Every day, employees face challenges, problems and opportunities.
* Typically, they require difficult decisions to be made within a short time span
* Typically, they all hit at once.
* Typically, there is no right or wrong solution, but multiple solutions requiring the skill of discerning outcomes and implications in order to make the best decision.
What if training was like that? What if training was like the real world!
What if competencies and behavioral skills were learned using an application that challenged trainees to apply those skills to situations that mimicked the employee's every day work environment?
In this paper, a problem-based training approach (PBT) is offered that is distinguished from action learning or case study learning. PBT engages employees through applying a different style of training. PBT is an adaptation of the principals of problem-based learning, adult learning methodology to common in academic arenas. (See reference 1) The uniqueness of PBT is found in the modification of the academic classroom learning oriented methodology to the dynamic and diverse needs of corporate training.
PBT meets conditions defined as optimal reference for adult learning. (See 2) In a training environment, these conditions would include:
* Freedom of expression and an acceptance of differences.
* An environment where trainees perceive the goals of the learning experience to be their own goals.
* A culture where trainees accept a share of responsibility for planning and operating the learning experience and therefore have a commitment to it.
* A company where trainees participate Actively and sense progress towards their own goals.
How does PBT differ from other training models?
In PBT, problems are created around specific learning objectives written to measure select competencies and behavioral skills. Thus, employees not only learn how to problem-solve, but learn competencies such as managing conflict, planning and organizing or developing talent.
Using simulations to teach is not unique to PBT. There are several learning models that use problems within their curriculums. They include case study where learning the material learned is applied to solve a simulated problem, action learning where a problem is presented to a select group of management trainees, and problem-based training. A comparison of each of these as well as a comparison of PBT to a traditional learning approach may help clarify the uniqueness of the PBT method.
Traditional training contrasted with PBT
Similarities: Traditional Training to PBT
* Employees develop knowledge required by their job position.
* Employee gain familiarity with resources, policies and procedures relevant to the job.
Differences: Traditional Training to PBT
* Process goal: The goal of traditional training is to teach employees the knowledge, policies and required for procedures their job position. In PBT, the goal is to learn to solve problems by applying resources, policies & procedures to a wide range of situations likely to be encountered in the workplace.
* Delivery of knowledge: In traditional training classes, information is given to the employee first, generally through a lecture, video, or e-learning modules. The information always precedes quizzes or opportunities to apply their knowledge to work related situations. In PBT, a problem is presented prior to delivery of information needed to solve the problem. Knowledge is acquired as the employee self-identifies the process, the resources, and the best solution to the problem. The problem always precedes the delivery of information.
* Learning concept: in traditional training classed, employees apply what was taught. In PBT, employees learn through struggling to solve problems.
* Collaboration. Collaboration is not a feature of traditional training. Although use of teams in PBT is preferred, it is not required.
* Use of resources: In traditional training classed, the resources or training content is delivered by the instructor. Employee is then tested to apply that content correctly. In PBT, identification and use of resources is self-directed according to the employees decide what they need to know in order to solve the problem.
* Direction: Traditional learning is directed by an instructor. The "learned expert" imparts knowledge to the novice trainees. The PBT process is self-directed with a coach as a guide to Ensure teams continue to refine their solutions until they attain a best practice solution.
* Evaluation: In traditional training evaluation methods vary. In PBT, multiple solutions are possible. Learning the process of problem solving is more important than, getting the best practice solution.
Case Study Learning contrasted with PBT
Similarities: Case Study to PBT
* Requires employees to tackle real world problems.
* Places employees in problem-solving roles.
* Develops critical thinking skills.
* Develops analytical skills.
Differences: Case Study Training contrasted to PBT
* Process goal: The goal of case study is to apply knowledge to solve specific workplace problems. The goal of PBT is to learn to solve problem by applying resources, policies and procedures to specific workplace problems.
* Delivery of knowledge: Knowledge in the case study method is given to the employee first. It precedes the case study. In contrast, in PBT, the problem is presented prior to delivery of information needed to solve the problem. Knowledge is acquired as the employee self-identifies the process, the resources, and the best solution to the problem. The problem always precedes the delivery of information.
