Research Project: Training and Development Impact on ASDA Performance

This research project investigates the impact of training and development on organizational performance, specifically focusing on ASDA, a leading UK retail firm. The study aims to analyze how training activities affect sales and productivity. The research includes an overview of the research, rationale, aims, objectives, and research questions. It examines the effectiveness of training programs, assesses the relationship between training and sales growth, and explores methods to increase sales through training. The project also recommends ways for ASDA to gain a superior market position. The methodology section outlines the types of investigation, research design, philosophy, approach, data sampling, collection methods, and ethical considerations. The literature review delves into the value of training in enhancing business growth, employee skills, and customer satisfaction. The study highlights how training can help ASDA achieve its objectives, gain a competitive advantage, and improve its overall performance. The project includes a questionnaire in the appendix and concludes with recommendations and a summary of findings.

RESERACH
PROJECT

Table of Contents
TITLE:.............................................................................................................................................1
CHAPTER 1: ..................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
1.1 Over view of research...........................................................................................................1
1.2 Rationale for the study..........................................................................................................1
1.3 Research Aim........................................................................................................................2
1.4 Research Objectives..............................................................................................................2
1.5 Research Question.................................................................................................................2
Chapter 2: Literature review............................................................................................................3
2.1 Introduction...........................................................................................................................3
2.1 Identify effectiveness of conducting training and development activities at ASDA............3
1.2 To asses the relations between sales growth and training activities in retail firms...............4
1.3 Different methods by which training are useful for business in order to increase their sales
growth?........................................................................................................................................4
1.4 Recommend different ways by which ASDA can achieve superior positions at market
place............................................................................................................................................5
CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY.............................................................................1
Introduction.................................................................................................................................1
3.1 Types of investigation ..........................................................................................................1
3.2 Research Design....................................................................................................................1
3.3 Research Philosophy ............................................................................................................1
3.4 Research Approach...............................................................................................................2
3.5 Data Sampling.......................................................................................................................2
3.6 Data collection method.........................................................................................................2
3.7 Ethical consideration.............................................................................................................2
CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS..................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION.....................................................14
5.1 Recommendations....................................................................................................................14
5.2 Conclusion...............................................................................................................................14

References......................................................................................................................................15
Appendix .......................................................................................................................................17
Questionnaire ...........................................................................................................................17

