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006 Now, in this very dynamic business environment with ever changing
technology, it is necessary that the workforce is trained to work in a highly automated
environment. Advancing technology also has its effects on employees in non-technical
positions, such as Managers and Marketing personnel etc. They must learn enough about
the technological aspects of their field to intelligently converse with employees and
customers. All employees, in order to be successful in the new workplace, will have to
have the ability to adapt and to learn as required. Those who have "learned to learn" will
become most valuable in the economy. Therefore, the role of Learning and Development
is becoming more and more important in the Indian workplace. Employees are recognizing
the need to improve and broaden their skills to remain employable.

The organizational view

007 Organizations have found that investment in human capital in the form of
Learning and development yields high returns. Investment has to be made carefully,
keeping in mind the judicious use of resources to impart effective Learning and
Development, while keep the cost of Learning and Development activities
minimum. Therefore companies tend to utilize its in-house resources to maximum, and
outsourcing some of the Learning and Development only when it offers a significant
cost advantage and appreciable quality of expertise in a given area or technology

008 A knowledgeable workforce may ensure an Organization's survival.
According to an article by Chris Taylor in T+D Magazine ("Recession Survivors: Training
to the Rescue," October 2003), four Organizations survived the economic impact of
September 11, 2001, and a business climate marked by recession and Organization
scandals. It is worthwhile to make a mention of recent scandal of Satyam Computers
which withstood the withers of scandal as a Mahindra Satyam, owing to its robust L&D
policy.

Learning, Training and Development (LT&D) in Indian Organizations

009 Some Learning, Training and development programs teach new hires to perform
a specific job, while others update the skills and knowledge of established employees. Most
importantly LT&D focus on facilitating learning and development for the persons, beyond
‘work skills’ – help them grow and develop for life – help them to identify, aspire to, and
take steps towards fulfilling their own personal unique potential. Some of the money is spent
to provide technology-related training that teaches employees to operate, maintain, or repair
equipment used in the workplace. Technology Learning is needed for workers in
aerospace industries as diverse as fitting, turning, milling, electroplating and electronic
manufacturing and assembly techniques. Technical professionals include design experts,
engineers, and blue-collar technical workers include technicians and supervisors.
Technology is constantly changing and therefore job responsibilities are constantly
changing, requiring many workers to update their skills on a regular basis.

010 Learning, Training and Development in electronics, for example, can vary
widely. Electronics jobs may require less than a year of training, done primarily on the
job, or they can require an advanced college degree. However, regardless of whether an
electronics technician is fixing altimeter sets and radio direction finders or designing a
new computer network, the need for LT&D is paramount. The field is changing
constantly, with new equipment being introduced almost daily.
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