Just In time Training
Training methods are also evolving and adapting to the instantaneity of developments today.
The Just-in-time (JIT) training method finds its inspiration in the manufacturing philosophy of JIT, which eliminates waste associated with time, labour and storage space by allowing the company to produce only what is needed, when it is needed and in the quantity that is needed. There is no reason why HR cannot benefit from this way of thinking as well.
What is JIT?
"Just-in-time training is a Japanese concept of inventory management. The training stresses upon time management and the advantages of JIT are minimum inventory carrying cost, minimum wastage and optimisation of manpower. JIT is not a very common concept in the hospitality sector since we do have to maintain a minimum par and buffer stock. However, it can be followed to an extent with perishable food and beverage items," explains Jasleen Kaur, HR manager, Courtyard by Marriott, Gurgaon.
Talking about the educational sector, JR Tanti, managing director, Synefra E&C says, "JIT is a training, which is rolled-out ‘just' prior to its usage. The advantage to implementing JIT is the shortened time between learning and application. The most basic version of this kind of training is a software that you can download or purchase as a library. When an employee needs to learn a new function or task, all they have to do is log in to the system and start learning."
Instant Training!
"With the accessibility and convenience of information available online, many would agree with me that rather than sitting though hours of traditional classroom training, users can tap information through web based tutorials, interactive CD ROMs and other tools to zero in on just the information they need to solve problems," says Deepak Kaistha, director, Planman Consulting. Arti Raghava, director of human resources, Goa Marriott Resort and Spa says, "JIT training has always been a part of Marriott's work culture in the format of 15-minute trainings; they are a part of every departmental briefing that happens every day, with every associate on the shop floor at the start of the shift. We at Marriott have recently evolved further in making JIT much more effective by introducing the departmental trainer concept in 2011. Departmental trainers are dedicated trainers from an operation's background who are highly motivated and passionate with a sound operational knowledge and experience behind them."
- Ankita Shreeram
