Training needs assessment for an operation in a juice processing plant

Abstract

Training is an important function in an organization when the base of the operations is dependent upon certain employees to perform key tasks (Brinkerhoff & Gill, 1994). A training need exists when employees lack the necessary knowledge and skills to perform an assigned task in a simple manner. If an employee lacks knowledge, skills, or abilities to do their job, the proper knowledge and skills must be provided to them. Company X is a 24 hour, seven days a week juice processing facility. They depend on the operators to carry out the specific duties and tasks of the operation to benefit the needs of the company. This study looked at the Microfiltration and Reverse Osmosis process to determine if there is a need to identify a standardized approach to future training. This study focused on the 28 operators of this process and by using a stratified sample, created a DACUM and survey to determine if there was a lack of knowledge, skills, or abilities in the MF and RO operation. The objectives of this study are: 1. Identify the duties and tasks for effective MF and RO operation; 2. Identify the importance of each duty and task for consistent operation; 3. Identify if there is a deficit in knowledge, skills, and abilities in the current associates responsible for this operation; 4. Propose implementations to increase KSAs in the MF and RO operation; and 5. Offer suggestions on how to implement a standardized training program for the MF and RO operation.