Instructor Resource
Kavanagh and Johnson, Human Resource Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Sample Answers to Discussion Questions
Chapter 11: Training and Development: Issues and HRIS
Applications
1. What is the systems model of T&D? Discuss how HRIS T&D applications can assist
in carrying out the steps in the systems model.
One of the most frequently cited models is the systems or systematic approach.
1. Identifying T&D needs. The first step of the systems model is concerned
with the identification of the learning and development needs of
organizational members. The training needs analysis (TNA) is the key
2. Developing T&D initiatives. The second stage of the cycle focuses on the
development of T&D initiatives, objectives, and methods, which should be
Instructor Resource
Kavanagh and Johnson, Human Resource Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
3. T&D. The third stage of the systems model of T&D involves the
implementation of training.
4. Evaluating T&D. In order to assess whether a particular training initiative,
method or solution has met the training needs and objectives of the firm and
2. Explain synchronous and asynchronous communication in relation to e-learning.
E-learning is an umbrella term and broadly refers to any learning facilitated
using electronic means. E-learning can capitalize on a variety of delivery media,
depending on the approach taken.
Instructor Resource
Kavanagh and Johnson, Human Resource Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of e-learning?
Although e-learning methods diverge on a number of levels—for instance, the
4. How can HRIS T&D applications help firms foster organizational learning?
It is suggested to utilize this question as a group discussion question. Break up
5. Explain how organizations should choose appropriate T&D methods.
Organizations have a wide array of T&D methods at their disposal, and
advances in and access to ICT and mobile technologies will further increase the
number of methods and ways of content delivery available. Faced with an
Instructor Resource
Kavanagh and Johnson, Human Resource Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
6. What is transfer of training? What role does transfer of learning play in e-learning?
Training transfer can be described as a positive and long-lasting change in
7. Explain the issues involved in establishing ROI for T&D initiatives. What role do
HRIS T&D applications play in establishing ROI?
Return on investment on training is a financial measure of the total benefits
(anything that adds directly or indirectly to the bottom line of the organization
While can be difficult to ascertain the costs involved in training, the task of
establishing financial benefits can be even more onerous. Moreover, ROI
analyses provide no insights into how to improve business results in the future
(Conner, 2002). Russ-Eft and Preskill (2005) highlight three critical factors in
human resource development evaluation, which complicate the assessment of
training outcomes:
Instructor Resource
Kavanagh and Johnson, Human Resource Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
It is possible to enter basic values into a spreadsheet application to calculate the
ratios. However, the variety of possible outcomes from training, the variety of
factors that affect these outcomes, and the variety of data to be collected to
8. Outline how standard desktop applications, such as spreadsheet or database, can be
used to set up a basic T&D system.
Elementary HRIS training databases are easily set up using commercial or open-
source desktop software. These data bases may then be used to collect, store,
and analyze training related HR information. The amount of data that can be
Instructor Resource
Kavanagh and Johnson, Human Resource Information Systems: Basics, Applications, and Future Directions, 4e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
9. Discuss the different types of HRIS T&D applications and their reporting and
decision support capabilities.
The capabilities of today’s HRIS T&D applications, also called learning
10. What issues might arise during and as a result of the implementation of an HRIS
T&D application?
Many HRIS T&D projects fail to meet the expectations of key decision-makers.
The reasons for this are manifold. Some firms introduce new TMS only because