Human Resource Development: Asda Training, Learning Styles Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Human Resource Development (HRD) within Asda, a British supermarket retailer. It explores various learning styles, including the VARK model and Honey and Mumford's learning styles, and their contribution to planning and designing effective training events. The report identifies the training needs of staff at different levels within the organization (top, middle, and lower management) and discusses the advantages and disadvantages of different training methods, such as on-the-job and off-the-job training. Furthermore, it includes an evaluation plan using suitable techniques to assess the effectiveness of training events and reviews the success of the evaluation methods used. The ultimate goal is to understand the importance of HRD in managing workers, enhancing their skills, and improving the overall sales and profitability of Asda.

Human Resource
Development

TABLE OF CONTENT
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................3
1.1 Comparison of different learning styles................................................................................3
1.2 Role of learning curve and importance of learning into a workplace....................................6
1.3 Contribution of learning styles and theories to plan and design a learning event.................7
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................8
2.1 Training needs of staff at different levels..............................................................................8
2.2 Advantages and disadvantages of training methods..............................................................9
2.3 Planning training and development for training event for new employees.........................10
TASK 3..........................................................................................................................................10
3.1 Evaluation plan using suitable techniques...........................................................................10
3.2 Evaluation of the training event...........................................................................................11
3.3 Reviewing the success of the evaluation methods used......................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................14

INTRODUCTION
Businesses are constantly focusing upon achieving an higher position in market in order
to lead them towards desired success. Above all, human resources are also considered as an
crucial element in business and therefore, firm needs to provide them appropriate training and
development sessions so that growth and targets can be attained (Luthans, Youssef-Morgan and
Avolio, 2015). Management of firm needs to appropriately design training events which would
help them to improve their skills and capabilities in regard to satisfy the needs of customers.
Therefore, each and every organization implements specific human resource development
(HRD) in regard to handle the workers of firm and manage the assigned task effectively.
Business needs to identify the needs of workers and fulfill them effectively so that
desired goals and objectives can be attained. However, it has been evident that satisfied workers
are more productive as compared to dissatisfied ones. Therefore, business needs to motivate
workers and enhance their efficiency level so that proper services could be delivered to
customers (Richardson, 2015). In the present report Asda organization has been undertaken
which is a British supermarket retailer and thus provides wide range of products to satisfy the
needs of customers. It mainly deals in groceries and thus sell them at reasonable prices in order
to attract wide range of customers and satisfy their needs. Report also helps in identifying the
related framework of understanding the need and importance of human resource development in
order to manage workers and enhance the sales and profitability of firm in market.
TASK 1
1.1 Comparison of different learning styles
Learning is an important part of each and every individual where it is a direct way of
enhancing one’s existing level of knowledge with some improved and current acquaintances. It
not only strengthens the existing cognition of an individual but together helps in attaining a more
improved and up-to-date information. In context to which, there exists varied styles of learning
that are basically to assists the individuals in obtaining a pertinent set of knowledge in their own
way (Armstrong and Taylor, 2014). It is where all individuals are apparent to have distinct
preferences of learning with different modes of grasping things. It is thus with support of

different authors and researchers who have also contributed in discovering various styles of
learning as a way of aiding the individuals to learn in a stress-free manner. It is with a specific
context of a selected organization named ASDA to aid in their training and developmental
(T&D) sessions by adopting some pertinent measures of enlightening their respective set of
workers. For which, there exists foremost learning style of Neil Fleming who have invented a
learning model named VARK with is four leading constituents as referred below-
1. Visual-It is a foremost style of learning where a large number of individuals are evident
to learn via envisaging things where such envisioned tactic if helpful in acquiring quick
learning. Herein, ASDA can refer to use some pertinent measure in their T&D measures
by using charts, diagrams and pictures, etc.
2. Auditory-It is a method in which most of the individuals are evident to learn things either
by listening or discoursing, in a much faster way (Budhwar and Debrah, 2013).With
reference to which, ASDA can hereby refer to arrange their T&D sessions by using
several methods of debates, lectures or speaker notes, etc.
3. Read/ Write-It is yet another form of learning in which most of the individuals prefers to
learn by either repetitively reading the things or jot it down in the form of notes, etc. For
which, ASDA can hereby refer to provide recording tools to such employees while
attending the arranged session of T&D to jot down notes to read it when required.
4. Kinesthetic-This is especially in context to those individuals who are referring to obtain a
quick learning by attempting it practically (Knowles, Holton III and Swanson, 2014).
ASDA can hereby refer to arrange case studies and role plays to train and develop such
type of individuals.
Figure 1 VARK Model

