Significance of Training & Development in Managing and Retaining Talent in UK Hospitality Sector: A Study on Marriott

This research project aims to assess the significance of training & development in relation to managing and retaining talent within the UK hospitality sector, with a focus on Marriott. The study will explore the concept of training & development, assess its importance within the hospitality sector, identify its contribution to talent management and retention, and recommend effective T&D practices for Marriott.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Table of Contents
Preparing brief research proposal................................................................................................3
Background of the study.............................................................................................................3
Research aim and objectives.......................................................................................................3
Rationale of the study.................................................................................................................3
Literature review.........................................................................................................................4
Research methodology................................................................................................................5
Timeline......................................................................................................................................6
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.....................................................................................................8
DATA ANALYSIS..........................................................................................................................9
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.............................................................................13
REFLECTION...............................................................................................................................14
Alternative research methodology that can be considered for the study..................................14
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................16
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................17
Questionnaire............................................................................................................................17

Topic: To assess the significance of training & development in relation to managing and
retaining talent within UK hospitality sector: A study on Marriott
Preparing brief research proposal
Background of the study
The business exists in the environment which is very dynamic and ever- changing and it is
very essential for the companies to have adaption to the latest changes. Thus, for this the most
essential thing is the training and development (Tracey and Swart, 2020). The training and
development is defined as the providing of knowledge and guidance to the employees or other
person in order to give them knowledge of the latest trend. In the hospitality industry there are
many different changes which take place very fast and frequently and it is essential for the
person to adapt to the latest changes. Thus, the current research will outline the importance of
training and development in retaining of the talent within the hotel Marriott.
Research aim and objectives
Aim
The aim of the current study is to investigate the extent to which training & development
in relation to managing and retaining talent within Marriott.
Objectives
 To develop understanding about the concept of training & development.
 To assess the importance of training & development within hospitality sector.
 To identify the contribution of training & development in relation to talent management
and retention within Marriott.
 To recommend effectual T&D practices to Marriott that contributes in talent management
and retention.
Rationale of the study
The rationale behind current study is to assess the manner through which employees can be
managed and retained within Marriott. Moreover, in hospitality sector employee turnover is
increasing with the very high pace. This in turn directly impacts productivity and profitability of
firms operating within UK hospitality sector. It has assessed from the evaluation that now
technological advancement is increasing frequently. In this regard, through the means of

thematic analysis research could shed light on the manner by which talent management and
retention can be ensured in Marriott.
Literature review
Concept of training and development
In accordance with the views of Johnson, Park and Bartlett (2018) training and development
is defined as the steps taken in order to improve the current working ability of the person or the
employees working in the company. This is very essential for the companies and especially in
hospitality sector as there are many different changes taking place in the external environment
and specially in the technological sector. Thus, there is great importance of training and
development in the hospitality sector and is very essential for the companies and hotels to learn
the new things and make the employees to learn as well.
In contrast to this Rathore (2017) states that training and development is essential for the
companies in the hospitality sector as this will help the employees in learning new and advance
things. Thus, this will increase the working efficiency of the employees and this will result in the
overall development of the hotel and other business as well. Thus, the training and development
will assist the company in managing the working and the operations of the company in better
manner which will lead in the development of the business to a great extent.
Various methods of providing training and development
In the views of Zaitseva, Goncharova and Androsenko (2016) there are various methods
through which hotel can provide for training to its employees and workers. The major method of
giving training is the method of mentoring. Under this technique the mentor or the senior of the
employee provides all the information relating to the recent changes taking place in the
environment. Thus, this will assist the employees to learn for the latest trends going on the in the
external environment.
In contrast to this Fletcher, Alfes and Robinson (2018) argues that the major method of
training is the method of role play. Under this method the employees are given with a situation
and they have to act in a manner that if in actual they encounter with the same situation then how
would they have reacted. This is a little practical method and this assist the employee to retain
the learning in more effective manner. This is due to the fact that when the person actually
performs the activity then they remember it for much longer period of time.
Importance of training and development in retaining good talent within the hotel

