Impact of Training on Retail Employee Performance

This assignment examines the crucial role of training and development in the retail industry. It investigates whether specific training methods, such as on-the-job or off-the-job training, effectively enhance employee skills and competencies, ultimately leading to improved performance. The assignment delves into employee perspectives on the value of training and their preferences for different training approaches.

Research Project

Table of Contents
Topic: Impact of training and development on employee performance in retail industry...............1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 Formulating and recording research project outline specifications......................................1
1.2 Identifying the factors that contributes in project selection..................................................1
1.3 Undertaking a critical review of key references...................................................................2
1.4 Producing a research project specification ...........................................................................3
1.5 Providing an appropriate plan and procedures for research specifications...........................4
2.1 Matching resources to the research questions or hypothesis................................................6
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................6
2.2 Undertaking research investigation in accordance with the agreed specifications and
procedures...................................................................................................................................6
2.3 Recording and collate suitable data.......................................................................................7
3.1 Using suitable research evaluation techniques......................................................................8
3.2 Interpreting and analyzing the results in terms of research specifications............................8
3.3 Recommending and justifying the areas for further consideration.....................................10
4.1 Using an appropriate format and media to present outcomes of the research to an audience
...................................................................................................................................................10
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................11
APPENDIX....................................................................................................................................13

Topic: Impact of training and development on employee performance in retail
industry.
TASK 1
1.1 Formulating and recording research project outline specifications
Marks & Spencer is a major British multinational retailer which offers clothing, home as
well as luxury food products to their customers. Company has attained good position in the retail
industry by serving products or services at reasonable prices. Marks & Spencer offers
employment opportunity to the large segment of people and thereby makes contribution in the
development of economy. In the present time, company is facing problems in relation to the low
level of employee’s performance and productivity. Services offered by the personnel of
organization have high level of influence upon the satisfaction and loyalty aspect of customers.
In the retail industry, skills and competencies of human resources play a vital role in evolving
satisfaction among the customers and thereby help in maximizing the productivity and
profitability of firm. Employee’s sales and performance are highly associated with the training
and development session which helps them in upgrading their skills, knowledge and
competencies (Dhar, 2015). In the present era, organizations which operate in retail industry fail
to make emphasis on the training and development aspect. But, success of such industry is highly
dependent upon the skills and abilities of employees. Thus, the present research will help in
understanding the impact of training and development upon the performance and productivity of
human resources in the context of Marks & Spencer.
1.2 Identifying the factors that contributes in project selection
Effectiveness of the research study is highly affected from the topic which is selected by
the investigator. In order to conduct the study in an appropriate manner, researcher requires
qualifying the factors which motivate him to select “impact of training and development on
employee performance and productivity” as topic. In the strategic business environment,
company can attain success only when they have skilled and efficient workforce. Impact of
training and development is considered as an issue because it plays a vital role in raising the
knowledge and competencies of personnel. In retail organization, human resources represent the
corporation and thereby develop satisfaction among the customers. Satisfaction is the most
important aspect which may turn into customer loyalty as well as can maximize the sales and
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gross margin of an organization. Employee’s performance and productivity aspects highly
depend upon the skills and abilities which they possess.
In the dynamic business environment, technological and other changes take place very
frequently. In this, training and development session is required to enhance the knowledge of
employees. It enables personnel to get familiar with the latest technologies and other aspects
(Dessler, 2016). Through this, employee is able to perform their functions and activities more
effectively without facing any difficulty. Moreover, inefficiency of the employees puts adverse
impact upon their performance and sales. Thus, the present research study will develop
understanding about the extent to which training and development has influence on employee’s
performance and productivity.
Research aim and objectives
Research aims and objectives
In the present study, researcher aims at assessing the impact of training and development on
employee’s performance in the retail industry of UK. For such purpose, following objectives are
as follows:
To assess the importance of training and development activity in the retail industry.
