Careers:: TRAINING

Abstract

A Manpower Services Commission study of the training currently offered — and its effectiveness — for staff who operate, manage or make use of text processing systems has revealed that where the new technology has been introduced it has been accepted, but the systems are not being fully utilised. The study also concludes that additional and more effective training would contribute greatly to the full development of text processing systems and their many uses. The study undertaken by Research Bureau Limited as part of an MSC research programme to help develop guidelines for training of office staff involved with new technology. The research revealed that although the new technology was well accepted, it was being used by only a small percentage of organisations in Britain. From 664 interviews with managers, word processing supervisors, system operators, and text authors it was clear that the advantages of efficiency, speed, quality of work and greater job satisfaction were recognised. But the survey also indicated that equipment was not being used to its full potential. Over half of the 158 establishments involved used the system for less than 40 per cent of their total typing needs. Although most training given was concentrated on supervisors and operators, it was found not to be adequate. For example machine orientated skills were well covered, but human and organisational factors were not. Training for text authors was almost non‐existent.

Citation

(1982), "Careers:: TRAINING", Education + Training, Vol. 24 No. 4, pp. 117-118. https://doi.org/10.1108/eb016909