One of the fastest growing areas of law enforcement in the state of Texas today is school district policing, with many of the Independent School District (ISD) departments having been formed within the past 10-12 years. Without a formal structured plan of its own, training programs for the school district police officer have often followed the template of other local and state policing organizations to determine their own in-service training curriculum. Unfortunately, following the guidelines and programs set up by these outside policing organizations has led to training that is not indicative of the school district police officers bona fide training needs. This research first focused on identifying the internal and external constraints that are operating from within the school district, along with influences from outside the organization that are hindering ISD police officer training. The results found budgetary issues, time issues, perceived lack of training support from the school district administration, a lack of a training needs analysis to identify training needs, and other outside constraints (such as legislative training mandates), were hindering ISD police in-service training. Recommendations were made to seek outside assistance (grants), combined regional training efforts, organizing to seek changes in required state training mandates, educating administration in ISD policing needs, and performing a training needs analysis to identify training needs. The second focus identified the unique tasks of the school district police officer in order to provide the school district policing organizations with specific task information regarding the daily tasks of the school district police officer. Twenty eight unique police officer tasks were then identified through group sessions held with several ISD policing organizations. The tasks were then listed in order of criticality and frequency, and two lists were made from the returns. One related to overall task importance and the second list was ordered by agency size, as it was believed that the agencies may differ in focus and responsibilities by departmental size. This combination of an organizational analysis and a task analysis is expected to provide the ISD policing organizations with the information from which a sound training program may be designed.

One of the fastest growing areas of law enforcement in the state of Texas today is school district policing, with many of the Independent School District (ISD) departments having been formed within the past 10-12 years. Without a formal structured plan of its own, training programs for the school district police officer have often followed the template of other local and state policing organizations to determine their own in-service training curriculum. Unfortunately, following the guidelines and programs set up by these outside policing organizations has led to training that is not indicative of the school district police officers bona fide training needs. This research first focused on identifying the internal and external constraints that are operating from within the school district, along with influences from outside the organization that are hindering ISD police officer training. The results found budgetary issues, time issues, perceived lack of training support from the school district administration, a lack of a training needs analysis to identify training needs, and other outside constraints (such as legislative training mandates), were hindering ISD police in-service training. Recommendations were made to seek outside assistance (grants), combined regional training efforts, organizing to seek changes in required state training mandates, educating administration in ISD policing needs, and performing a training needs analysis to identify training needs. The second focus identified the unique tasks of the school district police officer in order to provide the school district policing organizations with specific task information regarding the daily tasks of the school district police officer. Twenty eight unique police officer tasks were then identified through group sessions held with several ISD policing organizations. The tasks were then listed in order of criticality and frequency, and two lists were made from the returns. One related to overall task importance and the second list was ordered by agency size, as it was believed that the agencies may differ in focus and responsibilities by departmental size. This combination of an organizational analysis and a task analysis is expected to provide the ISD policing organizations with the information from which a sound training program may be designed.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (the KSA) has a rapidly growing and diversifying economy that has made significant progress in manufacturing, construction, and agriculture. However, the KSA remains a difficult place for the practice of human resources management (HRM) because of, among other factors, a large non-native workforce and a majority of family-owned firms. These complicating factors mean that, in Saudi firms, HRM practices are adopted in a gradual manner and specifically, training programs are conducted with a view to develop talents and improve worker performance. The study explored the current state of HRM practices in KSA, perception on the training programs conducted and training effectiveness captured as ‘Intent to participate’. The study primarily used qualitative as well as quantitative data collected from family-owned business firms. It helps to gain a deeper understanding of how perceptions on training programs vary across different organisations and demography of the trainees that include age, qualification and experience. A framework predicting intent to participate by the perception on training programs was developed based on the review of extant literature. In order to capture the differences in the perception on training programs across different organisations, age, qualification and experience, Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used. Results show that perception differed across organisations, age, qualification and experience. In order to predict intent to participate by perception on training programs, multiple regression analysis was used. Results show that perception on identification of training needs, clarity of objectives, training design, behavioural modification and performance improvement predict intent to participate. The researcher also explored perception on training programs in family-owned business firms by conducting an interview with 33 HR managers using a semi-structured interview schedule. The HR managers belong to those companies where the employees hail from. The schedule was developed and standardised using content validity and reliability. The study also gained insights into various areas of training required by the employees in order to achieve their business results. It further provides inputs in terms of HR concerns and suggested HR Interventions to make the management training function better aligned and integrated. The study concludes with a set of recommendations for firms on implementing management training effectively. Ultimately, the study proposes a model of training for family-owned businesses in the KSA.