To evaluate the development which takes place in the skills of personnel after attending the
training and development session.
To identify the relationship between training & development and employee performance.
1.3 Undertaking a critical review of key references
Literature review may be defined as a process in which researcher critically evaluates all
viewpoints published by different authors from time-to-time. It develops understanding for the
researcher about the training and development as well as its impact upon the performance of
employees.
According to the view point of Robertson and et.al, (2015) training and development may
be defined as a process in which organization makes focus upon the development of skills and
abilities of their human resources. It is the most effective way through which organization can
enhance the skills of their personnel. Growth and development of the retail industry are highly
influenced by the way through which employees offer services to the customers. As per the view
point of Huang and et.al, (2015) on the job training methods are highly effective which help in
building the skills and abilities among the individuals. Mentoring, job rotation as well as
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apprenticeship helps manager in upgrading the skills of their employees to a large extent
(Training Methods: on Job Training and off the Job Training Methods, 2015). It helps
organization in providing the knowledge about the real aspects of business environment and
functions to their employees. However, It was critically evaluated by Silberman and Biech
(2015) that not only on the job methods help in building competencies among the individuals but
also off the job training methods play a vital role in enhancing the performance of employees. By
conducting lectures, simulation exercises and sensitivity training, company can also develop
competencies among the individuals (Asfaw, Argaw and Bayissa, 2015). In this, employee
performs in the artificial environment. However, there is less probability that personnel will
negatively affect the goodwill of firm by performing undesirably. Thus, it is an effectual method
which helps firm in achieving success in the competitive business arena. Zijlmans and et.al,
(2015) argued that company can provide direction to their employees by organizing training and
development session. It enables human resources of the enterprises to make their best efforts
which help them in getting the desired outcomes or results. This in turn clearly reflects that
positive relationship exists between training & development and employee performance.
1.4 Producing a research project specification
This research will help Marks & Spencer in assessing the extent to which training and
development session affects the performance of employees. Researcher undertakes both the
primary and secondary data collection methods to gather information for the research study. In
order to collect primary data, researcher will conduct survey via questionnaire which will help
him in gathering the suitable amount of data and address the research issue or topic. For this,
researcher will distribute questionnaire to the 15 employees of Marks & Spencer which will help
in collecting the suitable amount of data. Along with it, researcher will also make the use of
books, journals and research papers to collect secondary data for the research study. Secondary
data will provide deeper insight to the researcher about the training and development as well its
influence upon employee’s performance. Furthermore, researcher will undertake qualitative
investigation to assess the suitable solution of research issue. Thus, researcher will use inductive
approach and interpretivism philosophy to collect and analyze the data in an effective manner.
However, thematic perception test will be applied to analyze the data which are gathered by the
researcher. It will enable researcher to present the fair view and solution of the research issue or
problem.
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1.5 Providing an appropriate plan and procedures for research specifications
In order to conduct research in an effective manner, researcher is also required to prepare
schedule which contains all the research activities along with their time duration. It enables
researcher to accomplish the research project within the time allotted to each activity (Aryee and
et.al, 2015). By preparing Gantt chart and network diagram, researcher can easily identify the
duration within which the research study can be accomplished.
List of activities Duration Preceding activities
A Research problem identification 1 week
B
Evaluation in relation to the selection of research
topic 1 week A
C Submission of proposal and getting approval 1 week B
D Secondary data collection 1 weeks C
E literature review 3 weeks C
F Setting of objectives 1 week E
G Primary data collection 2 week F
H Identification of research approach 1.5 week G
I Designing of research methodology 1 week G
J Framing of questionnaire 1 week F
K Filling up of the questionnaire 1 week J
L Organizing collected data in excel sheets 1 week G,K
M Applying technique for data analysis 1.5 week L
N Interpretation of data 1 week M
O Evaluation and finding of the research study 1 week M
P Recommendation and suggestions 1 week O
Q Outline the chapter of findings 1 week P
R Creation of report in the suitable manner 1 week Q
S Submission to instructor and awaiting for feedback 1 week R
T Revision of the final draft 1 week S
U Submission of the report 1 week T
V Presenting report to the audience 1 week T
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Critical path of the research project are as follows:
B+D+E+F+I+J+K+L+N+O+P+Q+R+S+T+U+V= 19 weeks
Thus, researcher will undertake 19 weeks in order to make assessment of the extent to
which training and development affects the employee’s performance in a positive manner.
