Explain the advanatages and disadvantages to an organization using Essay

Explain the advanatages and disadvantages to an organization using computer based training versus lecture training - Essay Example The communication technology provides a highly innovative approach to training as opposed to the traditional methodology which is fast becoming obsolete. Hence, in the changing environment of business imperatives, the organizations are opting for training their employees and staff in the emerging new skills to meet the challenges of the time. According to a recent study, ‘the task of finding, retaining, developing, and deploying a skilled workforce to meet an organization’s objectives is the number one obstacle to revenue growth’ (Julian, 2001). They have realized the importance of such programs, especially in the light of rapid globalization which has made business more competitive and complex, with regard to transforming socio-economic paradigms and multi-cultural values. According to a study by Sugrue & Kim, ‘more than half of technology based courses in 2003 were delivered online’(Sugrue & Kim, 2004). Another survey reports that ‘the majority of learning executives anticipated increasing use of online platforms to deliver higher education to their employees’ (Trierweller & Rivera, 200 5). To have a cost effective training programs, the organizations need to be aware of the advantages and disadvantages of using computer based training versus traditional classroom based lecture training. We would be carrying an in-depth study into the two models of training programs. The process of globalization has changed the dynamics of the business world. Change has become essential for development and organizations tend to adapt to the constantly evolving business environment through appropriate training and learning modules that promote better understanding among the employees for easy changeover. â€Å"Organizations must change because their environments change† (Bateman, 1990). They implement necessary changes in the organization to not only survive but

Compensation Plan Outline Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Compensation Plan Outline - Essay Example Hence, companies try to adopt different compensation plans as per prevailing industry standards, work environment and employee expectations. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., under the brand name ‘Wal-Mart’ is an American multinational retail corporation. Being one of the largest retailers in the world, it runs chains of departmental stores and discount stores with large discounts. It can be declared as the world’s biggest private employer with 2.2 million associates worldwide. Hence, they ought to have a well planned compensation plan so as to motivate each associate to give their best. The competitive compensation package of Wal-Mart touched $5.2 billion last year in the United States. The employee wages are classified and structured depending on experience, skill set, problem-solving abilities and job accountability. Every associate is qualified to receive a ‘performance bonus’, based on the performance of their stores. A full - time employee is eligible to re ceive bonuses up to $1,800 at Wal-Mart per year. Also, the company is known to reward hourly associates and assistant managers who have completed 20 years of service in the company, thus motivating employees to give their long term service to the company. It is vital for a company to develop a broad minded outlook while making compensation plans for its employees. It is essential to consider health benefits and various saving plans for the associates apart from their regular weekly / monthly wages. These health benefits include the spouse and all children of the associates, hence taking care of the employee and his family. They also provide varied coverage, ranging from $5 per month to $8 per month depending on the region of work. Wal-Mart provides various ‘Profit share plans’ and ‘Stock purchase plans’ to help their employees earn money in a faster way (â€Å"Wages and Benefits†, 2007). However, Wal-Mart’s compensation strategy has been widel y debated and severely criticized for its low worker’s compensation, which is believed to be influential in its ability to sustain its low prices. There is no doubt that the low product prices greatly benefit Wal-Mart’s consumers, especially from lower to middle class families. Wal-Mart’s strategy has been observed to focus on opening stores in ‘lower income’ areas. This indicates the company’s intention to minimize on worker compensation, along with other factors such as retail and merchandizing. The opening of Wal-Mart stores in a new locality is seen to lower the general wages on an average by 0.5 – 0.8% per worker in the merchandizing sector and by 0.8 – 0.9% for grocery workers (Bernstein, Bivens and Dube, 2006). The compensation plan has been slammed for charges that female employees are paid less than their male counterparts despite their achievement of greater performance ratings. The compensation plan at Wal-Mart is str uctured in such a way that hourly jobs are paid less while management positions are paid better. The process of promotion is defined in such a manner that an employee must complete a ‘Management Training Program’ in order to be appraised to the position of an Assistant Manager. It has been noticed that the other big retailers are found to pay more wages compared to that of Wal-Mart. There have been reports of employee grievances that show wage increments of as low as 20