Professional training improvement based on training needs analysis for an IT services company

Abstract

Software services is one of the most changing markets in the world. In order to maintain a competitive advantage, it is essential to excel in operational efficiency and prepare all employees to take on the emerging challenges presented by the clients. This purpose of this project was to produce improvement proposals for the training activities implemented by the professional development area of the Backend technologies department. The main objective of the proposals is to reduce the amount of time employees have to spend without being assigned to a client project as each hour not charged by and employee implies big cost for the company. Based on the literature review, a training needs assessment was executed within the company to understand market trends, business goals, and learning and learners needs. This information allowed to address specific performance problems with training activities and permitted the training programs to be focused on a business need, which will generate value for the organization. The proposals generated focus on three main issues: create a base for evaluation of present and future training programs, developing soft skills in the employees, and improving technical knowledge within the department.