B203B -- Second Semester 2015-16

Arab Open University
Faculty of Business Studies
Business Functions in Context II
B203B -- Second Semester 2015-16
Tutor Marked Assessment
Training and development benefits

I. TMA Essay Question: Training and development activities (100 marks) (1200 words)


Training and development activities are often considered as investments in people and in the business. The cost of these activities, is however, listed under the “operating expenses” heading in the income statement.
Using an organization of your choice as an example, evaluate the training and development activities it offers for employees. Do you think these activities are costs or investments? In your discussion make sure to cover the following:
1. The difference between training and development (10 marks)
2. The training and development activities at the chosen organization (20 marks)
3. The benefits of the training and development program (20 marks)
4. The difference between cost and investment (10 marks)
5. The justification of the costs of these activities for upper management (return on investment) (20 marks)






General instructions for students:
TMA weight: 20% of total course grade.
Cut-off date: Check LMS
Plagiarism: It’s imperative that you write your answer using your own words. Plagiarism will be penalized depending on its severity and according to AOU plagiarism policy.
Format: you are expected to write your answer in an essay format: introduction, body paragraph(s) and a conclusion. Failing to do so could result in the deduction of up to 4 marks from your total TMA mark.
Word count: your answer is expected to be within the specified word count range. Not adhering to specified word count could result in the deduction of up to 4 marks of your total TMA mark.
Referencing: You are expected to use the Harvard referencing style for in-text referencing and list of reference at the end. Failing to do so could result in the deduction of up to 4 marks of your total TMA mark.
E-library: You are expected to use E-library sources to support your answers. A minimum of 3 sources is required. Failing to do so could result in the deduction of up to 4 marks of your total TMA mark.