has been identified that among the 100respondentss, 40% have
agreed that training does have impact on organizational growth. However, 30% of the total
respondents have disagreed. Rest of 20% participants have given the neutral answer.
2. Data sources have strong impact on maintaining the authenticity of the information.
Category Collected responds No of respondents
Yes 70 100
No 30 100
Neutral 0 100

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Strong impact on maintaining the
authenticity of the information
Yes No Neutral
Figure: Strong impact on maintaining the authenticity of the information.
(Created by author)
In the above analysis it has been identified that among the 100 respondents, 70% have
agreed that data sources strong impact on maintaining the authenticity of the information.
However, 30% of the total respondents have disagreed.
3. Learning and development program have significant impact in case of ensuring the business
growth
Category Collected responds No of respondents
Yes 60 100
No 30 100
Neutral 10 100

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Learning and development program have
significant impact in case of ensuring the
business growth
Yes No Neutral
Figure: Learning and development program have significant impact in case of ensuring the
business growth
(Created by author)
In the above analysis it has been identified that among the 100 respondents, 60% have
agreed that Learning and development program have significant impact in case of ensuring the
business growth. However, 30% of the total respondents have disagreed. Rest of 10%
participants have given the neutral answer.
4. Learning and development process brings both the personal and professional development
Category Collected responds No of respondents
Yes 50 100
No 40 100
Neutral 10 100

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Learning and development process brings both
the personal and professional development
Yes No Neutral
Figure: Learning and development process brings both the personal and professional
development
(Created by author)
In the above analysis it has been identified that among the 100 respondents, 50% have
agreed that learning and development process brings both the personal and professional
development. However, 40% of the total respondents have disagreed. Rest of 10% participants
have given the neutral answer.
5. Internal culture in the company can bring the impact in case of enhancing the abilities of the
employees
Category Collected responds No of respondents
Yes 60 100
No 30 100
Neutral 10 100

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Internal culture in the company can bring the
impact in case of enhancing the abilities of the
employees
Yes No Neutral
Figure: Internal culture in the company can bring the impact in case of enhancing the abilities of
the employees
(Created by author)
In the above analysis it has been identified that among the 100 respondents, 60% have
agreed that internal culture in the company can bring the impact in case of enhancing the abilities
of the employees. However, 30% of the total respondents have disagreed. Rest of 10%
participants have given the neutral answer.
6. Performance management is an important strategic initiative that can help to ensure the
improvements
Category Collected responds No of respondents
Yes 40 100
No 30 100
Neutral 20 100

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Performance management is an important
strategic initiative that can help to ensure the
improvements
Yes No Neutral
Figure: Performance management is an important strategic initiative that can help to ensure the
improvements
(Created by author)
In the above analysis it has been identified that among the 100 respondents, 40% have
agreed that performance management is an important strategic initiative that can help to ensure
the improvements. However, 30% of the total respondents have disagreed. Rest of 20%
participants have given the neutral answer.
Conclusion and recommendation
In this study it can be concluded that the learning and development process gets highly
influenced by the data sources. In case of analyzing that training needs depending on the data
sources that exact situation is being elaborated to the researcher. In the findings, it has been
identified that authentic data sources have significant impact in terms of improving the learning
and development process in professional field. By continuing this it can also be said that
depending on the authenticity of collected information, Performance abilities of individuals in

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the workplace can be easily identified. In case of introducing learning and development program
for improving the professional graph of individuals it is very important for analyzing the
behavioral characteristics. Depending on the collected data, the performance abilities as well as
different behavioral aspects can be easily identified. By continuing this it can also be said that
depending on the data collection methods the engagement of employees towards bringing the
organizational growth can be insured. In order to bring the integrated learning and development
process for avoiding the situation and challenges in an organization training need analysis has
become important strategic initiative for the organizations.
 In case of improving the learning and development program in an organization, it
is very important for the company to set a benchmark against the competing
organization.
 Rather than setting the huge target on the participants the company can focus on
setting the target based on abilities of the employees so that employee
engagement as well as job satisfaction can be properly maintained.
 Maintaining the innovativeness is very important in terms of ensuring the good
quality of performance in the workplace through time management and talent
management opportunities.
 After completion of the training and development process it is very important for
the company to develop a plan for training evaluation. In that case collecting the
performance data and measuring the result can play an effective role.
Limitation of the research
Analyzing the data collection method it can be assumed that the researcher may have
faced challenges in case of convincing the participants for sharing their knowledge. It is also true

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that while collecting the primary information the researcher gets the information based on the
mental state of that particular. In that case authenticity of the research paper creates and
important concern. By continuing this it can also be said that it will be harder for the researcher
to get appointment from the Managing authorities before conducting the interviews. Although
covering the vast area of research topic the researcher has selected the simple random sampling
method, however it is also true that following the random sampling method getting the
appropriate information on the particular research topic cannot be possible. Budget can be the
important limitation for the research paper. While conducting the survey the researcher may have
faced biased response which cannot be used for the research paper.
Reference list
Akter, S., Wamba, S.F., Gunasekaran, A., Dubey, R. and Childe, S.J., 2016. How to improve
firm performance using big data analytics capability and business strategy
alignment?. International Journal of Production Economics, 182, pp.113-131.
Fidalgo-Blanco, Á., Sein-Echaluce, M.L., García-Peñalvo, F.J. and Conde, M.Á., 2015. Using
Learning Analytics to improve teamwork assessment. Computers in Human Behavior, 47,
pp.149-156.
Groves, P., Kayyali, B., Knott, D. and Kuiken, S.V., 2016. The'big data'revolution in healthcare:
Accelerating value and innovation.
Kennedy, M.M., 2016. How does professional development improve teaching?. Review of
educational research, 86(4), pp.945-980.

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Najafabadi, M.M., Villanustre, F., Khoshgoftaar, T.M., Seliya, N., Wald, R. and Muharemagic,
E., 2015. Deep learning applications and challenges in big data analytics. Journal of Big
Data, 2(1), p.1.
Sennrich, R., Haddow, B. and Birch, A., 2015. Improving neural machine translation models
with monolingual data. arXiv preprint arXiv:1511.06709.
Simpson, O., 2018. Supporting students in online, open and distance learning. Routledge.
Su, C.H. and Cheng, C.H., 2015. A mobile gamification learning system for improving the
learning motivation and achievements. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 31(3), pp.268-
286.
Tempelaar, D.T., Rienties, B. and Giesbers, B., 2015. In search for the most informative data for
feedback generation: Learning Analytics in a data-rich context. Computers in Human
Behavior, 47, pp.157-167.g
Weng, S.F., Reps, J., Kai, J., Garibaldi, J.M. and Qureshi, N., 2017. Can machine-learning
improve cardiovascular risk prediction using routine clinical data?. PloS one, 12(4), p.e0174944.
You, J.W., 2016. Identifying significant indicators using LMS data to predict course
achievement in online learning. The Internet and Higher Education, 29, pp.23-30.

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Appendix
Survey
1. Training does have impact on organizational growth?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Neutral
2. Data sources have strong impact on maintaining the authenticity of the information.
a) Yes
b) No
c) Neutral
3. Learning and development program have significant impact in case of ensuring the business
growth
a) Yes
b) No
c) Neutral
4. Learning and development process brings both the personal and professional development
a) Yes
b) No

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c) Neutral
5. Internal culture in the company can bring the impact in case of enhancing the abilities of the
employees
a) Yes
b) No
c) Neutral
6. Performance management is an important strategic initiative that can help to ensure the
improvements
a) Yes
b) No
c) Neutral