Human Resource Development Report: Zara's Training Strategies

This report delves into the human resource development (HRD) practices of Zara, a global fashion retailer. It begins by outlining the importance of HRD in organizational growth, emphasizing recruitment, selection, and training programs. The report explores various learning styles, including David Kolb’s experiential learning model, Peter Honey’s model, and Gagne’s learning theory, and their significance in enhancing employee skills. It also discusses the learning curve's impact on workplace efficiency and decision-making. The report further examines the training needs of employees at different organizational levels (organizational, occupational, and individual) and evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of on-the-job and off-the-job training methods. The report also touches upon the role of the UK government in training and development and the influence of the competency movement on both public and private sectors. The report aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Zara's HRD strategies and their effectiveness.

Human Resource
Development

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Importance of learning curve at workplace..........................................................................2
1.3 Importance of learning styles or theories..............................................................................2
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Training need of employees at various level of organization...............................................4
2.2 Advantage or disadvantage of different method of training.................................................5
2.3 Systematic approach use for training event..........................................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................6
3.1 Application of relevant technique .......................................................................................6
3.2 Evaluation form.....................................................................................................................7
4.1 Role of UK government regarding training and development..............................................8
4.2 Impact over public or private sector of the competency movement.....................................8
CONCLUSION................................................................................................................................9
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................10

INTRODUCTION
In every organisation human resource development play very important role in growth
and development. It includes various steps such as recruitment and selection of employees and
provide proper training and development programs according to their need of improvement area
to develop required skills and ability (Bakker and Leiter, 2010). For effective work management
every company required human resource which helps company to hire best candidate for vacant
position and on the basis of their performance provide them all benefits. This project report is
based on human resource development of Zara organisation which operates its business activity
at international level which help for the growth of business. The company was started in 1975
by Rosalia mera. Also, discussed about different theories of learning which is used by company
to enhance the skill or ability of employees to perform duty well on the work place and evaluate
training need of employees on the basis of their work.
TASK 1
1.1 Various types of learning style
There are various styles of learning used by organisation to understand the difference
between individual learning, after completing the classification of employees appropriate
learning style used by manager to enhance the knowledge or skills of employees to
perform well in the organisation. Managers need lot of research to understand the
individual mind so that according to their mind required learning style applied in the
company as all people perform in different way. There are various kind of learning styles
some of them are as follows:
David Kolb’s model: It is based on experiential learning model. With the help of this model
manager can find out the gap between desired performance and active performance of employees
in the organisation. So, that manager can select enhance their performance in company to
achieve goals and objectives in specific time period. The models include four learning styles like
converger, accommodator, assimilator and diverger which help to increase employees knowledge
(Harzing and Pinnington, 2010).
Peter honey model: It is experimental of kolb in which various learning styles are
operated. This theory is based on assumptions that one individual can supposed to do
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activity according to their personality rather than working circumstances in the
organisation.
Gagne’s learning style theory: There is four categories of this model such as intellectual
skills, verbal, cognitive strategy, motor skills and attitude. He believes that there are
various instructional events which help individual to learn something in effective manner.
Manager should provide proper guidance to learner and continuous feedback or
reinforcement to enhance their performance in the organisation.
1.2 Importance of learning curve at workplace
In every organization big or small the learning term is process of acquire experience of products and
services which help to achieve organizational goals and objectives in specific time period. Also, help
to achieve higher efficiency level to perform task or activity within the company. It improve the
personnel or administration methods through several capital investments. The curve of learning
creates understanding which helps to predict the future tasks on the basis of time (Luthans, et. Al.,
2010). There is so many decision or activity which can be done effectively by using learning curve
method such as:
 It help in decision making process by estimating the future price and take appropriate
action according to the situation.
 Also, estimate the requirement of capital in project or task for the growth and
development of the organization.
 By making suitable incentive structure to fulfill the employees needs and wants so,
that they can give their best to attain goals of the organization.
