LIR 811: Training and Development

An online, graduate level course

Training and development plays an increasingly pivotal role in business planning decisions. A firm’s competitive edge often comes from the skills and effectiveness of its workforce. As the role of training increases, many organizations require not only effective trainers, but also managers and staff who understand clearly what effective training requires of the organization.

The School of Labor and Industrial Relations offers this course on-line as a service to its own graduate students as well as to those students and practitioners who wish to become (more) skilled in developing and delivering quality training programs. Other who would benefit from the course are those who wish to become more knowledgeable about training program development and the potential role that training can play,  so as to optimize the investment that their organizations make in the training function.

Current LIR students, as well as students from other departments and universities, are invited to take the course. Practitioners who engage in Human Resources, Labor Relations, and union leadership roles are invited to take the course as well.

The course will be conducted entirely on-line using available technology to enhance student learning and vary the format of presentation.  Course content will be provided through use of readings (electronic files, web links, and assigned texts), as well as video and audiotapes of panels and presentations on matters of interest.  Discussion forums and chats will also be used to share and clarify ideas, address questions, and stimulate student (and instructor) thinking. One goal of this course is to create a learning community where everyone can safely explore the theory and practice of training in the workplace.