Ruapehu is an active volcano located on the North Island of New Zealand, with the most recent major eruptions occurring in 1945, 1969, 1975, and 1995/96. Ruapehu is also home to the three major North Island ski areas, Whakapapa, Turoa, and Tukino. Because of the high frequency of eruptions, there is a significant volcanic hazard at the ski areas particularly from lahars which can form even after minor eruptions. Most recently, lahars have affected Whakapapa ski area in 1969, 1975, and 1995/96. The most significant risk at Turoa is from ballistic bombs due to the proximity of the top two T-Bars to the crater. Ash fall has also caused disruption at the ski areas, covering the snow and causing damage to structures. There is yet to be a death at the ski areas from a volcanic event; however the risk at the ski areas is too high to be completely ignored. The ski areas at Whakapapa and Turoa are currently operated by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), who have been significantly improving their commitment to providing volcanic hazard training for their staff and preparing for handling a volcanic eruption. RAL is joined by the Institute of Geological Sciences (GNS) and the Department of Conservation (DoC) in trying to mitigate this risk through a range of initiatives, including an automated Eruption Detection System (EDS), linked to sirens and loudspeakers on Whakapapa ski areas, as well as by providing staff training and public education. The aim of this study was to provide RAL with recommendations to improve their staff training and warning system response. Staff induction week at both Turoa and Whakapapa ski areas was observed. Surveys were distributed and collected from staff at both ski areas, and interviews were conducted with staff at Whakapapa ski area. Data obtained from staff interviews and surveys provided the author with insight into staff's mental models regarding a volcanic event response. A simulation of the warning system was observed, as well as a blind test, to collect data on the effectiveness of training on staff response. Results indicated permanent and seasonal staff were knowledgeable of the volcanic hazards that may affect the ski areas, but had differing perspectives on the risk associated with those hazards. They were found to be confident in the initial response to a volcanic event (i.e. move to higher ground), but were unsure of what would happen after this initial response. RAL was also found to have greatly improved their volcanic hazard training in the past year, however further recommendations were suggested to increase training effectiveness. A training needs analysis was done for different departments at the ski areas by taking a new approach of anticipating demands staff may encounter during a volcanic event and complementing these demands with existing staff competencies. Additional recommendations were made to assist RAL in developing an effective plan to use when responding to volcanic events, as well as other changes that could be made to improve the likelihood of customer safety at the ski areas during an eruption.

Ruapehu is an active volcano located on the North Island of New Zealand, with the most recent major eruptions occurring in 1945, 1969, 1975, and 1995/96. Ruapehu is also home to the three major North Island ski areas, Whakapapa, Turoa, and Tukino. Because of the high frequency of eruptions, there is a significant volcanic hazard at the ski areas particularly from lahars which can form even after minor eruptions. Most recently, lahars have affected Whakapapa ski area in 1969, 1975, and 1995/96. The most significant risk at Turoa is from ballistic bombs due to the proximity of the top two T-Bars to the crater. Ash fall has also caused disruption at the ski areas, covering the snow and causing damage to structures. There is yet to be a death at the ski areas from a volcanic event; however the risk at the ski areas is too high to be completely ignored. The ski areas at Whakapapa and Turoa are currently operated by Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL), who have been significantly improving their commitment to providing volcanic hazard training for their staff and preparing for handling a volcanic eruption. RAL is joined by the Institute of Geological Sciences (GNS) and the Department of Conservation (DoC) in trying to mitigate this risk through a range of initiatives, including an automated Eruption Detection System (EDS), linked to sirens and loudspeakers on Whakapapa ski areas, as well as by providing staff training and public education. The aim of this study was to provide RAL with recommendations to improve their staff training and warning system response. Staff induction week at both Turoa and Whakapapa ski areas was observed. Surveys were distributed and collected from staff at both ski areas, and interviews were conducted with staff at Whakapapa ski area. Data obtained from staff interviews and surveys provided the author with insight into staff's mental models regarding a volcanic event response. A simulation of the warning system was observed, as well as a blind test, to collect data on the effectiveness of training on staff response. Results indicated permanent and seasonal staff were knowledgeable of the volcanic hazards that may affect the ski areas, but had differing perspectives on the risk associated with those hazards. They were found to be confident in the initial response to a volcanic event (i.e. move to higher ground), but were unsure of what would happen after this initial response. RAL was also found to have greatly improved their volcanic hazard training in the past year, however further recommendations were suggested to increase training effectiveness. A training needs analysis was done for different departments at the ski areas by taking a new approach of anticipating demands staff may encounter during a volcanic event and complementing these demands with existing staff competencies. Additional recommendations were made to assist RAL in developing an effective plan to use when responding to volcanic events, as well as other changes that could be made to improve the likelihood of customer safety at the ski areas during an eruption.

