Learning and Development Assignment - 1

Importance of Training and Development in

Telecom Industry

Submitted By:
Anjali Wadaskar 17020448006
Udayakant Tiwari 17020448102
Strategic Importance of Training and Development in Telecom Industry
“Training presents a prime opportunity to expand the knowledge base of all employees, but
many employers find the development opportunities expensive. Employees also miss out
on work time while attending training sessions, which may delay the completion of projects.
Despite the potential drawbacks, training and development provides both the company as
a whole and the individual employees with benefits that make the cost and time a
worthwhile investment.”

Raise the Bar Value Potential Build diversity New Sources of

and develop it Talent

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expectations of potential and and aim to build a bring in, develop
performance and value talent. We diverse and
potential. take risks on talent organization which nurture the new
and encourage reflects the global capabilities that
people to stretch footprint of are necessary to
and develop Vodafone and our deliver our strategy
customers
Line Capability
Our leaders (and HR) are skilled at scouting for talent and developing
potential
Strategic Importance of Training and Development in Telecom Industry
❑ Addressing Weaknesses
Most employees have some weaknesses in workplace skills. A training program allows us
to strengthen those skills that each employee needs to improve. A development
program brings all employees to a higher level so they all have similar skills and
knowledge. This helps reduce any weak links within the company like us who rely
heavily on others to complete basic work tasks.
❑ Improved Employee
Performance
An employee who receives the
necessary training is better able to
perform his/her job. He/ She
becomes more aware of safety
practices and proper procedures for
basic tasks. The training may also
build the employee's confidence
because he/ she has a stronger
understanding of the industry and the
responsibilities of her job. This
confidence may push him/ her to
perform even better and think of new
ideas that help her excel. Continuous
training also keeps our employees on
the cutting edge of industry
developments.
Strategic Importance of Training and Development in Telecom Industry
❑ Consistency
A structured training and development program ensures that employees have a consistent
experience and background knowledge. The consistency is particularly relevant for the
company's basic policies and procedures. All employees need to be aware of the
expectations and procedures within the company. This includes safety, discrimination and
administrative tasks. Putting all employees through regular training in these areas
ensures that all staff members at least have exposure to the information.

❑Employee Satisfaction
Employees with access to training and
development programs have the
advantage over employees in other
companies who are left to seek out
training opportunities on their own. The
investment in training that a company
makes shows the employees they are
valued. The training creates a supportive
workplace. Employees may gain access
to training they wouldn't have otherwise
known about or sought out themselves.
Employees who feel appreciated and
challenged through training opportunities
may feel more satisfaction toward their
jobs.
 Different training methods used in
Telecom Industry

On-the-Job Training Method:

● Position Rotation or Job Rotation
● Understudy Method
● Coaching
● Job Instruction Training Method
● Committee Assignment Method
● Apprenticeship Training Method
● Special Meetings of the Staff
Different training methods used in Telecom
Industry

2. Off-the-Job Training Method:

● Vestibule Training:
● Lecture Method:
● Role Playing:
● Conferences and Seminars:
● Films and Slide Show:
● Programmed Instructions:
● University and College Degrees and Certificate Courses:
Challenges in Learning and Development for Telecom Industry

Challenge 1: “Rapid time to market” with shorter development and life cycles
The telecom industry is characterized by fierce competition and companies release new
products every now and then. These products have short life spans and firms need to
effectively train their personnel on these latest offerings.
Blended learning is the ideal format to impart training on new telecom products. A brief
introduction to the product could be provided through online courses. The main content
and hands-on training on the product could then be provided through short ILT sessions.
Thereafter, eLearning could be used to efficiently reinforce the knowledge gained in
classrooms and workshops.

Challenge 2: A large number of customers with little or no knowledge of the

product or technology
This is a common problem faced by many companies. The rapid release of new products
and technologies makes it necessary to impart effective training on these products and
technologies to customers.
E-learning could be used to impart effective training to customers spread across the
world at low cost. Videos or animations could be used to demonstrate the working of a
product and simulations can be used to enable the customer gain mastery over its
usage.
Challenges in Learning and Development for Telecom Industry

Challenge 3: Retain and increase customer loyalty

Good customer service helps retain and enhance loyalty of customers. A blend of ILT
and on-the-job training (OJT) could be used to develop the necessary skills in customer
service personnel. The necessary soft skills needed to deal with customers could be
effectively imparted through ILT, while the knowledge gained could be practiced and
honed in real-life situations, that is, in on-the-job trainings.