(Source:Budhwar and Debrah, 2013)
There together exists yet another impelling theory of learning proposed by Honey and
Mumford with its four main constituents as stated below-
1. Activists-It is with a special context of those individuals who are more apparent to learn
by practically performing the tasks where they are also not frightened to attempt newer
experiments.
2. Theorist-These individuals are those who prefer to get into a detailed conceptualization of
tasks by later undertaking it to implement in a practical manner (Brewster, Mayrhofer and
Morley, 2016).As a result to which, they are apparent to take more time in learning as
compared to others who believes in learning in a feasible manner.
3. Pragmatists-These are the people who are more lively in nature and energetic than the
activists. As a result to which, they are more likely to make a direct implementation of
things rather making a primary understanding of itat first.
4. Reflector-These individuals are more likely to learn reviewing and perceiving things
rather than referring to understand it first and for which, they are referred to be the best
observant.

Figure 2 Honey and Mumford learning style
(Source:Brewster, Mayrhofer and Morley, 2016)
1.2 Role of learning curve and importance of learning into a workplace
Learning curve has an overall impact on the process of learning by an individualwith a
mathematical interpretation to record and track the carried performances of the employees in
ASDA. It is therefore important for the individuals to transfer the acquired set of learning in the
realistic world of workplace where each of the styles are apparent to have their own set of
objectives that can be attained once transferring it to the workplace (Delahaye, 2015). Wherein,
the role of a learning curve along with its importance in transferring learning is as stated below-
Role of learning curve
Learning curve is basically a graphical depiction through which the worker’s learning is
being calculated with the ongoing work experience. It is hence referred to be a vital tool to be
implicated to envision the outcomes of T&D sessions arranged by ASDA. Herein, it is evident to

reflect some conspicuous elements of learning where this curve is also proven to ascertain the
principle components of an individual’s learning in terms of grasping in a progressive style.
Figure 3 Learning Curve
(Source:Delahaye, 2015)
Importance of learning
 It is referred to add value in the procedures of learning at the workplace.
 A proper utilization of monetary funds invested by ASDA to train and develop their
employees.
1.3 Contribution of learning styles and theories to plan and design a learning event
Learning styles and theories are evident to make a great contribution in planning and
designing an efficient learning event in ASDA. It is where by identifying distinct learning styles
of their workers they are proven to arrange liable measures to enlighten them in a directional
manner. Principally, these learning theories are vitally important to make a concise

understanding of different learning styles that factually exists among the individuals (Storey,
2014). These well-defined styles of learning among the workers will then assist them to arrange a
pertinent T&D session where the employees can resultantly grasp a quick learning from it. Along
with which, a preferred style of learning is then proven to serve as a foundation to intend the
event for the employees of ASDA. Though, it together depends on the employers of the cited
firm to determine that how rapidly they are willing to embrace the static proficiencies of their
workers into a requisite area by identifying their realistic power and mode of grasping new
things.
TASK 2
2.1 Training needs of staff at different levels
There are different levels within organization in which firm operates and therefore, it is
essential for Asda to identify the training needs for its staff so that best results can be attained.
However, differences arise in conducting training program for people employed in different
department. For instance, as compared to other organizations, Asda also operates at three
different levels i.e. lower, middle and top level management. Therefore, training needs are also
diverse for people employed at such levels (Masters, 2015). Above all, it is essential for
individual to undergo proper training events so that they can enhance their skills and capabilities
in regard to perform the assigned task effectively. Asda maintains effective environment for its
workers in order to learn and enhance different skills and overcome the issues faced by
customers visiting the store. Following are the training needs of staff at different levels within
Asda such as-
 Top level management- Within top level management, it involves upper level
management i.e. directors and owners of Asda. People at such level require specific
training needs regarding managing the workforce and operations within firm so that
decisions could be taken accordingly (Akingbola, 2013). Thus, such training need helps
top level workers to make effective decisions and enhance the skills and capabilities of
individual.
 Middle level management- Further, it is another level of management within Asda and
thus involves different number of superiors at varied managerial positions. It mainly