In the thinking of Chaudhry and et.al, (2017) providing of training to the employees is very
important for the hospitality industry as this includes educating the employees with the latest
changes. Hence, this is essential as when the employees are well trained and well versed with the
latest changes then they work in more effective manner. Also, when the company takes initiative
to train the employees then the employees feel motivated towards the company as the company
is taking initiative for the development of the business.
In against of this King and Tang (2020) argues that the if the employees are given proper
training then they remain loyal to the company. Also, they remain connected for a longer period
of time with the company and work in much better manner. This is due to the fact that when the
company takes care of the personal development of the employee then they also feel that they
must do something for the company in return and for this they perform their activities with more
perfection.
Research methodology
Research type
For assessing optimal solution of the research issue or problem qualitative research type
will be used. By focusing on qualitative aspects pertaining to T&D, talent management and
retention effectual solution will be assessed.
Research approach:
Inductive and deductive are the main two approaches which scholar can select for
investigation purpose. Hence, inductive research approach will be used for addressing qualitative
issue or problem.
Research philosophy:
In research, philosophies can be distinguished into two such as interpretivism and
positivism. In the current research, for asses the contribution of T&D practices with regards to
employee engagement interpretivism philosophy will be employed.
Data collection
With regards to problem solving researcher will focus on undertaking both the sources.
Hence, research will collect data via survey and using research articles that had already been
published by other scholars.
Sampling

For sample selection simple random sampling technique will be undertaken which comes
under probabilistic technique. Referring this, 15 personnel of Marriott will be selected for
investigation purpose.
Data analysis
For presenting solution in an appropriate manner different themes will be prepared by
taking into account respondent’s view. Further, for ensuring better understanding about results
graphs will also be included in the result.
Reliability and validity
In this context, latest articles associated with the study have been used for developing
better understanding about topic. Along with this, for ensuring reliability no modifications have
been done in the results collected through survey. Furthermore, copyright protected sources have
been considered for the purpose of data collection as they furnish reliable information related to
the concerned study.
Research limitations
Time, cost as well as resources are recognized as the main limitations that associated with
the research study and its outcome. However, in order to avoid the impact of limitations
qualitative research type and simple random sampling technique will be considered which highly
suits to the issue being investigated.
Timeline
Activities /
week
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Topic
selection
Developing
brief research
proposal
Conducting
LR
Research
method
identification

and selection
Drafting
questionnaire
Data
collection by
sending
survey to the
respondents
Collation and
analyzing
gathered data
set
Concluding
findings and
recommending
solution for
further growth
Doing
formatting for
file structuring
Taking
feedback from
tutor
Doing final
changes and
submission
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research type- the type of research being followed within the present study is the qualitative
approach out of the two different type that is qualitative and quantitative (Kumar, 2019). The

selection of qualitative approach is made as this will assist the scholar in learning the concept of
training and development in detail.
Research approach- the approach for the completion of research used the researcher was the
inductive approach from the two approaches that is deductive and inductive (De Costa, Crowther
and Maloney, 2019). This is selected due to the fact this approach is directed towards the
formation of the aims and objectives first and then complete the whole research (Taherdoost,
2016).
Research philosophy- with the help of the interpretivism philosophy the current research on the
significance of the training and development on the retention of employees within the company.
This was selected out of the two that is positivism and interpretivism because this assist the
researcher in integrating the human interest with the study.
Data collection: In order to address research question both primary and secondary sources have
been undertaken for the purpose of data collection. In this regard, survey will be conducted on 15
personnel of Marriott using questionnaire. Further, books, journals and scholarly articles will be
evaluated by the scholar for developing brief thesis and analyzing gathered data set.
Sampling: Due to having limited time frame it is not possible for the scholar to conduct study on
whole population identified (Eisend and Kuss, 2019). In this context, there are mainly two
sampling techniques which scholar can undertake namely probabilistic and non-probabilistic.
Hence, accordingly, 15 employees of Marriott has been selected, using simple random sampling
technique, for assessing the extent to which training & development contributes in employee
engagement.
Data analysis: In research, prominent analysis of data set is highly required for deriving suitable
solution from concerned issue. Hence, for addressing qualitative issue being investigated
thematic perception test technique has been used. Accordingly, as per gathered responses several
themes have been prepared and supported from brief thesis prepared through LR.
Ethical considerations: For complying with ethical aspects reference list has been added which
in turn shows that data not copied from somewhere. Further, consent forms have been sent to the
respondents in order to ensure ethical aspects.
DATA ANALYSIS
Theme 1: Yes, there is awareness relating to the concept of training and development.
Particular Respondent % of respondent

