The relationship between the activity and impact training approaches as used in selected South African food manufacturing companies implementing total quality management

Abstract

The aim of this investigation is to establish the relationship between the Activity and Impact .training approaches in selective South African food manufacturing companies in order to establish which training approach makes the greatest contribution to a Total Quality Management implementation strategy. The main characteristics of these two training approaches are the following: In the Activity training approach the focus is on individual training requirements. Here the trainee and/or the line supervisor subjectively identify individual training requirements (training needs). Furthermore, this approach has no conclusive form of evaluation being conducted, especially to determine whether the knowledge and skills gained during the training course has been transferred to the trainee's working environment Impact training focuses on results-orientated training aimed at meeting the needs of the organisation by providing employees with relevant knowledge and skills to improve their performance. The work environment is seen as an extension of the training programme enabling both the Human Resources Department (Training and Development Department) and the line manager to work in joint collaboration when measuring the trainees' performance in a practical environment A self-designed questionnaire was used to determine whether the selected sample population (n=171) follows an Activity or an Impact training approach when implementing a Total Quality Management strategy. The research revealed three pertinent findings: Firstly, Total Quality Management programmes implemented within the South African food manufacturing industry characterise both the Activity and the Impact training approaches.