comprises of team leaders, line managers etc who are responsible in managing workforce
and operations (Alfes and et.al., 2013). Therefore, they have diverse training needs in
relation to manage the workload and direct the subordinates to work efficiently towards
organizational goals.
 Lower level management- Such people are working at operational level within firm and
they need to follow the instructions given by middle level workers. Therefore, they
possess effective training needs so that assigned task could be accomplished efficiently.
Proper time management training needs to be provided to them so that success can be
attained (Beer, Boselie and Brewster, 2015).
2.2 Advantages and disadvantages of training methods
There are different types of training methods available i.e. on-job and off-job for its
workers so that they can perform the desired operations in an effective and efficient way. Hence,
it is essential for Asda to conduct different training sessions for its workers in order to enhance
their personal leadership and development in regard to accomplish the assigned task. Thus,
conducting workshop, CPD and personal development session aids in enhancing the efficiency
of workers within firm (Knies and et. al., 2015). However, it is significant for employees to
participate in different training programs so that success can be attained. On the job training
method possess various advantages such as it helps employees in learning different skills so that
they can enhance the learning ability of new joinees and provide them training regarding the
operations of firm. It helps in providing them knowledge and information regarding terms and
policies of Asda so that they can understand the same (Krausert, 2014). However, the limitation
is that such methods are costly and requires proper participation of workers.
Further, another training method is off job training method which involves role play,
vestibule training etc, and thus main advantage is that such training is provided in class room
teaching and provides audio video coaching to employees. Thus, Asda management aims to
provide such training to its workers in regard to improve their skills and efficiency. Another
advantage is that it is highly time saving and thus helps in providing information to employees
quickly (Marchington, 2015). While, the disadvantage is that it is completely detached from the
workplace, quality might be affected.

2.3 Planning training and development for training event for new employees
It is essential for businesses to plan effective training and development plan to organize
training event for the new employees working in Asda so that they can enhance their skills and
capabilities and work effectively (Naff, Riccucci and Freyss, 2013). Following are the steps for
planning training and development plan for new employees such as-
 Identifying the problems- It is the first and foremost step within firm in order to identify
the appropriate training needs for new workers within Asda and thus focus upon raising
their performance level (Parry, Stavrou and Lazarova, 2013). Cited firm is required to
forecast the new provision of services so that new employees can learn them and render
best services to customers.
 Questions & Answers sessions- Further, it is another step within planning training and
development event for new workers and thus they are duly responsible to carry out
effective new service provision to enhance customer satisfaction. Also, through involving
them within training events it helps them to improve effective decision making so that
best results can be attained (Nayab. 2015).
 Discussion to execute best outcomes- Through carrying out training and development
event for new workers it is essential for Asda management to involve all the employees
in decision making process so that best results can be obtained. However, involving
employees and taking their reviews regarding new service policies helps in satisfying the
demands of customers visiting the store (Alfes and et.al., 2013).
 Scrutinizing the solutions- Further, it is the last step of the training and development
event in hiring new workers within Asda and thus come to a conclusion of their
discussion regarding implementing the new service policies so that customer satisfaction
can be attained (Beer, Boselie and Brewster, 2015).
TASK 3
3.1 Evaluation plan using suitable techniques
Assessment is considered as the crucial tool that helps in determining the present
situation and matching the same with the standard plan of execution the services. Hence, it is
significant for Asda management to undertake effective techniques for planning training and