TITLE:
“To analyse the impact of training and development on organisational performance
through enhancing sales and productivity. A case study on ASDA”
CHAPTER 1:
INTRODUCTION
1.1 Over view of research
Training and development activities are valuable for firm if they want to achieve growth
and success in their business operations. Employees are termed as internal sources at work place
and the firms are mainly focusing on employee participations in order to achieve growth in their
overall business operations. ASDA will achieve success in their operations by enhancing their
productivity if all the employees are working in positive environment thus they will attain
success in their operations (Mano, Iddrisu and Sonobe, 2012). Training programmes are
conducted at work place in order to make employees familiar with the work environment so they
will easily achieve all their set goals and targets. ASDA are leading retail organisations in UK
and they are dealing in retail products which consist of cloths, food and different products. The
employees are the most valuable assets for all retail firms as they are satisfying all customers by
offering them products according to their choices.
1.2 Rationale for the study
The investigator had to develop plans in which all activities had to be carried out in order
to execute all activities in right directions. It is the main responsibility of researcher in order to
gather valuable data so that objectives behind this research can be easily accomplished. In this
era of competition firms had to focus on solving all the difficulties which are faced by customers
and establish plans in order to resolve them thus achieving satisfied customers. Training
activities are valuable as employees will know how they had to do their working thus enhancing
overall sales and productivity ratios (Patel and Conklin, 2012). There should be effective relation
maintained with employees as they are the main elements in order to enhance performances of
business. All the workers should be involved in the decision making process so they can give
their views about new innovative ideas and those places where changes are needed in order to
achieve growth and success for business. The research activities are carried out in order to
analyse impact of training so that business can easily enhance their productivity and sales ratios.
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1.3 Research Aim
The main aim of research are “To analyse the impact of training and development on
organisational performance through enhancing sales and productivity. A case study on ASDA”.
The research project are based on training programme and how these factors are valuable in
order to maximise profitability and sales ratios. It is the most vital factor for firms as the
objectives are developed with the help of the aims of research.
1.4 Research Objectives
The objectives are developed on the basis of identifying the need for training
programmes in order to enhance profitability ratios of firms and also maximising the overall sale
opportunities. The research activities are based on ASDA which is a retail organisation in UK
and they have achieved success in their overall business operations. The overall working of
research are carried out on the basis of the objectives which are mentioned below:
 To identify effectiveness of conducting training and development activities at ASDA
 To asses the relations between sales growth and training activities in retail firms
 To access various methods by which training are useful for business in order to increase
their sales growth.
 To recommend different ways by which ASDA can achieve superior positions at market
place.
1.5 Research Question
The investigator had the responsibility in order to develop good and effective questions
so that aims of research can be easily achieved. In this current research report the solutions for
the research questions are identified and the research questions are described below as?
Q1 How to identify effectiveness of conducting training and development activities at ASDA?
Q2 What are the relations between sales growth and training activities in retail firms?
Q3 What are the different methods by which training are useful for business in order to increase
their sales growth?
Q4 Recommending different ways by which ASDA can achieve superior positions at market
place.
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Chapter 2: Literature review
2.1 Introduction
The investigator had to do detail study about the informations which are gathered by
them with the help of secondary sources. The research can take help from the past data in order
to achieve desired results which are valuable for them in order to achieve success in enhancing
their profitability ratios. The undermentioned part are based on in-depth studies on all those
topics which are included in research. The literature review is the most essential part as it helps
in developing values and effective outcome of the research topic. Literature Review is always
published by different writers and scholars who are involved in doing in-depth studies about how
training will be valuable in order to maximising sales and productivity ratios.
2.1 Identify effectiveness of conducting training and development activities at ASDA
Training programmes are useful for business in enhancing their current growth and
profits ratios and this is seen as the most vital issues in present times at business organisations.
As training helps in making the employees achieve all their targets in desired time as they are
familiar how working will be carried out. Training are helpful in order to develop skills and
capabilities of employees so they can generate new and innovative ideas in order to satisfy
customers thus maximising their sales ratios. The effectiveness of training programmes are
described below as:
Achieving business objectives: The main focus of every business is linked with achieving
all their predetermined goals and objectives and this can be achieved if employees are given
training how they had to perform their operations. The objectives of ASDA can be easily
achieved if there is focus on developing effective training measures for all their customers. If the
firms are recruiting talented employees then it results in enhancing their productivity ratios and
firms can easily attain growth in their business operations.
Competitive advantage: In the modern age of competition firms had to make their
employees effective in their operations by organising training and development in order to gain
strong positions at market places. According to Pereira-Moliner, (2012). if employees are
developing innovative ideas for business operations then it results in enhancing their sales ratios
and customers will be attracted towards their products. Training are most important factors by
which business can know the skill and capabilities of employees and provide them training
according so they will easily achieve the targets which have been assigned to them.
3

