Training and developing an age diverse workforce in SMEs Assignment

Training and developing an age diverse workforce in SMEs - Assignment Example so offers important clarifications in regard to T&D plans developed in SMEs, especially in regard to the differences between these plans and those used in large firms. At a first level, it is noted that the owners of SMEs have to face changes on a continuous basis. Large firms may also have to face such problem but with the following difference: for SMEs failing in coping with change could result to the closure of the business while in large firms funds and time could retrieved easier for managing the particular situation. Another important issue highlighted in the particular article is the following one: in SMEs the success of T&D is strongly depended on the skills and capabilities of owners who are those who will undertake all tasks related to T&D, including the design and monitoring phases of the T&D plan involved (Beaver and Hutchings 2005). In addition, different modes of T&D seem to be preferred in SMEs, compared to the large firms: in SMEs ‘on-the-job training schemesâ⠂¬â„¢ (Beaver and Hutchings 2005, p.593) seem to be preferred while in large firms ‘off-the-job T&D schemes’ (Beaver and Hutchings 2005, p.593) are quite common. Especially in regard to the T&D schemes for diverse workforce, SMEs can be more effective, since the smaller number of employees allows the limitation of time for copying with change. The above characteristic of SMEs is described as their major advantage in regard to the management of diversity, an activity that it is closely related to the identification of effective T&D schemes (Beaver and Hutchings 2005, p.599). Since 2005, the time point to which the article of Beaver and Hutchings refers, a series of changes has introduced in regard to the working environment. These changes vary, covering different areas. The specific phenomenon is reflected in the literature published in this area. Depending on the type of change involved in organizational environment, different initiatives in regard to a firm’s T&D schemes would be