 With the help of learning curve employee are committed towards the company for
long. Zara company will be capable to increase the retention rate by arranging
effective handsome perks for their new as well as old employees.
 By providing suitable training or orientation programs to enhance employees
performance or interest level to perform task or activity in the organization.
 The learning cruve also help to identify the strengths or weaknesses of the
employees, manager provide traning according to their requirement of improvement.
1.3 Importance of learning styles or theories
With the help of learning theories company can grow their level of business in specific time period.
The learning theories provide so many scope of interacting with new younger employees with the
help of so many activities and task with the efficiency level of the new ones in the organization. By
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understand the nature of employees towards work or activity company can take better decision
making to expend their business level at peak point. The learning style help to solve problems by
estimating future cost or need to enhance the growth of organization. By observing activities or task
of employees manager provide appropriate training and orientation programs to enhance their skills
or abilities so, that they can perform better within the organization (Daley, 2012). If Zara company
use Gagne’s model which help to assessing the employees performance on the basis of their work
and increase their interaction with new employees so, that they can exchange knowledge and ideas
with each other to attain goals or objectives. The company prepare checklist so that manager get to
know about employees work and provide guidelines, how they will deal with workers to encourage
their capability to perform work well in the organization. It also help to increase interest level as well
as productivity level of employees so that company achieve more and more profit in maximum cost.
There are various importance of learning styles and theories: Growth of the company: Learning theories will keep Zara updated in knowing latest
trends going in fashion industry. So Zara can change its design accordingly which can
help it in managing continuous growth in a long run of the business. Helps in taking proper decisions: By learning new methods and approaches in design
making, it can help Zara in making its employees skilled so that it can take proper
decisions on right time. Solving the problem: Through updated knowledge, Zara can prepare itself for any future
crisis. So learning theories help it in solving problems either of present or prepare itself
for future trend. Encouraging its employees: Through learning, employees feel motivated and self-
confidence is develop inside them, their skills are polished and sometimes new skills are
earned. So self-confidence of the employees encourage them to take sound decisions and
implement innovative ideas into their work.
 Reducing companies cost: Zara can help itself in reducing its fixed and variable cost by
implementing learning theories by its employees. By reducing the cost it can increase its
profit with increasing its revenue and sales. Learning helps company in reducing its costs
by safe it from wasting its resources in unnecessary design and development.
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TASK 2
2.1 Training need of employees at various level of organization
Training help to increase potential level of employees to perform task by developing new skills
or knowledge of new as well as old employees. It started from lower level to higher level of
management which help to fulfill their job responsibilities so that they can easily attain
organizational goals or objectives. Management of company is divided into three parts such as
lower level, middle level and top level. The training is required in all levels of organization
which help managers as well as employees to perform their roles or responsibilities in proper
manner (Werner and DeSimone, 2011). There are various sources which help company to find
out the need of training within the company on the basis of employees performance such as
organizational analysis, work analysis or person performance.
These days training is essential for every organisation to fulfil its objectives and achieve its
goals. Without proper training employees become baseless and move towards wrong direction
which diverts them from companies main vision and mission. Training need is basically
difference between present and future information and skills that can be filled with proper
training. There are different levels in an organisation having different needs level: Organizational: Here the training need is to develop several skills which is to be
developed in Zara employees, so that company will get benefit in terms of sales and
revenues and at last customer satisfaction. Some of these skills are: Analytical skills,
communication skills, mind reading skills, etc. The best example of this training need is
giving training to employees for caring the customer for their satisfaction. Occupational: This particular training need is necessary for fulfilling job requirements.
So the motto of this training is to develop skills and attitudes suitable for specific job. For
example Zara has to give training on designing a cloth to its designers.
 Individual: Also called personal level, here employees needs training to polish their
internal skills or to learn new techniques. For example Zara designers may learn reading
customer mind or understanding customer's psychology skills which is not mandatory for
his job but it will help him to design the preferable pattern.