Yes 8 53.33
No 7 46.67
Total 15 100
Interpretation: in the analysis of the above data and facts and figures it is clear that the most of
the respondent are aware of the concpet of training and development. This is particulalry agreed
by 53.33 % of the respondent as the hotel is trying to provide all the knwoeldge relating to the
latest changes taking place in the business enviroment. They are aware of the concpet as Marriott
is using some of the tchniques in order to provide training to the employees relating to the latest
trends and changes going on in the competitive global market.
Theme 2: Strongly agree that training and development is essential for the hotel to use.
Particular Respondent % of respondent
Strongly agree 6 40
Agree 2 13.33
Neutral 2 13.33
Disagree 3 20
Strongly disagree 2 13.33
Total 15 100

Interpretation: with the help and analysis of the above data and informaiton it is clear that the
training and development is very essntial for the people to use witihn the hotel and hospitality
industry. This is strongly agreed by 40 % of the population that use of training and development
is very important for Marriott. This is due to the fact that there are many new advancement in the
amrket and knowledge about all these need to be provided. However, some of the people states
that this is not much important for the hotel to use trainign and development.
Theme 3: All of the above are the methods of providing training.
Particular Respondent % of respondent
Mentoring 1 6.67
Role play 2 13.33
Lectures 1 6.67
All of the above 11 73.33
Total 15 100

Interpretation: after analysing the above data and information it is clear that there are many
different methods and ways in which training can be provided. In the views of 73.33 % of the
population the major trainign methods are all of the above that is it includes lectures, role play
and mentoring. This is majorly because of the reaosn that every person is different and it is not
possible that all the employees learn with the same technique. Thus, they agree that all the listed
methods of providing trianing are necessary. Howenver, rest of the people agree to the diffeent
methods on individual basis.
Theme 4: To retain the employees within the business and to educate the employees with latest
trend is the major reason behind the training of employees.
Particular Respondent % of respondent
To educate latest trend to employees 5 33.33
To motivate the employees 2 13.33
To retain the employees in company 5 33.33
To develop the level of business by using
latest techniques 3 20
Total 15 100

Interpretation: with the assistance of the use of above data and its analysis it is clear that the
providing of training and development activities is very essential. This is particularly agreed by
majortiy pf the population that the major reaosn for which trainign is done is the educating the
employees relating to latest changes and to retain the employees within the company. This is
essntial because if employees will not be retained or will not know the latest working then they
will not perform the work in good manner. However, rest of the employees agree to some other
points like motivating the employees, developing business and others.
Theme 5: Different learning habits of employees is the major problem which is being
encountered at time of providing of training and development.
Particular Respondent % of respondent
Resistance of employees 2 13.33
Different learning habits of employees 9 60
Increase in cost 2 13.33
Lack of interest 2 13.33
Total 15 100

Interpretation: from the analysis of the above data and its evaluation it is ilustrated that there are
many diffeent types of challenges which may occur in the training and development process.
This is agreed by 60 % of the respondent that the major challenge faced is the various learning
habits with which the process of learning may get hamper. The major challenge as they live in an
enviroment which is very dtnamic and ever changing and this afests the working of the company
to a great extent. In addition to this there are differnet challenges like resistance of employees,
increase in cost and many others.
Theme 6: Some of the suggestion for the better providing of the training and development
within the business.
Interpretation: with the analysis of the above speicfied data and its analysis it is clear that the
there are many different types of ways in which the company can improve its training and
development process. The major method is the use of on the job training and this is important as
this will asssist the company in providing training to the employees when they are on their job
only.
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
In the end it is concluded that providing of training and development is very essential for
the companies as this will assist the company in improving the working style of the company.
The research report stated that the use of various training methods is very essential for the
success of the company and in managing the performance of the company. This is pertaining to

