Training Needs Assessment and Analysis in Libyan Manufacturing Companies

This paper aims to investigate to what extent the participating companies analysed their needs and objectives, and planned their development. Four areas that will be examined: first, the number of companies that analysed the needs of T&D and the frequencies of analysing these needs. Second, the approaches used in determining these needs of T&D; third, the levels of analysing needs; and fourth, methods used in analyse the needs of T&D. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods was employed. Questionnaire data was obtained from 98 HRD practitioners and supplemented with interview results from 20 HRD practitioners in manufacturing companies in Libya. Training needs assessments in the manufacturing companies are found to be generally performed informally through observations. Size of companies had an effect on the way training needs is being assessed and analysed. The absence of needs assessment and analysis is due to lack of expertise and it is irrespective of the size of companies. The results of this study were obtained from HRD practitioners’ perspective. Caution is advised when generalizing the results, as the employees’ stance was not obtained. This study contributes to HRD practice in several ways. First, it conforms that HRD practitioners do recognize the importance and power of effective needs assessments in helping them plan and strategize for effective HRD activities. Second, it observes a lack of effective resources to help HRD practitioners in conducting needs assessment. Most of the studies on HRD and training are researched in western countries. Limited empirical evidence can be obtained in Libya, particularly from the manufacturing industry. This study presents a comprehensive empirical questionnaire and interviews on HRD needs and assessment in manufacturing companies in Libya.