SESSION ABSTRACT: This fast-paced session will provide participants with tools to meet some of the critical challenges facing contemporary learning and training professionals. Powerful business forces demand a different approach to the development of employees. Capable and committed people have become the critical source of competitive advantage. Emphasis in organisations must now be shifted from training as a series of top-down interventions to a focus on individual and team learning as on-going activity. Equally important is understanding the link between learning and ultimate workplace performance. This session will include details of research conducted in the UK and Australia. The two speakers will draw lessons from the diverse experiences from their different countries.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Recognize practical distinctions between training and learning and its significance for building competitive advantage. Diagnose key issues affecting human performance within your or your clients' organization. Identify critical elements in building learning and performance strategies; produce an initial statement of strategy.