* Learning concept: In case studies, employees apply what was taught to a problem or case study. In PBT, employees acquire the knowledge as they struggling to identify resources and apply them to solve the problem.
* Use of resources: The case study, resource materials are delivered in some format by instructor prior to application stage. Employee then applies the resources to the problem. In PBT, identification and use of resources is self-directed according to the employees decide what they need to know in order to solve the problem.
* Collaboration: Case studies may or may not involve collaborative learning. PBT is usually a team process, although internet applications have allowed it to be an individualized training method too.
* Direction: Case study is highly directed by an instructor. PBT is self-directed with a coach as a guide to Ensure teams continue to refine their solutions until they attain a best practice solution.
* Evaluation: In training case study, evaluation methods vary depending on the model. In almost all models, the end result is what is used to assess learning. In PBT, multiple solutions are possible. Learning the process of problem-solving is more important than getting the best practice solution.
Action Learning contrasted with PBT
Many corporations are using a leadership training program called Action Learning. (See reference 3) Although both these programs focus employees on real world problems, there are unique features to each as shown in the table below.
Similarities: Action Learning contrasted to PBT
* Work is usually done as a team rather than individually.
* Employees are challenged to resolve real world problems.
* Encourages collaborative learning.
* Promotes global visioning: seeing the big picture and implications of decisions made.
* Promotes development of critical thinking skills.
* Promotes development of analytical skills.
Differences: Action Learning contrasted to PBT
* Goal: The goal of action is to develop a strategic Learning action plan. Typically this is business process improvement oriented. In PBT, the goal is to learn to solve problems applying by resources, policies & procedures to a wide range of situations likely to be encountered in the workplace.
* Focus: Action learning addresses large scale business challenges. Typically problems are written to be business oriented process improvement. The focus of PBT ranges from day-to-day problems typically experienced by entry level employees to large scale problems faced by management.
* Learning concept: In action learning, finding a best practice solution to the problem is essential for completion of the task. In PBT, learning a problem-solving process that can be used with any workplace problem is more important than finding a solution to a specific problem.
* Participant selection: Action learning pulls together the top performing company individuals and / or potential senior executives, most often individuals on the team start out with similar levels of expertise they bring although different backgrounds to the process. PBT works well at the management level, even when several teams are from background levels of experience. The more experienced employees become a human resource for the less experienced ones. Not limited to management level. Has been applied to new and inexperienced employees hired in starting positions in retail sales.
* Direction: Action learning is more highly directed by a coach than PBT.
In conclusion, PBT employees teaches a problem-solving process. This process can be applied to train employees on any competency or behavioral skill. It empowers trainees by putting them in control of their learning process. It is challenging and messy. It is like the real world, where answers are not right or wrong, but appear in shades of gray with complex implications associated with each solution. Learning to analyze problems and apply corporate policies and resources in order to identify the best solutions is a necessary skill for managers in today's fast-paced world. It's time that employees learn to problem-solve.
References:
1st Martin, F & Saljo, R. 1976th On qualitative differences in learning: I-Outcome and process, British Journal of Educational Psychology, Vol 46, pp 4-11.
2nd Knowles, ME. 1980th The Modern Practice of Adult Education, Cambridge / Prentice Hall.
3rd Marquardt, M. 2004th Harnessing the Power of Action Learning, Training & Development Magazine, 26-32 pp.
Senin, 26 April 2010
information about the furniture dealer
Decoration of your lovely home is an important task. You need to use the best possible techniques of interior decoration to maximize the overall beauty of your homes. One of the best techniques of interior decoration is using good-looking designer furniture. You can create a pleasant atmosphere for living by placing elegant piece of furniture in your house wherever required.
The living room is among the most used places in every home. People spend their leisure time with other members of their family in living room watching television, listening music or just chatting with each other. It is the place where you sit with your guests and visitors, so you need to take extra care in decorating this portion of your home.