Challenge 4: Maintaining a strong authorized dealer chain

Dealers play a key role in the success of a modern business organization. As the
experience of Toshiba telecommunications shows, blended learning could be used to
efficiently train dealers on various aspects.
The CEM (classroom, eLearning and mLearning) approach which combines the best of
all the three training delivery formats could be used to deliver excellent training. The
advantages of online courses are retained while the much desired ‘human touch’ helps
build better relationships with the dealers.

Challenge 5: Efficiently maintain and manage information

Telecom companies deal with huge amounts of information. It is necessary to train the
employees on protecting confidential data. E-learning could be used to impart highly
effective information security training.
New ideas/ initiatives to Conduct Learning and Development in Telecom
Industry
3 year dual study programme – partnership between Vodafone and universities
➢ Joint definition of the knowledge, skills, competencies for the study programmes
➢ 50 places
➢ Rhythm of 3-months blocks study followed by 3 months practical experience
➢ Subjects: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering
➢ At the end of programme: deployment in a first role

Career Forums as a key source to attract best class talent straight from Higher
Education Institutions (HEIs)
➢ Strategic alliances, e.g. CEMS (Vienna event) – leverage Vodafone footprint
➢ Target HEIs
➢ „Young Innovators“ event – excite students for Vodafone through practical experience in
innovation labs

Global “Discover” graduate recruitment programme

➢ 600+ hires annually
➢ Duration: 18-24 months
➢ New employees get assigned to specific (cross-functional) projects
➢ At the end of the programme: deployment in a permanent role
➢ Prerequisits: very good MSc, responsibility in internship projects, international
experience, foreign languages
Benefits of Learning and Development in Telecom Industry

Increased productivity: Training and development directly improves efficiency and

productivity of employees. Employees remain up to date with new technology and thus
use existing ones in a better way. Well trained employees show both quantity and
quality performance. There is less wastage of time, money and resources when
employees are properly trained.

Less supervision: Training improves necessary skill sets in employees and empowers
them to address tasks independently. In other words a well trained employee will be
well acquainted with the job and hence they need less of supervision.

Reduction of errors & accidents: Most of the errors occur because of many
employees lack the desired knowledge and precise skills required for doing a particular
job. Continuous Training and development ensures that employees get the right skills
at right time .The more trained an employee is, the less are the chances of committing
errors in job.

Talent pool: Creating a pool of cross-trained employees helps to bridge gaps when
someone unexpectedly leaves the company - or if they accept a transfer or a
promotion. Employees can be trained on a minor additional skill in sales, customer
service, administration and operations. Cross-training also fosters team spirit, as
employees appreciate the challenges faced by co-workers.
Benefits of Learning and Development in Telecom Industry
Uncover employee potential: Most of the companies overlook the hidden talent of
their employees, Training and development provides a catalytic platform for employees
to share their ideas with management. Job satisfaction: Training and development
makes the employees feel more satisfied with the role they play in the company or
organization. This is driven by the great ability they gain to execute their duties. They
feel they belong to the company or the organization that they work for and the only way
to reward it is giving the best services they can.

Reduction of turnover and absenteeism: Employee turnaround costs time and

money. Training creates a feeling of confidence in the minds of the employees. It gives
them a security at the workplace. As a result, labor turnover and absenteeism rates are
reduced.

Skills Development: Training and development helps in increasing the job knowledge
and skills of employees at each level. It helps to expand the horizons of human intellect
and an overall personality of the employees.

Optimum resource utilization: Training and Development significantly helps to

provide an opportunity and broad structure for the development of human resources'
technical and behavioral skills in an organization which ultimately results in optimum
resource utilization, moreover it also helps the employees in attaining personal growth.
Thank You