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2.1 Matching resources to the research questions or hypothesis
Researcher is required to frame suitable questions which provide assistance to him to
conduct research study in the right direction (Callegaro, Manfreda and Vehovar, 2015). In order
to assess the influence of training and development on employee’s performance, researcher
prepares following questions which helps in conducting the study more efficiently:
Q 1. What is the importance of training and development in the retail industry?
Q 2. What is the extent to which skills and abilities of personnel are developed after attending the
training and development session?
Q 3. Is there any relationship between trading & development and employees’ performance?
TASK 2
2.2 Undertaking research investigation in accordance with the agreed specifications and
procedures
In order to conduct research study in more effectual manner, researcher is required to
select appropriate approach, philosophy and design which he or she needs to go through during
the study. Effectiveness of the research issue is highly affected from the research approach and
philosophy undertaken by the researcher. By framing suitable design, researcher is able to assess
the suitable solution for the research issue or problem.
 Research approach: It may be defined as a framework which researcher will undertake to
approach the problem or issue. There are specifically two types of research approach
namely inductive and deductive. In inductive approach, research starts with observation
and ends with the formation of new theory. This approach of the research is highly
associated with the qualitative type of investigation (Cunha and et.al, 2015). Whereas, in
deductive approach, researcher frames hypothesis on the basis of existing theories and
ends with the confirmation of hypothesis. This approach is usually adopted by the
researcher only when they undertake quantitative investigation. Researcher will
undertake qualitative investigation to assess the impact of training and development
session on employee performance. Thus, researcher will make the use of inductive
approach to investigate the issue or problem.
 Research philosophy: It may be defined as a way according to which data can be
gathered, analyzed and used by the researcher. Primarily, there are two types of
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philosophies such as interpretivism and positivism which provide assistance to the
researcher in finding the appropriate solution of the problem (Rasinger, 2008). For the
present investigation, researcher will undertake interpretivism philosophy to analyze
qualitative data.
 Research design: It refers to the framework which researcher will undertake to analyze
the research issue. For the present study, descriptive analysis will be undertaken by the
researcher to evaluate the influence of training and development session on performance
aspect of employees to a larger extent. It will enable researcher to present the suitable
outcome of issue by describing each and every aspect of the issue or problem.
2.3 Recording and collate suitable data
In order to present suitable findings of the research, investigator requires framing
effective survey methodology. Besides this, data collection method as well as sampling
techniques has high level of influence upon the outcomes of research issue. Following data
collection methods, sampling technique and survey methodology undertaken by the researcher
are as follows:
 Data collection method: To evaluate the extent to which training and development
impacts the performance of an employees; s researcher applies primary and secondary
methods of data collection. Survey has been conducted by the researcher through
questionnaire with the aim to collect primary data for the investigation purpose. Besides
this, researcher has also been used books, journals and scholar papers to gather secondary
data for research.
 Sampling techniques: Specifically, two types of sampling techniques namely probabilistic
and non-probabilistic are available to the researcher which he or she can use for the study
(Neuman, 2005). To identify the level to which training and development impacts the
performance of employees; researcher undertakes purposive sampling that is a kind of
non-probabilistic sampling technique.
 Survey methodology: Researcher has been mailed questionnaire to 15 employees of
Marks & Spencer in order to gather primary data for research. Through using online
mean of the communication, researcher is able to conduct study in an effectual manner
and thereby presents the realistic view of research issue.
