Neerja Pande

Expanding the Kirkpatrick Evaluation Model-Towards more Efficient Training in the IT Sector

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how the Kirkpatrick Learning Evaluation Model (1950) can be augmented to make it more credible and successful evaluation parameter in the changing times. Since the advent of Information Technology industry the rigid structures of organizations are replaced by the Flat/Matrix structures, removing the bars of time and place. This paper is an attempt to include three gaps identified in the Kirkpatrick Model, Training motivation, Organization citizenship behaviour and the Assessment of both the individual and the Organization simultaneously. Through co-relation and regression analysis these gaps were tested on the data obtained from 461 employees. The data support the various relationships to be included in Kirkpatrick Model and it identifies that for an effective training program its essential to perform both pre-training and post-training analysis using the four parameters of Kirkpatrick Model viz. Reaction (changed to Motivation), Learning, Behaviour (or Performance) and Results.

Technology-mediated learning paradigm and the blended learning ecosystem: what works for working professionals?

Abstract While the need to continually reskill and upskill is universally acknowledged by working professionals and organizations, the constraints of location, time and antiquated learning formats prove to be significant hurdles in any learning endeavor. In such a scenario, blended learning has emerged as a viable and increasingly popular option among working professionals. This research paper analyses the conceptual and contextual relevance of blended learning for working professionals and makes three notable contributions. Firstly, it develops a learning paradigm relevant to working professionals, whose learning needs are context-centric, skills-focused, situation-specific, peer-dependent and action-oriented. Secondly, the paper operationalizes this learning paradigm through an integrative framework, the blended learning ecosystem. And finally, the paper summarizes institutional, faculty-related, student-specific and pedagogical variables considered as key success factors for effective blended learning experience.

Virtual Team Effectiveness: An Empirical Study Using SEM

Abstract Advances in communication and information technology create new opportunities for organizations to build and manage virtual teams. Such teams are composed of employees from different genders, experiences, back grounds and geographic locations. Virtual teams have become a norm for organizations whose members work across disparate geographical locations, relying primarily or exclusively, on the usage of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for the completion of common goals. This paper attempts to explain the role of vital elements like trust, information sharing and communication, in building virtual teams. This study strives towards developing a set of factors using SEM that can be used by managers of virtual teams for establishing an efficacious relationship amongst the members.

Virtual Team Effectiveness: An Empirical Study Using SEM.

Advancesincommunicationandinformationtechnologycreatenewopportunitiesfororganizations to build and manage virtual teams. Virtual teams have become a norm for organizations whose members work across disparate geographical locations, relying primarily or exclusively, on the usageofInformationandCommunicationsTechnology(ICT)forthecompletionofcommongoals. Inmanycountriesacross theworld, the internethashelped inshrinkingbarriersbetween teams locatedacrossdiverselocations,andthishasbeenpossiblebecauseofwhatistermedas‘virtual teams’-teamswhichareconnectedwitheachotherincyberspace.Thispaperattemptstoexplainthe roleofvitalelementsliketrust,informationsharingandcommunication,inbuildingvirtualteams. Thisstudystrivestowardsdevelopingasetoffactorsthatcanbeusedbymanagersofvirtualteams for establishing an efficacious relationship amongst themembers.The researchmethodologyof StructuralEquationModellingisusedforthepurpose. KEywoRdS AMOS, Communication, Information Sharing, Information Technology, Team Effectiveness, Trust, Virtual Teams

Book Review: Reframing Difference in Organizational Communication Studies: Research, Pedagogy, Practice

Dennis K. Mumby (Ed.), Reframing Difference in Organizational Communication Studies: Research, Pedagogy, Practice. SAGE Publications Inc., 2011, xiii + 311 pp., Price not mentioned (Paperback).