Magister Educationis - MEd / A qualitative research study, supplemented by a policy and contextual analysis was conducted to evaluate the skills development planning process for Human Resources managers at the NMMU. The findings of the study indicate a need for the NMMU to implement effective skills development planning practices to ensure relevant skills are developed in the Human Resources department. The findings further highlighted the need for a Human Resources strategy and model to guide the skills planning process.

A gestão dos projetos de Pesquisa, Desenvolvimento e Inovação (PD&I) tem sido objeto de preocupação das organizações em virtude da necessidade de compatibilizar objetivos estratégicos e recursos, assim como assegurar a ênfase no desenvolvimento de projetos prioritários, em virtude das crescentes demandas da sociedade. A literatura sobre gestão de projetos apresenta, de forma recorrente, além da importância da figura do líder no desempenho dos projetos como um dos principais agentes condicionantes para o alcance dos resultados, a necessidade constante de aprimoramento da capacidade de atuação desses atores. O aprimoramento da qualificação de profissionais, campo da gestão de programas de Treinamento, Desenvolvimento e Educação (TD&E), tem na etapa de Avaliação de Necessidades de Treinamento (ANT) o processo essencial para a identificação e a priorização de esforços e investimentos realizados na formação de pessoas. Apesar de sua importância, a ANT ainda é pouco desenvolvida nas organizações e possui carência de pesquisas empíricas. Nesse sentido, esta pesquisa objetivou investigar as lacunas de competências de líderes de projeto, com o intuito de conhecer a predição das variáveis características da clientela (sociodemográficas e funcionais) sobre a necessidade de treinamento, no contexto de uma instituição de PD&I. Procurou contribuir, desta forma, com elementos no campo da gestão dos projetos, com o avanço da ANT ao conduzir o processo de investigação para avaliar as necessidades de treinamento dos líderes de projeto, fornecer subsídios para a instituição-alvo, no intuito de propiciar informações para o planejamento e desenvolvimento de programa de treinamento e capacitação mais efetivo, voltado à clientela-alvo da pesquisa. Foram traçados cinco objetivos específicos: construir o instrumento de Competências de Líderes de Projeto (CompLP); verificar evidências de validade do instrumento; identificar as lacunas de competências dos líderes de projeto da Embrapa; conhecer o perfil da clientela; identificar as variáveis que influenciam a aquisição de conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes - CHAs. A partir da identificação das competências características do líder de projeto, e da validação do instrumento, obteve-se um questionário com 25 itens. Obtidos bons índices psicométricos de validação do instrumento, a pesquisa foi aplicada na Embrapa, e contou com uma amostra de 300 indivíduos. Os índices de prioridade geral (IPG) de treinamento apresentaram valores baixos (menores que 13,8) para as 25 competências que integram o instrumento. De acordo com a auto percepção da amostra, não há necessidade de treinamento de ordem superior, no entanto com elevada divergência de opinião entre os respondentes. A partir das análises do modelo de predição com as oito competências identificadas para desenvolvimento (IPG - 10,3 a 10,86), concluiu-se que a área de atuação dos líderes de projeto na Empresa explica a necessidade de treinamento nas competências em geral, e as variáveis que mais significativamente contribuem para o modelo de predição (R2= 7%) são idade, cargo, tempo de trabalho e tempo de experiência como líder de projeto. O objetivo geral e os objetivos específicos do estudo foram alcançados. Ao final, limitações do estudo são discutidas / The management of research, development and innovation projects has been a concern of organizations due to the need to reconcile strategic objectives and resources, as well as to ensure the emphasis in the development of priority projects, in order to assure the growing demands of society. The literature on project management presents, in a recurrent way, besides the importance of the figure of the leader in the performance of projects, as one of the main conditioning agents for the achievement of results, the constant need to improve the capacity of these actors to act. The improvement of the qualification of professionals, field of program management of training, has in the training needs analysis - TNA stage the essential process for the identification and prioritization of efforts and investments made in the training of workers. Despite its importance, the TNA is still underdeveloped in organizations and lacks empirical research. In this sense, this research aimed to investigate the skills gaps of project leaders with the purpose of knowing the prediction of the characteristic variables of the clientele (sociodemographic and functional characteristics) about the need for training, in the context of a research, development and innovation institution. It sought to contribute,with elements in the field of research project management, with TNA advancing in conducting the research process to evaluate the training needs of project leaders, to provide subsidies to the target institution in order to plann and develop effectives training programes, aimed at the target clientele of the research. Five