20.6 Human Resources Management for Infrastructure
20.6.1 Managerial Power and Politics
Organisations employ managers to accomplish things through people, which in fact,
they do. However, getting tasks done and making progress happen within an
organisation is never a simple or straightforward task. Apart from the simple
technical, human and administrative issues, managers are challenged by ‘office
political’ factors. They need to struggle against ‘hurdles’ such as:
Table 20.5 Different types of training available
A Technical schools and colleges
Technical schools and colleges have resources to provide the skills training required. The
company must make certain that the institution offers their staff with the training they require
and in the way the company wishes the training to be provided. The company must participate
in the development of a skills training programme, comprising how a subject is explained and
communicated, what is imparted, and that it is taught according the specifications of the
company’s equipment. The company must be answerable for the training of its staff members, together with the trainer.
B Contract training
A training firm has the advantage that, unless it is successful, it will not be in business very
long. A college usually does not have such concerns. The company should try to obtain a few
references from former customers of the training firm, and then request an offer to address the
following issues: (1) training development (2) training format (lectures, hands-on, etc)
(3) assessment of knowledge and skills of staff members (4) the firm’s roles and duties in the
skill level training programme (5) attention to be given to staff members with learning
problems.
C Vendor training
A local vendor providing free workshops/seminars can be useful for product review and
comprehension, or learning how to use equipment/products, but does not help in upgrading
the skill levels of staff members.
Training provided by equipment manufacturers can help maintain new equipment, but may
not address the training required by staff members.
D Workshops
If tailored to meet the company’s needs, workshops can be very good training sources. A
workshop customized to a specific plant guarantees that attendees will gain more knowledge
and skills from the workshop. However, even workshops that are not customized can still be
helpful if the goals satisfy the attendees’ requirements. Somebody having the basic knowledge and skills for a particular workshop will certainly increase his knowledge and skill in
this particular area.
E Other methods
A company may use other methods to provide a suitable training programme, including
in-house training, peer coaching/training and self-instructional training. A combination of
these programs works very well depending on the company’s particular requirements, a
combination of methods may be used. What is important to understand is different plants may
have different situations, and staff members may require a customized programme to meet
their particular requirements.
20.6 Human Resources Management for Infrastructure
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20.6.1 Managerial Power and Politics
Organisations employ managers to accomplish things through people, which in fact,
they do. However, getting tasks done and making progress happen within an
organisation is never a simple or straightforward task. Apart from the simple
technical, human and administrative issues, managers are challenged by ‘office
political’ factors. They need to struggle against ‘hurdles’ such as:
Table 20.5 Different types of training available
A Technical schools and colleges
Technical schools and colleges have resources to provide the skills training required. The
company must make certain that the institution offers their staff with the training they require
and in the way the company wishes the training to be provided. The company must participate
in the development of a skills training programme, comprising how a subject is explained and
communicated, what is imparted, and that it is taught according the specifications of the
company’s equipment. The company must be answerable for the training of its staff members, together with the trainer.
B Contract training
A training firm has the advantage that, unless it is successful, it will not be in business very
long. A college usually does not have such concerns. The company should try to obtain a few
references from former customers of the training firm, and then request an offer to address the
following issues: (1) training development (2) training format (lectures, hands-on, etc)
(3) assessment of knowledge and skills of staff members (4) the firm’s roles and duties in the
skill level training programme (5) attention to be given to staff members with learning
problems.
C Vendor training
A local vendor providing free workshops/seminars can be useful for product review and
comprehension, or learning how to use equipment/products, but does not help in upgrading
the skill levels of staff members.
Training provided by equipment manufacturers can help maintain new equipment, but may
not address the training required by staff members.
D Workshops
If tailored to meet the company’s needs, workshops can be very good training sources. A
workshop customized to a specific plant guarantees that attendees will gain more knowledge
and skills from the workshop. However, even workshops that are not customized can still be
helpful if the goals satisfy the attendees’ requirements. Somebody having the basic knowledge and skills for a particular workshop will certainly increase his knowledge and skill in
this particular area.
E Other methods
A company may use other methods to provide a suitable training programme, including
in-house training, peer coaching/training and self-instructional training. A combination of
these programs works very well depending on the company’s particular requirements, a
combination of methods may be used. What is important to understand is different plants may
have different situations, and staff members may require a customized programme to meet
their particular requirements.
20.6 Human Resources Management for Infrastructure
589