The role of training in technology firms in Ireland.

Summary

Examination of training function/process in ‘Fast Technology’ companies in Ireland. The main objectives of this research is to identify types of training carried out; to examine the training techniques and methods used by these companies; and to assess the level of identification of training needs and evaluation of training in these companies.

The Research Team

Mr. Jimmy Treacy Principal Researcher Department of Business & Humanities, IT, Sligo. Dr. Perry Share Joint Researcher Department of Business & Humanities, IT, Sligo. Ms. Jennifer McKee Research Student Department of Business & Humanities, IT Sligo.

Project Details

The research would be based upon the Technology Fast 50 rating (listing the fastest growing technology companies in Ireland), which has been composed by Deloitte & Touche.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the models of training and development that prevail within companies operating in the Irish Technology sector.

• Can the models be seen as being ad hoc and operational in focus, or more planned and strategic?
• To what extent has the ‘Learning Organisation’ model penetrated the Irish Technology sector?

To identify the prevailing methods of delivery of training and development activities in the Irish Technology Sector.

• What methods, techniques and tools of delivery do these companies use?
• To what extent are modern, technology-based methods of delivery used?
• What factors are perceived as influencing the level of usage of technology-based methods?

To assess the level and forms of Government intervention in the training and development of Ireland’s IT labour force.

• What investments have the Irish Government made in the training and development of the Irish it labour force?
• What support mechanisms have been put in place to facilitate access to training and development activities for companies operating in the Technology sector, and for the employees of these companies?
• What is the level of awareness among these companies, and their employees, of the support mechanisms that are available?
• To what extent are these support mechanisms being used by the target companies and their employees?
• How effective have the interventions been in improving access to training and development activities?