development plan so that best results can be attained. It is essential for Asda managers to
undertake crucial techniques and implement new service provision which helps in satisfying the
needs of workers in regard to attain customer satisfaction (Krausert, 2014). Further, it is
considered as a cost effective method that helps in improving the skills and abilities of workers
in an effective way. Hence, such method is also helps in evaluating the following technique by
adopting five major steps so that managers are required to distinguish within real and expected
results. Following are the different steps in order to perform the suitable techniques of training
and development event such as-
 Clarifying program- It is the first step that helps in evaluating the subjected outcomes in
order to identify the training needs and thus improve the performance of firm in market.
 Identifying the needs- Further, it helps in responding to the queries of workers within
Asda so that they could be linked with the complications so that performance of firm
could be increased (Nayab. 2015).
 Monitoring with liability- One of the main objective of management authorities is to
regularly observe their workers in regard to encourage them and involve active
participation into the training sessions so that Asda aims to attain business goals (Naff,
Riccucci and Freyss, 2013).
 Progress- It is another step in which Asda administration needs to effectively consider
the progress of their new as well as existing employees and perform desired operations in
competitive market (Parry, Stavrou and Lazarova, 2013).
 Impact of program- Further, it is the last step in which it helps in assessing the overall
evolution of above carried out steps in order to provide training to employees of Asda.
3.2 Evaluation of the training event
It can be evaluated that the training event requires involving all the workers in order to
attain desired results. However, the first session organized was the planning session where they
altogether constructed a required base for introducing new areas of customer services and thus
helps in enhancing the performance of Asda in market (Delahaye, 2015). Through evaluating the
training event it helps in improving the performance of workers and thus enhances their skills
and capabilities so that best results can be attained. Further, employees within Asda requires to
undertake effective measures which helps in resolving the issues and thus adopt training methods

so that proper suggestions could be provided to workers in order to raise their performance and
achieve customer satisfaction.
Furthermore, it helps in improving the training and development event within Asda and
raises the performance of workers in organization. However, encouraging workers through
providing them required training so that their skills and capabilities could be improved in regard
to work efficiently within firm. Moreover, adopting effective training method requires to be
evaluated in regard to improve the firm’s performance and thus raise the success within
competitive businesses (Budhwar and Debrah, 2013). Further, through organizing proper training
event it assists in identifying the training needs of employees and then provides appropriate
training which results them to enhance their skills and capabilities to attain success. Thus,
through carrying out effective training event results in performing desired actions and satisfy the
needs of both new as well as existing workers in regard to deliver best customer services within
Asda.
3.3 Reviewing the success of the evaluation methods used
It is essential for business to review the success of the evaluation methods used in regard
to undertake sound measures and thus deliver appropriate customer service so that success can be
attained. Further, reviewing the success of the training methods used within Asda helps in
obtaining feedback from customers and identifies their reviews so that improvements can be
implemented in order to provide best services to customers. However, employees are also
consider as effective resources in order to improve the productivity of Asda and thus serve the
customers appropriately in regard to attain satisfaction (Brewster, Mayrhofer and Morley, 2016).
It is essential to review the success of evaluation methods used in regard to improve the training
requirements within Asda and also raise the performance of workers so that they can render best
quality services and product information so that sales and profitability of firm can be improved.
Hence, it can be clearly specified that the above used methods are crucial for Asda and it
helps them to improve their performance and achieve successful approach within firm. Also, it is
essential for cited firm to encourage workers and thus improve their sense of responsibility so
that they are able to work together and attain organizational goals effectively and efficiently.
However, employees are considered as the valuable source and thus assist business to improve