To give a vibrant look to your living room, you need to consider several things. From lighting arrangement to, furniture to sit and relax as well as placement of your latest entertainment gadgets are the most important points to consider. Proper planning is the key to success of your interior designing. Here are a few tips to decorate your living room:
o Furniture - Living room furniture has very important role in interior designing. It is a major factor in Deciding the look and feel of your living room. They should be attractive, cost effective as well as comfortable at the same time. You can think of buying leather furniture (leather sofa sets or leather recliner) to give a unique look. You also have options of selecting furniture with fabric finish with matching the color scheme of your living room. One more experiment that you can do with placement of living room furniture is by using sectional sofa sets. Sectional sofa sets bring a different effect and convenient sitting in your living room.
o Placement of Entertainment Gadgets - Effective placement of entertainment gadgets along with stylish wall units can then create a magical effect in your living room. These days you can find specialized furniture for placement of your television, music and video players. Multi-piece wall sets are very popular these days that helps you in arrangement of all entertainment devices at one place.
o Lighting - There is great significance of lighting arrangements in the living room. It creates the mood of people and set a pleasant environment for spending time.
If you are willing to renovate your living room with unique and ultra modern interior designing themes then contact an experienced interior designer, or designer furniture dealers in your area. They will help you in making your dream home.
The living room is among the most used places in every home. People spend their leisure time with other members of their family in living room watching television, listening music or just chatting with each other. It is the place where you sit with your guests and visitors, so you need to take extra care in decorating this portion of your home.
To give a vibrant look to your living room, you need to consider several things. From lighting arrangement to, furniture to sit and relax as well as placement of your latest entertainment gadgets are the most important points to consider. Proper planning is the key to success of your interior designing. Here are a few tips to decorate your living room:
o Furniture - Living room furniture has very important role in interior designing. It is a major factor in Deciding the look and feel of your living room. They should be attractive, cost effective as well as comfortable at the same time. You can think of buying leather furniture (leather sofa sets or leather recliner) to give a unique look. You also have options of selecting furniture with fabric finish with matching the color scheme of your living room. One more experiment that you can do with placement of living room furniture is by using sectional sofa sets. Sectional sofa sets bring a different effect and convenient sitting in your living room.
o Placement of Entertainment Gadgets - Effective placement of entertainment gadgets along with stylish wall units can then create a magical effect in your living room. These days you can find specialized furniture for placement of your television, music and video players. Multi-piece wall sets are very popular these days that helps you in arrangement of all entertainment devices at one place.
o Lighting - There is great significance of lighting arrangements in the living room. It creates the mood of people and set a pleasant environment for spending time.
If you are willing to renovate your living room with unique and ultra modern interior designing themes then contact an experienced interior designer, or designer furniture dealers in your area. They will help you in making your dream home.
Minggu, 25 April 2010
produce the kinds of furniture
Wood workers have been joining together for thousands of years oak a long, long time before there was high tech machinery and acting almost glues, so traditional wood workers had to use what they could to join two bits of wood together to make furniture, this was mainly the wood its self.
Over hundreds of years wood workers perfected there joining methods and passed their skills on to the next generation of wood workers on so until we reached the industrial revolution, suddenly we could get a machine to the jobs which they had been doing for generations with the increases in technology over the last hundred years we still are now able to mass produce furniture in large factories but some traditional joining methods have been preserved.
As you will appreciate it is now not only faster to mass produce furniture in factories but also much cheaper, if you take a close look at most mass produced items of furniture you will see the way in which different part are joined together a few examples of these types of joints are outlined below.
Butt joints -
A simple joint where two parts of furniture are cut and pushed together, then either screwed, nailed or dowel reinforced to hold them in place.
Knock-down Fasteners -
These are very common in flat pack furniture and then give the name to KD furniture eg KD (knock down or flat pack) and are very good that in the item of furniture can be knocked down and rebuilt over and over again, which is great for furniture that needs to be moved on a regular basis.
As you look at the above joining methods you will understand why there are done - they are easy to do, they can be done cheaply, the furniture can be shipped easier because of its knock-down design and it can be assembled by people in their own homes (providing they have the instructions!)
The more traditional methods of wood working joints can still be found all over the world and even in factories which are mass producing furniture these methods just take a lot more skill and time to perform, so some machines are now available to help perfect these wood workers skills. Please see the section below on different types of traditional joints.
The Dovetail -
Probably the most famous of all wood working joints, this joining method has been around for many years and is widely used in cabinet making, there are a number of variations of the dovetail joint the name comes from the shape of the joint (similar to the tail of a dove), this joint can be used in various parts of furniture but is mainly used to join two bits of wood at right angles.