1.2 To asses the relations between sales growth and training activities in retail firms
Training are vital for every business as they helps in enhancing their revenues and
profitability factors. The main focus of every business in present time is on achieving satisfied
customers who can enhance their sale and profitability ratios. The customers are the main
sources by which firms can earn profits so they should be satisfied and if they are facing any
issues then these should be resolved.
According to study of Laforet, 2013 it is evaluated that in retail sector there is necessity
to maintain healthy relations with all employees and also provide them training so they can have
an idea how they had to achieve their targets. The employees should know how they have to deal
with their customers in order to retain them for long time durations in order to enhance their
growth and productivity factors. Training is an continuous process and it is beneficial for
employees as they can easily enhance their present knowledge level so they can work by using
their skills and abilities. Thus it is valued that there is good relations among training and growth
and these should be executed at every business who wants to achieve growth in their operations.
1.3 Different methods by which training are useful for business in order to increase their sales
growth?
According to the study of Grant, (2012) conducting customers survey programmes are
valuable for firms in order to know about the needs of customers and accordingly develop
products which are useful for them. This can be achieved if employees are doing the survey in
effective manner. The training programmes are valuable in order to make employees know how
they have to deal in different situations which are developed by customers. The survey which is
conducted is beneficial in order to know about the needs and desires of customers thus retail
firms can make changes in their products and achieve high growth and profitability from these
operations.
According to research of Gunday, (2011). Employees plays a vital role in order to
establish strong images of firms at market places by handling customers complains and
delivering them goods according to their choices. If the images of firms are spoiled and the
customers are showing negative signs then it results in decreasing their overall profitability
ratios. Thus employees should be given training so they can easily deal with all the situations in
planned ways. There should be team organised at work places who will listen to the employees if
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they are not able to solve the issues on their own thus retaining loyal customers who will
enhance their sales ratios.
1.4 Recommend different ways by which ASDA can achieve superior positions at market place
There are various methods which are developed by business in order to gain strong
positions at market places and these can be achieved with the help of following which are stated
below as:
Quality: ASDA should focus on developing quality products in order to satisfy their
customers and retain them for long term durations at market place. This is valuable factor by
which business their enhance their profitability ratios and develop their positions at market
places.
Cost: This is the most vital factors at which firms are offering their products to
customers. Firms should focus on keeping low prices for their products so that customers can
easily purchase them thus their sales will be increased which results in earning higher
profitability.
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CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction
Research methodology is a highly intellectual human activity that is used in research
project; it deals specifically with the method through which data is gather, examined as well as
interpreted. It is a systematic model of finding the appropriate results of a research problem.
Along with this, research methodology is used to carrying out all activities and tasks in right
direction. It aids an investigator as he can deal with all application which will be used in
conducting the research. It develops a critical and scientific attitude in order to make effective
study and get better outcomes. Below mentioned are the various parts of research methodology: -
3.1 Types of investigation
The element is related with the actual method through which overall research is going to
be conducted. It is totally rely upon the researcher which method he is used for study. Basically,
there are different types of a research, such as- qualitative, quantitative and experimental.
Qualitative research relates with the quality and valuable phenomenon of the research. If
research project is qualitative then it can easily gain better outcomes. Experimental research is
relies upon observations alone, often without due to regard for system and theory. Whereas
quantitative research is based on the measurement of quantity or amount of data. Applicable
information can be measured in terms of quantity. The overall research project is based on
qualitative research method.
3.2 Research Design
It is worked as the blue print of the research which is prepared by an investigator in order
to manage all activities and tasks in a proper manner. There are two types research design, such
as- descriptive, experimental and exploratory research design. The present assignment is based
upon descriptive research design; in this researcher only reports what has happened and what is
happening.
3.3 Research Philosophy
The phase helps in rendering actual and right direction to research project. In addition,
there are two types of research philosophy, such as- positivism and interpretivisim. But the case
study is rely upon interpretivisim research design in this as the investigator believes that it will
provide them relevant information.