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2.2 Advantage or disadvantage of different method of training
There is two method of training which is used by every organization to enhance the skills
or abilities of employees such as on the job training or off the job training. On the job training is
conducted while employee working in the company which includes job rotation, coaching or
mentoring . While off the job training is conducted outside the company in different location
away from their actual work place. It include conferences or lectures. There are some advantage
or disadvantage of training methods which are define as follow:.
Advantages Disadvantages
On-the-job
Employees training is planned on the
basis of their performance or capability
to perform task or activity within the
organization.
The peer group or manager use different process which are
not similar to achieve task or activity.
In this method trainee learn the skills or
ability which is required for the job.
Feedback or practice is very essential element of on the job
training which is not consider by the manager.
This method is useful to save high cost
of training (Flamholtz,, 2012)
If the need of training is not clear than, it cannot provide
proper training to employees in the organization.
The manager of company can provide
training to their employees at any point
of time according to the requirement.
Employees did not learn any new things as regular training
method is used within the company.
Off-the-job
This method of training is like
classroom where trainers provide
training to different group of
employees.
Many times trainee face problem in adjusting at different
place which is completely different from their work place.
In this method trainers use audio visual
methods so that trainee understand
clear method or techniques.
This method become ineffective while comparing from real
situations.
The errors occurs less in this method
by trainees while learning process.
The quality of work can get worse in this method (Swart,
et. Al., 2012).
This method is useful in measure
economical need or wants. The process of production also decrease.
Time is saved by using more scope of
growth under this method.
Trainees can get elaborative and it also
increase the production level of the
organization.
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Hence, for the growth or development of Zara company off-the-job training will be great as,
employees make daily interaction with new experienced people which help to enhance their skills
and knowledge of required area.
2.3 Systematic approach use for training event
Training help to enhance the growth as well as development of organization at higher level in
certain time period. The various training method help to enhance the employees skills or ability to
perform their task or activity well within the company. The required area which need training to
increase efficiency level of employees or enhance their technical skills or knowledge so that they can
perform better to achieve organizational goals or objectives. Mainly, training focus on new
technology as well as new management to improve manufacturing process of products or services
((Shook and Roth 2011). The off job training use audio visual effects while providing training to
employees for effective management in the business market place. Zara company can use off the job
training method to encourage capability of employees so that they can give best to achieve
companies goals or objectives. It help to give good ideas for the development of company by using
new techniques or methods which increase the production level. Utilizing a systematic approach
towards training and development proves to be beneficial for the company as it help in prioritizing
their goals and objectives prior to initiating training phase. It include series of steps that are defined
below:
Analysis: At this stage, company determine the need of training through evaluating the performance
and behaviour of employee. Input can be taken from superior regarding employees arranging training
event in an company.
Design: At this stage, manager identifies training material that needs to be taken into account and
also figure out the location at which training event is going to be conducted.
Development: This stage is used for acquiring or producing material required for the upcoming
training program. Manager of ZARA is require to select most appropriate training technique that best
fits among their employees.
Implementation: At this stage, training program is actually conducted or arranged by the manager of
ZARA. Workers needs to attend the training program that have arranged so as to improve their
overall performance and productivity.
Evaluation: At this stage, effectiveness of training event is calculated. This stage helps in
determining whether employees performance have actually increased by arranging training program
or not.
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TASK 3
3.1 Application of relevant technique
In every organization training is important to enhance employees performance time to
time so that company can grow their level of growth at next level. The existing training programs
do not work effectively sometimes for new joiners. The training and orientation program is
conducted for short time period for best outcomes. There must be relevant technique or method
of training used by company so that employees skills or ability increase effectively. Organisation
provide training to their employees to increase their ability or capability to perform a task at
work place. Appropriate method of training increase interaction with trainers or experienced
person which help to increase their knowledge or skills. Appraisal programmes required to be
highlighted on top to enhance the employees existing performance. Quiz and many other activity
is also very useful for the trainees as they learn so many things from new activity. Feedback form
play very important role in effective training or learning process which help to know whether
company use proper training method or not for their employees. In feedback form question will
ask related to the training technique or methods so that manager evaluate the effectiveness or
importance of training process (Meredith Belbin, 2011). There is some following questions
which should be included in feedback form:
Feedback form
Question 1: is company use suitable method of training ?