their training events in regard to attain success and desired outcomes (Armstrong and Taylor,
2014).
Task 4
4.1Explaining the role of government in training and development
According to the given scenario, for supporting the growth and competiveness of UK
firm. The government decided to implement several training and development initiatives by
focusing on lifelong learning. For this purpose the role of government decided to provide
training and development program in which it aim to remove barriers of employabiltites to those
organization who have less opportunities (Luthans, Youssef-Morgan and Avolio, 2015). The idea
of life long learning is main initiative from government side for creating opportunities for
developing and success of organization. The main aim of lifelong learning is to remove social
exclusion which help in promoting employability. Government arrange training and development
program for Asda organization through the help of expert trainer. This help in ensuring that
employees can perform effectively and efficiently for the organization. Asda is one of the
leading organization for this government can provide internal development program to a standard
level. Self motivated learning is lifelong learning for workers. Further it government involve in
training and development program then it can provide knowledge to employee related to working
environment. Along with this organization cannot invest in deigning training and development
facility in such a case with the help of government it can be benefited. Government also provide
fund to organization for conducting training and development program this help in enhancing the
skill and knowledge of employee to perform well within organization.
4.2 Explaining the development of the competency movement has impact on the public and
private sector
The development of competency movement has great impact on the public and private
sector. It aware firm to think for removing the performance gap of the organization . For gaining
competitive advantage private sector is investing a lot so that it can gain competitive advantage.
Not any single firm want that due to employee poor performance they face any type of
competitive disadvantages (Naff, Riccucci and Freyss, 2013). If employee unable to perform
well then they will deliver poor quality services to customer which impact the image of brand.
There are many private firm who invest high amount on training and development facility. Asda

is making continuous effort for improving its company product and services at the standard level.
The important part of learning is movement and competencies because this help in improving
performance of employee. The competency movement help in faster development in activities
which influenced all the firm to adopt this competency movement so that they can achieve
success and earn profit. It help employees in receiving the motivation and effort in their working
field. The idea of competency movement help un developing knowledge and skill of workers at
the job which help in satisfying the employee from their job and for increasing productivity.
Further the competency based training and assessment is promoted by government because it
main aim is to support learner who want to make their career for gaining success. Further NVQ
support employees objectives and it is made for meeting the needs of the organization by
providing them continuous training and enhancing their knowledge, so that they can use new
technology effectively and efficiently .
4.3 Assessing how contemporary training initiated which is introduced by the UK government
The contemporary training is initiated which are introduced by the UK government to
support the organization for gaining competitive advantage. If firm are provided training and
development facility by government then it help in gaining growth and stability in economy
(Knowles, M.S., Holton and Swanson, 2014). The aim of training is to increase the knowledge
of employees of different area of working. By seeing current situation of business the
Government of UK decide to provide qualitative training program to different organization.
further the economy is also affected by the poor performance of workers of different firm so for
this reason government is putting effort for providing the best learning option to employees
according to their needs and demand.
Role of contemporary learning in Asda: this training initiative is very important for the Asda so
that it can gain competitive advantage. Some of the changes in made to their core value by the
Asda for making it organization successful (Beer, Boselie and Brewster, 2015). With the help of
contemporary training firm make its employee capable to adopt the changes in working
environment. The training is conducted by analyzing the weak area of its employee, market
condition etc. all the training session which are imitated by government is used very effectively
and efficiently within the organization. It help organization in gaining competitive advantage and
in becoming the successful organization in all over the world.

Conclusion
From the above report it can be concluded that there are different type of learning style
such as VARK. This learning style can be adopted by organization in their training and
development program so that employee skill can be improved. There are different type of
training which is required by employee at different level so that employee not fail to accomplish
their task. Further training and development program play significant role in improving
employee performance and productivity of organization. By adopting training method help in
providing suggestion to employee so that they can improve their performance and deliver high
quality services to customer. Further it can be concluded that, frim can review the success of the
evolution method by analyzing company productivity. Government can provide training and
development facility to employees so that firm can gain competitive advantage. Training and
development facility provided to employee according to their needs and demand so that they can
perform best in their field and help organization in gaining success.

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