specific objectives were outlined: build the Project Leadership Competency tool (CompLP); check evidence of validity of the CompLP instrument; identify the skills gaps of Embrapa project leaders; know the profile of the clientele; identify the variables that influence the acquisition of CHAs. Based on the identification of competencies characteristic of the project leader, and the validation phases of the instrument, a questionnaire with 25 items was obtained. After obtaining good psychometric indexes of instrument validation, the research was applied at Embrapa, and had a sample of 300 individuals. The general priority-training index (GPI) presented low values (less than 13.8) for the 25 competences that make up the instrument. Thus, according to the self-perception of the sample, there are no higher-order training needs, however with a high divergence of opinion among the respondents. From the analysis of the prediction model with the eight competencies identified for development (IPG - 10.3 to 10.86), it was concluded that the area of performance of the project leaders in the institution explains the need for training in skills in general, and the variables that most significantly contribute to the prediction model (R2 = 7%) are age, position, working time, and time of experience as a project leader. The overall objective and the specific objectives of the study were achieved. At the end, study issues are discussed

Thesis (MPA.) --University of Limpopo, 2014 / iii ABSTRACT Government Institutions are in terms of the Skills Development Act, (Act 97 of 1998), required to develop employees in order to achieve good and effective performance. The Act makes provision for the development of Workplace Skills Plan by government institutions and mandates these institutions, including Government Departments, to budget at least 1% of their payroll for training and development of employees. It is, however, not apparent whether or not the developed Workplace Skills Plans are in line with the employees training needs and training interventions. As a result, the essence of this study is to determine how to align employees training needs with the Departmental Workplace Skills Plan in the Limpopo Department of Health. In addition, the study investigates whether or not training interventions in the Limpopo Department of Health are informed by the identified skills needs. The type of research methodology used in this study is the quantitative approach, which is in the form of a structured questionnaire. The main finding of the study is that although the Limpopo Department of Health developed the Workplace Skills Plan, training interventions were not aligned to it. In addition, a large percentage of the respondents was not aware of the skills audit exercise that the Department undertook. This study also reveals that the post-training evaluation which was done by the Department did not contribute to important subsequent training interventions. The key recommendation made is that the Limpopo Department of Health should make employees aware of the skills audit exercise the Department often undertakes. Additionally, Personal Development Plans should be continuously used to identify pertinent employee training needs relevant for the Departmental Workplace Skills Plan KEY WORDS • Limpopo Department of Health • Workplace Skills Plan • Personal Development Plan • Skills Audit • Training Interventions • Training Needs Analysis • Employees Training Needs

A gestão dos projetos de Pesquisa, Desenvolvimento e Inovação (PD&I) tem sido objeto de preocupação das organizações em virtude da necessidade de compatibilizar objetivos estratégicos e recursos, assim como assegurar a ênfase no desenvolvimento de projetos prioritários, em virtude das crescentes demandas da sociedade. A literatura sobre gestão de projetos apresenta, de forma recorrente, além da importância da figura do líder no desempenho dos projetos como um dos principais agentes condicionantes para o alcance dos resultados, a necessidade constante de aprimoramento da capacidade de atuação desses atores. O aprimoramento da qualificação de profissionais, campo da gestão de programas de Treinamento, Desenvolvimento e Educação (TD&E), tem na etapa de Avaliação de Necessidades de Treinamento (ANT) o processo essencial para a identificação e a priorização de esforços e investimentos realizados na formação de pessoas. Apesar de sua importância, a ANT ainda é pouco desenvolvida nas organizações e possui carência de pesquisas empíricas. Nesse sentido, esta pesquisa objetivou investigar as lacunas de competências de líderes de projeto, com o intuito de conhecer a predição das variáveis características da clientela (sociodemográficas e funcionais) sobre a necessidade de treinamento, no contexto de uma instituição de PD&I. Procurou contribuir, desta forma, com elementos no campo da gestão dos projetos, com o avanço da ANT ao conduzir o processo de investigação para avaliar as necessidades de treinamento dos líderes de projeto, fornecer subsídios para a instituição-alvo, no intuito de propiciar informações para o planejamento e desenvolvimento de programa de treinamento e capacitação mais efetivo, voltado à clientela-alvo da pesquisa. Foram traçados cinco objetivos específicos: construir o instrumento de Competências de Líderes de Projeto (CompLP); verificar evidências de validade do instrumento; identificar as lacunas de competências