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3.1 Using suitable research evaluation techniques
In order to conduct research study, researcher is required to select appropriate tools and
techniques. To analyze the magnitude to which training and development affects the
performance of human resources, researcher has been undertaken inductive approach and
interpretivism philosophy. Besides this, researcher has been conducted survey to gather primary
data. Further, he also has been taken assistance from books, journals and research papers to find
out the suitable solution of the problem. Thematic perception test has been undertaken by the
researcher to analyze the qualitative data collected by them. By taking into consideration these
entire aspects, researcher is able to find the suitable solution of the problem.
3.2 Interpreting and analyzing the results in terms of research specifications
Theme 1: Training and development plays a vital role in the growth and development of retail
industry
Responses No of respondents % of respondents
Yes 10 66.67%
No 5 33.33%
Total 15 100.00%
Outcome of the survey shows that 66.67% respondents said that training and
development session plays a significant role in the growth and development of retail industry.
One of the employees claimed that training and development session build competencies among
the individual. Through this, employees are able to serve customers more effectively and thereby
make contribution in the growth and development of the organization. On the other hand,
33.33% employees do not support this aspect.
Theme 2: Skills and competencies of the personnel can be improved by conducting training
and development sessions
Responses No of respondents % of respondents
Agree 5 33.33%
Strongly agree 8 53.33%
Disagree 1 6.67%
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Strongly disagree 1 6.67%
Total 15 100.00%
On the basis of above mentioned table, large number of employees claimed that
performance of the employees is easily enhanced by conducting training and development
session for them. Whereas, 2 employees of Marks & Spencer said that along with the training
and development session, there are so many factors which have influence upon the performance
of employees.
Theme 3: There is a positive and strong relationship between training and development and
employee performance
Responses No of respondents % of respondents
Yes 12 80.00%
No 3 20.00%
Total 15 100.00%
The above mentioned table represents that high and positive relationship exists in
between training & development and employee performance. Approximately, 80% employees
said that training and development session helps them in upgrading their skills and abilities. In
contrary to this, 20% employees claimed that there is no relationship exists in between the
training and employee performance.
Theme 4Training and development supports employees in performing the organization
functions and activities in an efficient manner
Responses No of respondents % of respondents
To some extent 3 20.00%
To middle extent 4 26.67%
To large extent 8 53.33%
Total 15 100.00%
According to the result of questionnaire, number of employees claimed that training and
development session helps them in performing business functions effectively without facing any
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difficulty. This aspect places positive impact upon the employee motivation and thereby makes
enhancement in their performance.
Theme 5: On the job-training method proves to be beneficial for employees’ development?
Responses No of respondents % of respondents
On the job training method 10 66.67%
Off the job training method 5 33.33%
Total 100.00
On the basis of above mentioned results, it can be said that training and development
session proves to be more beneficial for their development. It enables them to cope up with the
technological changes which take place in the business environment.
Theme 6: Do you have interest in attending the training and development session
Responses No of respondents % of respondents
Yes 12 80.00%
No 3 20.00%
Total 15 100.00%
As per the survey, 80% employees of Marks & Spencer are interested in attending the
training sessions which are organized by the firm. Only 20% employees do not want to attend the
training session because they think that it is a time wastage activity.
3.3 Recommending and justifying the areas for further consideration
 It is recommended to Marks & Spencer that they needs to make assessment of the factors
which have high level of influence upon the effectiveness of training and development
session. Through this, organization is able to conduct the most effectual training and
development session for their employees.
 Besides this, manager of the corporation needs to make periodical assessment of the
performance of employees. By this, firm is able to assess the training and development
need of their employees.
 Further, company should evaluate the performance of their employees at the end of
session. It offers opportunity to the manager to assess the extent to which performance of
the personnel is enhanced.