3.4 Research Approach
It is seemed as effective or impressive tool in a research methodology; research approach
as act as supportive system in order to carrying out all working activities. The present report is
based upon inductive research approach; through investigator can get related facts and figures.
3.5 Data Sampling
Data sampling is an eminent part of research work. In this researcher can select a sample
of few person on which the overall research is going to be conducted. This research is based on
probability or random data sampling. Here, the sample of 40 persons is selected.
3.6 Data collection method
There are two types of data collection methods, such as- primary and secondary data.
Primary data involves – questionnaire, observation, schedules and interviews whereas secondary
data involves – journals, magazines, articles, newspapers, books etc.
3.7 Ethical consideration
The ethical considerations reflects that the researcher should not reveal the personal
informations of customers that has collected which doing his research activities and he should
take proper time in order to collect valuable data which can be used for achieving valid
outcomes.
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CHAPTER 4: DATA ANALYSIS
Data analysis are most vital factors in order to measure the effectiveness of collected data
so they can develop effective results for the proposed research activities. This is the most
important elements as they are playing most effective role in order to execute all their business
operations in right direction thus achieving all their assigned goals and objectives. In the current
research questionnaire are framed according to the aims of research which is mentioned below
as:
Data Analysis
Questionnaire
Q1 The training and development programmes are valuable for
enhancing sales of business
Frequency
 Yes 30
 No 10
Q2 Are training valuable in order to enhance overall performances of
firms?
Frequency
 Agree 35
 Disagree 5
Q3 Training activities are useful for firms in order to retain satisfied
customers
Frequency
 Yes 38
 No 2
Q4 Training activities are beneficial in motivating employees to achieve
their targets
Frequency
 Satisfied 36
 Not Satisfied 4
Q5 What type of products are offered by ASDA to their customers? Frequency
 Grocery 25
3

 General Merchandise 10
 Financial Services 5
Q6 Which type of training are organised by ASDA? Frequency
 On the job training 33
 Off the job training 7
Q7 Which types of goals are achieved by training and development
activities?
Frequency
 Long term goals 25
 Short term goals 15
Q8 What were the benefits achieved by firms by conducting training
and development programmes?
Frequency
 Enhancing sales ratios 10
 Maximising profitability 15
 Increasing productivity 15
Q9 Are you satisfied with the offered products and services of firms Frequency
Satisfied 38
Not satisfied 2
Q10 Recommendations in order to enhance growth and profitability of
firms?
4

Theme 1: Training and development programmes are valuable for enhancing sales of business
Q1 The training and development programmes are valuable for
enhancing sales of business
Frequency
 Yes 30
 No 10
5
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
30
10
Frequency

Interpretation: From the above graph it has concluded that training programmes are
valuable for business as they were enhancing their profitability factors because 30 out of 40
respondents were in favour of this aspect that training are most vital factors for all business and
10 customers were not in favour of this aspect.
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Theme 2: Training valuable in order to enhance overall performances of firms
Q2 Are training valuable in order to enhance overall performances of
firms?
Frequency
 Agree 35
 Disagree 5
Interpretation: From the above chart it has been reflected that training programmes are
useful in order to enhance overall business performances as 35 respondents are in favour of
training programmes that it helps in enhancing overall business performances and 5 respondents
said that these programmes are not helpful in enhancing performances at work place
7
Agree Disagree
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
35
5
Column C

Theme 3: Training activities are useful for firms in order to retain satisfied customers
Q3 Training activities are useful for firms in order to retain satisfied
customers
Frequency
 Yes 38
 No 2
Interpretation: From the above cylinder it has been stated that firms were able to gain
loyal customers who will enhance their overall sales and profitability ratios. This is an important
factor for growth and development because 38 out of 40 respondents were in the favour of this
aspect and 2 were not in favour that these activities are valuable in order to gain retained
customers.
8
Yes No
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
38
2
Column C

Theme 4: Training activities are beneficial in motivating employees to achieve their targets
Q4 Training activities are beneficial in motivating employees to achieve
their targets
Frequency
 Satisfied 36
 Not Satisfied 4
Interpretation: From the above graph it has been concluded that employees are
motivated to work if they are given training how they had to carry out their assigned business
operations as 36 out of 40 respondents are in favour of this aspects and 4 said they are not
valuable in motivating employees.
9
Satisfied Not Satisfied
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40 36
4
Column C