dos líderes de projeto da Embrapa; conhecer o perfil da clientela; identificar as variáveis que influenciam a aquisição de conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes - CHAs. A partir da identificação das competências características do líder de projeto, e da validação do instrumento, obteve-se um questionário com 25 itens. Obtidos bons índices psicométricos de validação do instrumento, a pesquisa foi aplicada na Embrapa, e contou com uma amostra de 300 indivíduos. Os índices de prioridade geral (IPG) de treinamento apresentaram valores baixos (menores que 13,8) para as 25 competências que integram o instrumento. De acordo com a auto percepção da amostra, não há necessidade de treinamento de ordem superior, no entanto com elevada divergência de opinião entre os respondentes. A partir das análises do modelo de predição com as oito competências identificadas para desenvolvimento (IPG - 10,3 a 10,86), concluiu-se que a área de atuação dos líderes de projeto na Empresa explica a necessidade de treinamento nas competências em geral, e as variáveis que mais significativamente contribuem para o modelo de predição (R2= 7%) são idade, cargo, tempo de trabalho e tempo de experiência como líder de projeto. O objetivo geral e os objetivos específicos do estudo foram alcançados. Ao final, limitações do estudo são discutidas / The management of research, development and innovation projects has been a concern of organizations due to the need to reconcile strategic objectives and resources, as well as to ensure the emphasis in the development of priority projects, in order to assure the growing demands of society. The literature on project management presents, in a recurrent way, besides the importance of the figure of the leader in the performance of projects, as one of the main conditioning agents for the achievement of results, the constant need to improve the capacity of these actors to act. The improvement of the qualification of professionals, field of program management of training, has in the training needs analysis - TNA stage the essential process for the identification and prioritization of efforts and investments made in the training of workers. Despite its importance, the TNA is still underdeveloped in organizations and lacks empirical research. In this sense, this research aimed to investigate the skills gaps of project leaders with the purpose of knowing the prediction of the characteristic variables of the clientele (sociodemographic and functional characteristics) about the need for training, in the context of a research, development and innovation institution. It sought to contribute,with elements in the field of research project management, with TNA advancing in conducting the research process to evaluate the training needs of project leaders, to provide subsidies to the target institution in order to plann and develop effectives training programes, aimed at the target clientele of the research. Five specific objectives were outlined: build the Project Leadership Competency tool (CompLP); check evidence of validity of the CompLP instrument; identify the skills gaps of Embrapa project leaders; know the profile of the clientele; identify the variables that influence the acquisition of CHAs. Based on the identification of competencies characteristic of the project leader, and the validation phases of the instrument, a questionnaire with 25 items was obtained. After obtaining good psychometric indexes of instrument validation, the research was applied at Embrapa, and had a sample of 300 individuals. The general priority-training index (GPI) presented low values (less than 13.8) for the 25 competences that make up the instrument. Thus, according to the self-perception of the sample, there are no higher-order training needs, however with a high divergence of opinion among the respondents. From the analysis of the prediction model with the eight competencies identified for development (IPG - 10.3 to 10.86), it was concluded that the area of performance of the project leaders in the institution explains the need for training in skills in general, and the variables that most significantly contribute to the prediction model (R2 = 7%) are age, position, working time, and time of experience as a project leader. The overall objective and the specific objectives of the study were achieved. At the end, study issues are discussed

Der Bereich des Controllings betrieblicher Qualifikation und Bildung stellt die Controller vor erhebliche, z.T. unlösbare Probleme: Fast alles, was die Steuerung betrieblichen Lernens anbetrifft, bezieht sich auf nur schwer meßbare latente Größen. In diesem Beitrag soll die methodologische Problematik in einem zentralen Bereich der Steuerung von Maßnahmen betrieblichen Lernens angegangen werden: die Bedarfsanalyse. Zur rationalen Steuerung betrieblicher (Weiter-)Bildung ist die Ermittlung des tatsächlich vorhandenen Bildungsbedarfs unerläßlich. Nur so kann das Kriterium der Wirtschaftlichkeit von (Weiter-)Bildungsmaßnahmen erfüllt werden. Es wird dafür die Nutzung des Verfahrens der summierten Einschätzungen nach Rensis Likert (sogenannte Likert-Skalen) zur Lösung des zugrundeliegenden Meßproblems untersucht. Der Artikel liefert einen methodischen Beitrag zur Operationalisierung und Messung des Weiterbildungsbedarfs und skizziert Ansatzpunkte für weitere Forschung, um eine Anwendung in der betrieblichen Praxis zu ermöglichen.