EMPLOYEES TRAINING PRACTICES IN PHARMACEUTICALS FUND AND SUPPLY AGENCY.

Abstract

The main purpose of this study was to assess the current practices of training programs conducted by Pharmaceuticals Fund and Supply Agency. To conduct this study a descriptive survey method was employed. The data were collected through questionnaires. The data were collected from sample of 217 male and female from the total population of 500 by using simple random sampling method. The major findings were the practices of conducting training need assessment prior to training were found non-existent, the involvement of client organizations and employees in setting training objectives and content selection had been neglect. Majority of the training programs offered were short term off-the-job trainings and no emphasis has been given to on-the- job training methods. The system of evaluation by which the effectiveness of training programs was not assessed focused mainly on training evaluation during and after training using training evaluation formats and questionnaires. Besides, inadequate budget, lack of management support, and absence of client organization participation in over all training provisions were seen as source of the major constraints in the training endeavors. It can be concluded that training investments by Pharmaceuticals Fund and Supply Agency did not produce or achieve the intended goals because of poorly designed and implemented training programs which were not linked to performance problems. Pharmaceuticals Fund and Supply Agency did not facilitate the participation of stakeholders in setting objectives and content selection. Thus in light of the above problems the following recommendations were forwarded. Needs assessment has to be carried out systematically; Pharmaceuticals Fund and Supply Agency should develop training directives which include guides for needs assessment, selection criteria, and other issues. Participating stakeholders has to be encouraged in setting objectives and content selection for training endeavors. Evaluation has to be practiced all the way through the training programs using various assessment techniques.