The wood is cut either by hand or machine one part is the tail and the other the pin they must be cut very well they fit perfectly together to Ensure meaning no glue has to be used (although glue can be used in addition to the dovetail) . One of the most common places to use this joint is on drawers or on some modern furniture design you may see the joint on the front of cabinets as part of the.
Bridle joint -
Again this joint has been used for many years is quite simple and one part of the wood is cut to accommodate the other, a grove is cut into one part and the other simply cut to slid in making a good joint which can then be held in position with either glue or screws nails.
Mortise and tenon joint The -
This method dates back thousands of years and is used around the world, this joint is similar to the bridle but as opposed to a grove a glue is made in one part of the wood and the other part is Cut So as it may slide inside the making a great hole, tidy joint, again this can then be held in place with a number of methods including, pins, nails, glue, screws and wedges.
Tongue and grove joints -
Tongue and grove joints are widely used in a flooring paneling, the paneling can be used in furniture production mainly Sun as many parts of wood can be joined together, the method is easy most of the time one side of the board will have a grove and the other a tongue so they can slide together.
There are many more different types of joining methods in wood work and cabinet making, too many to talk about in this article but I hope this help you to understand the basics, so next time you look at some furniture take a second look and see how it has been joined together.
South Seas Trading are a online oak furniture and oak furniture store Vermont we pride ourselves on high quality in both products and customer service as well as trying to provide advice to other oak furniture lovers, we love what we do and if we can share our experiances we will, please view our site to find out more bout what we do
Over hundreds of years wood workers perfected there joining methods and passed their skills on to the next generation of wood workers on so until we reached the industrial revolution, suddenly we could get a machine to the jobs which they had been doing for generations with the increases in technology over the last hundred years we still are now able to mass produce furniture in large factories but some traditional joining methods have been preserved.
As you will appreciate it is now not only faster to mass produce furniture in factories but also much cheaper, if you take a close look at most mass produced items of furniture you will see the way in which different part are joined together a few examples of these types of joints are outlined below.
Butt joints -
A simple joint where two parts of furniture are cut and pushed together, then either screwed, nailed or dowel reinforced to hold them in place.
Knock-down Fasteners -
These are very common in flat pack furniture and then give the name to KD furniture eg KD (knock down or flat pack) and are very good that in the item of furniture can be knocked down and rebuilt over and over again, which is great for furniture that needs to be moved on a regular basis.
As you look at the above joining methods you will understand why there are done - they are easy to do, they can be done cheaply, the furniture can be shipped easier because of its knock-down design and it can be assembled by people in their own homes (providing they have the instructions!)
The more traditional methods of wood working joints can still be found all over the world and even in factories which are mass producing furniture these methods just take a lot more skill and time to perform, so some machines are now available to help perfect these wood workers skills. Please see the section below on different types of traditional joints.
The Dovetail -
Probably the most famous of all wood working joints, this joining method has been around for many years and is widely used in cabinet making, there are a number of variations of the dovetail joint the name comes from the shape of the joint (similar to the tail of a dove), this joint can be used in various parts of furniture but is mainly used to join two bits of wood at right angles.
The wood is cut either by hand or machine one part is the tail and the other the pin they must be cut very well they fit perfectly together to Ensure meaning no glue has to be used (although glue can be used in addition to the dovetail) . One of the most common places to use this joint is on drawers or on some modern furniture design you may see the joint on the front of cabinets as part of the.
Bridle joint -
Again this joint has been used for many years is quite simple and one part of the wood is cut to accommodate the other, a grove is cut into one part and the other simply cut to slid in making a good joint which can then be held in position with either glue or screws nails.
Mortise and tenon joint The -
This method dates back thousands of years and is used around the world, this joint is similar to the bridle but as opposed to a grove a glue is made in one part of the wood and the other part is Cut So as it may slide inside the making a great hole, tidy joint, again this can then be held in place with a number of methods including, pins, nails, glue, screws and wedges.