Question 2: How training is useful or its impacts over the performance are positive or negative?
Question 3: The desired expectations is met or not through training process ?
Question 4:have you learn something new from training process?
Question 5:was it a great idea to provide appropriate training to employees?
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(Source: Training Evaluation Form, 2018)
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Illustration 1: Training Evaluation Form

(Source: Performance Evaluation Form, of Employees, 2017)
3.2 Evaluation form
The method of training which is used by Zara organization was effective which will
result in growth or improvement in the performance of employees (Knowles, Holton and
Swanson, 2014). Training increase employees skills or knowledge according to the organization
required skills to perform task or duty within the organization. Company give training to their
all employees of all different level to increase their skills or knowledge so, that they can give
their full affords to achieve organizational goals or objectives in certain time period. Method of
training should be effective or useful for the growth and development of business in competitive
market place. The employees response or performance is evaluated by company continuously for
effective business management or best outcomes. Ever company should provide proper training
programs to enhance their employees performance in the organization or monitor and monitor
their performance on regular basis. As, training play very important role in the growth and
development of company in business market place. Also, increase employees confident while
performing any new task or duty at work place. According to the management there is so many
issues or problems in organization which can be reduce by using suitable training method.
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Illustration 2: Employee Performance Evaluation Form

Appropriate training method is useful in success or growth of company at competitive market
place. The method of learning or training is proved useful for organization as well as employees
which help to grow their personal professional life (Boxall, and Purcell, 2011). Training should
be provided in proper manner to individual on the basis of their work in organization.
Training can be evaluated through Kirkpatrick Model which are discussed below:
Reaction: This stage determines or record the reaction of both trainee and trainer towards the
training program. Basically reaction of participant towards training program is recorded under
this.
Learning: This stage determine the progress of trainees learning. It their learning graph is
moving upward this shows that arranging training event proves to be successful for the company.
Behaviour: At this stage, managers determine the change in the behaviour of employee after
attending the training event. This stage shows whether they trainees have gained something from
training event conducted at company or not.
Results: If employee performance is increased then it means training event proves to be
successful for the company.
3.3 Review the success of evaluation method
There are various policies and strategies adopted by ZARA so as to determine the results of
evaluation process. It is important as it help in making manager prepare for future uncertainty.
Different types of employees worked together in an organisation who all have different mind set
or perspectives that might promote confusion or conflict among them. It can best be reviewed
through two methods which are discussed below:
Feedback: It is most effective and commonly used method. Under this, managers of ZARA take
feedback from employees regarding training event. They also critically evaluate their
performance as well so as to figure out the impact of training on employees work. If workers are
facing any issue or wants to give any suggestion, this method is suitable.
Questionnaire: Under this method various questions being asked from employees regarding the
training event.
TASK 4
4.1 Role of UK government regarding training and development
The government of UK take various steps to provide training or development to
employees to enhance their skills and abilities. Qualify learning and skills council, sector skills
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council and QCDA programs provided for employees benefits. In 1964 industrial training act
come into form for the development of employees according to their need and requirement,
every industry must follow the rules and regulations made by the act otherwise government
restrict industry to operate any kind of task or activity. The education act 1944 introduced
secondary education system of Tripatriate and provide free education in schools for the students
so, that they can contribute something towards nation. The government of UK play very
important role in training, ensuring, learning or development of human resource for both private
as well as public sector. There is many more initiatives by the government which involve various
investors, national qualifications or national skills academies, train to gain and many more.