the fact that training improves the working capacity of the employees and they work in more
good and effective manner.
In the end it is recommended to the company that they must improve the training and
development process so that the working environment can get better. The major recommendation
for Marriott is that they must take time to time feedback from the employees that whether they
have learnt the new things in the intended manner or not. This is necessary as is the training is
being given and the employee is not able to learn the things then it is of no use.
REFLECTION
From the above study I learnt that training is very essential for the personal development
of the person and for company as well. For meeting the aim and objective of the research
qualitative research was used as this is much simple and easy to complete. Also, the use of
inductive approach was used which was very effective as it assisted the researcher in framing the
aim and objective relating to study. Also, the use of primary and secondary data sources was
useful for the collection of data as it provided with a wide range of data.
But instead of using the qualitative research method the researcher could have used the
quantitative research type for the completion of the research. This is due to the reason that the
quantitative methods are more reliable and scientific and assist the company in managing the
research in more successful manner. Also, instead of the philosophy of interpretivism the
researcher could have used the positivism philosophy of research. This is due to the fact that this
philosophy uses the study of factual information and this makes the study much better. Also,
instead of using the combination of primary and secondary more preference must have given to
secondary source. This is due to the fact that secondary source of data is more reliable and valid
as it has already been used in the other research as well.
Alternative research methodology that can be considered for the study
In the near future, scholar can present wide view of investigation by taking into account
quantitative research and spss analysis. Moreover, statistical techniques present suitable view of
research issue being evaluated. Along with this, scholar can take large sample for the
investigation purpose. Moreover, large sample helps in getting suitable view of study and
thereby assists in developing optimal hypothesis for further study. In this, I have learnt manner

through which research can be conducted in the best possible manner. It has developed my
knowledge about the ways in which different methods can be used.

REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Chaudhry, N.I., and et.al, 2017. Impact of working environment and training & development on
organization performance through mediating role of employee engagement and job
satisfaction. European Journal of Training and Development Studies. 4(2). pp.33-48.
Fletcher, L., Alfes, K. and Robinson, D., 2018. The relationship between perceived training and
development and employee retention: the mediating role of work attitudes. The
International Journal of Human Resource Management. 29(18). pp.2701-2728.
Johnson, K.R., Park, S. and Bartlett, K.R., 2018. Perceptions of customer service orientation,
training, and employee engagement in Jamaica’s hospitality sector. European Journal of
Training and Development.
King, B. and Tang, C.M.F., 2020. Training Hotels in Asia: An Exploration of Alternative
Models. Journal of Hospitality & Tourism Education. 32(1). pp.43-54.
Rathore, P.S., 2017. Significance of training and hospitality skills for hotel
employees. International Journal of Engineering and Management Research
(IJEMR). 7(3). pp.53-56.
Taherdoost, H., 2016. Measurement and Scaling Techniques in Research Methodology;
Survey/Questionnaire Development. International Journal of Academic Research in
Management (IJARM). 6.
Tracey, B. and Swart, M.P.N., 2020. Training and development research in tourism and
hospitality: a perspective paper. Tourism Review.
Zaitseva, N.A., Goncharova, I.V. and Androsenko, M.E., 2016. Necessity of changes in the
system of hospitality industry and tourism training in terms of import
substitution. International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues. 6(1).
Kumar, R., 2019. Research methodology: A step-by-step guide for beginners. Sage Publications
Limited.
De Costa, P.I., Crowther, D. and Maloney, J. eds., 2019. Investigating World Englishes:
Research Methodology and Practical Applications. Routledge.
Eisend, M. and Kuss, A., 2019. Research methodology in marketing. Springer International
Publishing.

APPENDIX
Questionnaire
Name:
Age:
Gender:
Q 1. Are you aware of the concept of training and development?
 Yes
 No
Q 2. Do you think training and development is important for the hotel to use?
 Strongly agree
 Agree
 Neutral
 Disagree
 Strongly disagree
Q 3. From the following which is the best method of providing training?
 Mentoring
 Role play
 Lectures
 All of the above
Q 4. Which is the reason behind providing of training to employees?
 To educate latest trend to employees
 To motivate the employees
 To retain the employees in company
 To develop the level of business by using latest techniques
Q 5. What are the major challenges being faced by employees at time of providing training and
development?
 Resistance of employees
 Different learning habits of employees
 Increase in cost
 Lack of interest

Q 6. Are there any suggestion to improve the training and development within the hospitality
industry?