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4.1 Using an appropriate format and media to present outcomes of the research to an audience
Marks & Spencer or researcher publishes the findings of the research through their
company's website. In addition to this, company also makes use of social networking sites to
disseminate the information which are analyzed by them. It will help to other researcher who are
going to or wishes to conduct research on similar topic or issue. Besides this, business entity
needs to make authentication in terms of copyright of the findings which are presented by them
to the general public at large. This aspect helps organization in preventing others to make copy
of such research study. According to the laws and legislations, another researcher is required to
make references of the sources when they make use of data (Hippisley‐Cox, Coupland and
Brindle, 2015). Thus, by taking into consideration all the above mentioned format and media,
researcher is able to present the outcome of research to the general public at large.
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REFERENCES
Books and Journals
Aryee, S. and et.al., 2015. Accounting for the influence of overall justice on job performance:
Integrating self‐determination and social exchange theories. Journal of Management
Studies. 52(2). pp.231-252.
Asfaw, A. M., Argaw, M. D. and Bayissa, L., 2015. The Impact of Training and Development on
Employee Performance and Effectiveness: A Case Study of District Five Administration
Office, Bole Sub-City, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Journal of Human Resource and
Sustainability Studies. 3(04). pp.188.
Callegaro, M., Manfreda, K. L. and Vehovar, V., 2015. Web survey methodology. Sage.
Cunha, A. and et.al., 2015. Mobile RHS: A Mobile Application to Support the “River Habitat
Survey” Methodology. Procedia Computer Science. 64. pp.87-94.
Dessler, G., 2016. Human resource management. Prentice Hall.
Dhar, R. L., 2015. Service quality and the training of employees: The mediating role of
organizational commitment. Tourism Management. 46. pp.419-430.
Hippisley‐Cox, J., Coupland, C. and Brindle, P, 2015. Concerns on “Validation of a Data
Collection Tool and Stroke Risk Predictor”. International Journal of Stroke. 10(7).
pp.E82-E82.
Huang, S. Y. and et.al., 2015. How business process reengineering affects information
technology investment and employee performance under different performance
measurement. Information Systems Frontiers. 17(5). pp.1133-1144.
Neuman, W. L., 2005. Social research methods: Quantitative and qualitative approaches (Vol.
13). Boston: Allyn and Bacon.
Rasinger, M. S., 2008. Quantitative Research in Linguistics: An Introduction. Continuum
International Publishing Group.
Robertson, I. T. and et.al., 2015. Resilience training in the workplace from 2003 to 2014: A
systematic review. Journal of Occupational and Organizational Psychology. 88(3).
pp.533-562.
Silberman, M. L. and Biech, E., 2015. Active training: A handbook of techniques, designs, case
examples, and tips. John Wiley & Sons.
Zijlmans, L. J. M. and et.al., 2015. The effectiveness of staff training focused on increasing
emotional intelligence and improving interaction between support staff and clients.
Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. 59(7). pp.599-612.
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Online
Training Methods: On Job Training and off the Job Training Methods. 2015. Online. Available
through: <http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/employees/training-methods-on-job-
training-and-off-the-job-training-methods/5421/>. [Accessed on 10th February 2016].
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APPENDIX
Questionnaire
Demographic information
Name:
Age:
1. Do you think that training and development activity plays a vital role in the growth and
development of retail industry?
Yes ()
No ()
2. Do you agree that skills and competencies of the personnel can be improved by conducting
training and development session?
 Agree ()
 Strongly agree ()
 Disagree ()
 Strongly disagree ()
3. Is there any relationship between training & development and employee performance?
Yes ()
No ()
4. Does training and development provide assistance to you in performing the organization
functions and activities in an efficient manner?
 To some extent ()
 To middle extent ()
 To the large extent ()
5. Which kind of training and development is beneficial for your development?
 On the job training methods ()
 Off the job training methods ()
6. Do you have interest in attending the training and development session?
Yes ()
No ()
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