ASSESSMENT OF TRAINING PRACTICES AND CHALLENGES IN CUSTOMS COMMISSION: THE CASE OF ADDIS ABABA KALITY CUSTOMS BRANCH OFFICE

Abstract

Training of employees ensures that the organization has effective employees to meet the demand of its dynamic environment. The study aims at assessing the overall training practices and challenges of customs commission the case of Addis Ababa kality customs branch office. It looks through how training need assessment is conducted, how training is designed, how it is delivered and evaluated, and finally to find out the major challenges of the training. Out of 680 employees157 of the population is selected for the sample by using probability method which is simple random sampling technique, specifically lottery method. The data were gathered through a combination of both unstructured interviews with higher level managers and a questionnaire addressed to the employees of the organization. The data received were analyzed by using narration and descriptive statistics. Thus, the qualitative data were analyzed through narration, whereas the quantitative data were analyzed by employing descriptive statistics. The findings of the research revealed that training programs are conducted in the organization without following the basic steps which are assessing training needs, designing training programs, delivering training and evaluating the outcomes of training. Lack of designing clear training programs, failing to conduct training need assessments, improper implementation of training and evaluation of training, lack of proper training plan, time constraint and lack of professional trainers are the main factors in the custom that hinder training programs from becoming successful. Due to the above problems, the following recommendations were forwarded. The Kality Customs Commission must have a proper written training plan and policy, conduct effective need assessment, the implementation of the training should be based on the designed program, the evaluation of training program shall be done at each level and on a regular basis and create strong linkage between training policies and strategies with the organization objective and training programs. Generally, Kality Customs Commission must be careful in minimizing the main training challenges of the custom which are lack of training need analysis and employee involvement in identifying training gaps, lack of proper training plan, time constraint and lack of professional trainers.