Training and enterprise council were introduced by the government for children or youth
benefits in which they can take proper time from their work place for training purpose to increase
their knowledge and skills so that they can give their best to any organization in future. To
increase the working efficiency level of employees learning skills or council started to work
towards the local authority for their benefits. Many company mainly focus to develop their
employees performance as well as organizational so that they can reach at higher level of growth.
Organisation invest large amount on the development of knowledge or skills of the employees so
that company can have desired manpower to achieve goals or objectives on time period
(Brewster and Hegewisch, 2017)
4.2 Impact over public or private sector of the competency movement
UK based firms started to share skills or knowledge with each other to face the challenge
of competition business market place. There is huge amount spend by organization to improve
performance of employees by providing them appropriate training or development programs.
Competency movement increase production level by using new tools or equipments and
adaptability or services for the growth of firm in market place. A famous organization Zara who
provide clothing service for women, men or child in high quality. Company believe in providing
best services to their customers to fulfill their needs or demand. Organisation take regular
feedback from their employees, suppliers, clients, shareholders or customers to build strong
relationship with them. Every company focus to frame effective training programmes for the
growth or development of their business at next level (Bratton and Gold, 2012). Both private as
well as public sector of company concentrate on their human resource development to survive
well in competitive market place. Zara retain their customers by providing them high quality
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goods and services and by making strong relationship with their customers or employees.
Similarly public companies give their full efforts to improve their image by providing suitable
training or learning style to their employees so that, they can give their full affords towards their
work. The proper training programs can enhance the employees performance at higher level
which increase organizational productivity as well as profitability.
4.3 Training incentives by UK government
The UK government provide training incentives for the strengthening or development of
public as well as private company cited (Armstrong and Taylor, 2014). The quantitative or
qualitative learning method which help to provide various opportunities or scope for the growth
of firm or maintain their stability in competitive business market. In different situation of market
any company maintain their stability only when UK government provide suitable training
incentives to all firms based on UK. Employees savings dependent upon their performance
within the organization, the government of UK mainly focus on the learning so that employees
perform well in company without any pressure or any work load. The capabilities of workers can
be find out by evaluating their work activity in the organization so that suitable training
programs provided them to enhance their skills or knowledge according to the required skills of
company to attain goals or objectives. Learning curve is faster method of contemporary system
of learning which help to improve the performance of employees as well as organization by
enhance the skills or ability or workers. In the Zara company government introduce
contemporary opportunity of training for the motivate of developing various skills or human
resources of the company (Guest, 2011). The employees necessity of area which need
improvement will grow by detecting the proper learning style or training method in the
organization. The contemporary learning help Zara organization to increase their growth rate,
standardization and improvement by using new techniques or method of learning.
CONCLUSION
From above project report it has been concluded that every organization big or small need
human resource management to grow their level of business at peak. It help to increase
efficiency level of individual which help to increase productivity or profitability of company by
using proper training method. This report acknowledges that how can employees performance
can enhances so that they perform activity in proper manner. Also, comprises the role of UK
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government in the development or growth of workforce and provide appropriate learning
facilities on the basis of requirement of improvement in person and highlight the need of training
to achieve desired goals or target in specific time period.
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practice. Kogan Page Publishers.
Guest, D.E., 2011. Human resource management and performance: still searching for some
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Daley, D.M., 2012. Strategic human resources management. Public Personnel Management,
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Luthans, F., Avey, J.B., Avolio, B.J. and Peterson, S.J., 2010. The development and resulting
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quarterly, 21(1), pp.41-67.
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Harzing, A.W. and Pinnington, A. eds., 2010. International human resource management. Sage.
Bakker, A.B. and Leiter, M.P. eds., 2010. Work engagement: A handbook of essential theory and
research. Psychology press.
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Human Resource Development: Definition & Importance. 2017. [Online]. Available through:<
http://study.com/academy/lesson/human-resource-development-definition-
importance.html>. [Accessed on 21st October 2017].
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