Tongue and grove joints -
Tongue and grove joints are widely used in a flooring paneling, the paneling can be used in furniture production mainly Sun as many parts of wood can be joined together, the method is easy most of the time one side of the board will have a grove and the other a tongue so they can slide together.
There are many more different types of joining methods in wood work and cabinet making, too many to talk about in this article but I hope this help you to understand the basics, so next time you look at some furniture take a second look and see how it has been joined together.
South Seas Trading are a online oak furniture and oak furniture store Vermont we pride ourselves on high quality in both products and customer service as well as trying to provide advice to other oak furniture lovers, we love what we do and if we can share our experiances we will, please view our site to find out more bout what we do
supplier dining chairs and lounge chairs,furniture dealer
For all practical and functional purposes furniture is needed to adorn a house, without furniture, it may not be possible to lead a comfortable life. While for some, furnishing their house is only a matter of functionality, some prefer to use ornamental furniture to decorate their houses.
In the United States of America, there are many popular and well-established furniture manufacturers and suppliers. Many of the furniture dealers then import furniture from various countries to serve the needs and tastes of different customers.
While some are popular for furniture dealers specializing in selling a certain kind of furniture catering to the office or living rooms or kitchens, other dealers and wholesalers sell all kinds and types of furniture. Listed below are some of the top sites and best furniture dealers in the U.S..
Ashley Furniture
Ashley Furniture Industries Incorporation is one of the leading furniture producers of the United States of America. Having built a superior brand name, they have their showrooms throughout the United States of America under the name of 'Ashley Home Stores'.
Corridor shops
Ashley Furniture
Corridor shops is a huge online store that sells a wide range western of furniture ranging from hacienda, primitive, Chinese antiques, Mexicana, Spanish, rustic and. Along with hand made pottery and art from artisans of Southern Mexico, it also specializes in custom-made doors, gates and furniture.
Furniture Trader
Furniture trader is one of the best furniture dealers which buys and sells new and used furniture. It has a great and eclectic mix of furniture styles and kinds to suit the most demanding customer.
Hickory Furniture Mart
Hickory Furniture Mart is a unique blend of over hundred factory outlets, stores and galleries offering home furniture, furnishings, fine rugs, fabrics and art.
Carolina Furniture
Carolina Furniture is offering one of the top furniture dealers in the U.S. world-class furniture and furnishings. Not only do they pride themselves on selling high-end furniture quality but even offering discounts on a daily basis.
W.K. Leach Company
The WK Leach Company is a wholesale provider of previously owned office furniture purchased in Northern California and then distributed nationally. The company works all types of furniture dealers, moving companies, facilities managers and consultants to provide solutions for excess furniture
Affordable Office Interiors
Affordable Office Interiors is a full-service, office interiors firm Providing new, used and remanufactured office furniture. They specialize in used and remanufactured Haworth systems furniture used in addition to carrying Herman Miller and Steelcase systems. They also offer a large selection of new furniture lines such as AIS, Haworth, Global, Hon, National and SFO. Additionally, they offer project management, space planning and finish selection assistance.
Today's Furniture
Today's furniture has a massive selection of dining room, living room, kitchen, bedroom and bar furniture. Their aim is to select the best furniture for your home at true discounted prices. You'll find quality kitchen carts, dining sets, platform beds, bars and bar stools, kids furniture from brand name manufactures like Hillsdale Furniture, Home Styles and Istibal Sofa Beds just to name a few.
In the United States of America, there are many popular and well-established furniture manufacturers and suppliers. Many of the furniture dealers then import furniture from various countries to serve the needs and tastes of different customers.
While some are popular for furniture dealers specializing in selling a certain kind of furniture catering to the office or living rooms or kitchens, other dealers and wholesalers sell all kinds and types of furniture. Listed below are some of the top sites and best furniture dealers in the U.S..
Ashley Furniture
Ashley Furniture Industries Incorporation is one of the leading furniture producers of the United States of America. Having built a superior brand name, they have their showrooms throughout the United States of America under the name of 'Ashley Home Stores'.
Corridor shops
Ashley Furniture
Corridor shops is a huge online store that sells a wide range western of furniture ranging from hacienda, primitive, Chinese antiques, Mexicana, Spanish, rustic and. Along with hand made pottery and art from artisans of Southern Mexico, it also specializes in custom-made doors, gates and furniture.