Theme 5 Type of products are offered by ASDA to their customers
Q5 What type of products are offered by ASDA to their customers? Frequency
 Grocery 25
 General Merchandise 10
 Financial Services 5
Interpretation: From the above graph it has been represented that ASDA were mostly
dealing in grocery products as 25 out of 40 respondents are in favour of this aspects, 10 had
given their views that they were dealing in general merchandising goods and 5 said that these
firms were most dealing in providing financial services to customers.
10
Grocery General Merchandise Financial Services
0
5
10
15
20
25
25
10
5

Theme 6: Type of training organised by ASDA?
Q6 Which type of training are organised by ASDA? Frequency
 On the job training 33
 Off the job training 7
Interpretation: From the above chart it has been concluded that the best and most vital
methods which are used by firms are on the job training as 33 out of 40 respondents were in
favour of this aspects as it helps them in gaining practical knowledge about how the business
operations have to be executed and 7 that best methods were off the job training methods.
11
On the job training Off the job training
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
33
7
Column C

Theme 7: Which types of goals are achieved by training and development activities?
Q7 Which types of goals are achieved by training and development
activities?
Frequency
 Long term goals 25
 Short term goals 15
Interpretation: From the above pie chart it has been stated that training activities are
valuable in order to achieve long term goals as firms were able to achieve success because 25
out of 40 respondents were in favour of this aspects and 15 that training was valuable in order to
achieve only short term business goals.
12
Long term goals Short term goals
0
5
10
15
20
25
25
15
Column C

Theme 8: Benefits achieved by firms by conducting training and development programmes?
Q8 What were the benefits achieved by firms by conducting training
and development programmes?
Frequency
 Enhancing sales ratios 10
 Maximising profitability 15
 Increasing productivity 15
Interpretation: From the above graph it has been stated that benefits which were achieved
by firms are linked with maximising productivity and profitability ratios as 15 out of 40
respondents were equally in favour of this concept and 10 said that these factors were valuable in
order to enhance their overall sales ratios.
13
Enhancing sales ratios
Maximising profitability
Increasing productivity
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
10
15 15
Column C

Theme 9: Satisfied level with the offered products and services of firms
Q9 Are you satisfied with the offered products and services of firms Frequency
Satisfied 38
Not satisfied 2
Interpretation: From the above graph it has been stated that the products which were
offered by firms were satisfying needs of customers as 38 out of 40 respondents were in favour
of this and 2 said they were not able to satisfy their demands.
14
Satisfied Not satisfied
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
38
2
Column C

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CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 Recommendations
The studies which were conducted indicated that training are important for every business
organisations as these are valuable in order to make employees carry out their business
operations in right directions. There should be proper structures formulated in order to provide
training to all employees so they can achieve satisfied customers who will enhance their overall
sales and profitability ratios. As training are motivating employees so these should included
learning programmes so employees can enhance their present knowledge level and develop
innovative ideas for executing business activities on right path thus gaining success in their
business operations. Training helps in increasing efficiency of employees so they can achieve all
their targets in desired time which have been allotted to them and the researcher should be given
proper time in which they can easily gather data which will helps them to achieve good outcome
thus sales and profitability factors of firms will be greatly enhanced.
5.2 Conclusion
From the above research report it had been concluded that training and development are
vital programmes for every business organisations as it helps in enhancing productivity of firms
as employees are having knowledge how they have to carry out their business activities in order
to achieve all their assigned targets. Motivation is another aspect by which employees can earn
higher profits for ASDA as their sales will be constantly increasing. In depth studies are
conducted by researcher in order to know the effectiveness of training programmes so firms can
enhance their overall sales and profit ratios. There are various tools and techniques analysed
which can be used by business in order to satisfy their customers so they can be retained for long
time at work places.
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Online
ASDA makes new committment on training. 2017. [Online]. Availaible through:
<http://www.trainingzone.co.uk/topic/asda-makes-new-commitment-training>. [Accessed
on25th November 2017].
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