Significance of Training & Development at Marriott: Research Project

This research project assesses the significance of training and development in managing and retaining talent within the UK hospitality sector, using Marriott as a case study. The study explores the background of the research, including the dynamic nature of the business environment and the importance of adapting to changes through training and development. The research aims to investigate the extent to which training and development impacts talent management and retention within Marriott, setting objectives to understand the concept, assess its importance, identify its contribution, and recommend effective practices. The rationale highlights the increasing employee turnover in the hospitality sector and the need for talent management strategies. The literature review covers the concept of training and development, various methods like mentoring and role play, and its importance in retaining talent. The research methodology includes a qualitative approach, inductive research approach, and interpretivism philosophy. Data collection involves surveys and secondary sources, with a simple random sampling technique. Data analysis uses thematic perception tests, and ethical considerations are addressed through a reference list and consent forms. The project also includes a timeline, research methodology section, data analysis, and conclusion and recommendations, along with reflection, alternative methodologies, and references.

RESEARCH PROJECT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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