Furniture Trader
Furniture trader is one of the best furniture dealers which buys and sells new and used furniture. It has a great and eclectic mix of furniture styles and kinds to suit the most demanding customer.
Hickory Furniture Mart
Hickory Furniture Mart is a unique blend of over hundred factory outlets, stores and galleries offering home furniture, furnishings, fine rugs, fabrics and art.
Carolina Furniture
Carolina Furniture is offering one of the top furniture dealers in the U.S. world-class furniture and furnishings. Not only do they pride themselves on selling high-end furniture quality but even offering discounts on a daily basis.
W.K. Leach Company
The WK Leach Company is a wholesale provider of previously owned office furniture purchased in Northern California and then distributed nationally. The company works all types of furniture dealers, moving companies, facilities managers and consultants to provide solutions for excess furniture
Affordable Office Interiors
Affordable Office Interiors is a full-service, office interiors firm Providing new, used and remanufactured office furniture. They specialize in used and remanufactured Haworth systems furniture used in addition to carrying Herman Miller and Steelcase systems. They also offer a large selection of new furniture lines such as AIS, Haworth, Global, Hon, National and SFO. Additionally, they offer project management, space planning and finish selection assistance.
Today's Furniture
Today's furniture has a massive selection of dining room, living room, kitchen, bedroom and bar furniture. Their aim is to select the best furniture for your home at true discounted prices. You'll find quality kitchen carts, dining sets, platform beds, bars and bar stools, kids furniture from brand name manufactures like Hillsdale Furniture, Home Styles and Istibal Sofa Beds just to name a few.
teak wood furniture production
These days there are lot of choices, when buying outdoor furniture in wood. You may find patio furniture made of teak wood, cedar, redwood, bamboo, etc. The main element must possess any wood to stand harsh outdoor weather is its oil content. Note that it is not the hardness of the wood, but the oil that makes any wood last for years to come outdoors. Looking at different types of woods, teak wood stands apart, as it has highest amount of oil. Compared to other woods, oil does not deplete with time from teak wood. For these two reasons, teak becomes prime candidate to be considered for outdoor furniture manufacturing.
It takes almost half a century for a teak tree to mature that would possess enough oil to be considered to make quality outdoor furniture. With an average lifespan of more than a century, teak wood has long been commended as the ideal choice for outdoor furniture.
Teak oil in the teak wood makes it withstand rigors and harsh climates. Good grade A teak wood can stand temperatures as low as minus 50degree 60degree and as high as plus without being affected. Teak oil makes the wood resistant to warping, cracking, and it is also resistant to insects including termite. In fact in some parts of Indonesia the leftover teak wood powder is spread around to repel misquotes and other insects.
Good source of teak comes from cultivated teak forest in Central Java, Indonesia. The area still is known for world class skilled carpenters, and they use hand made furniture using mortise and tenon joinery. Due to their sheer craftsmanship skills they make classic as well as modern furniture for both indoor and outdoor. These carpenters are known for their carving skills as well. Bali style benches or chairs or just relaxing style java western designs can be crafted using good grade teak wood. You will admire this fine piece of furniture for years to come.
Teak furniture would change color according to the weather condition. If a teak chair is left indoors it start getting darker and if left outdoors will start changing to gray. The time it takes to change gray, depends how long furniture sits in the sun and how healthy the Ozone Layer is in that part of the world. At the end it is the UV rays that make it change color. You can maintain this new look by applying teak protector or teak oil applying. Please note that teak oil will just change the wood cosmetically but will not affect the strength or integrity of the wood itself.
Over the time you may also see small cracks, known as "Checking" appears on the wood. This usually happens checking where the wood grain is cut. Checking will improve with time as the wood gets acclimated to the surrounding weather. Teak wood does not splint either, another good reason for teak wood patio furniture to be considered for.
Cleaning and regular maintenance of the teak wood furniture is very simple. Just wash with soapy water, and make sure it gets stored when breathing air. Do not store in a damp area.
Due to its life expectancy, low maintenance, resistance to all kind of weathers and insects, no Splinting, teak has been number one choice for furniture manufacturing especially outdoor furniture.
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