Alexandra Tessier, Claire Croteau and Brigitte Voyer
This study aims to explore the usability of the andragogical process model for learning to develop, deliver and evaluate training to improve communication between adapted…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the usability of the andragogical process model for learning to develop, deliver and evaluate training to improve communication between adapted transport drivers and people living with communication disabilities and to identify the successes and limitations of the model in this context.
Design/methodology/approach
Two aspects were considered to explore the usability of the andragogical process model for learning: a comparison between the elements of the model and the designing, delivering and evaluating processes of the training; and an appreciation evaluation.
Findings
The model was useful to systematically design, deliver and evaluate workplace training that was appreciated by the learners, even though most of the model’s elements were modified to meet the constraints of the trainer and the organization. Assessing the needs for learning, establishing a human climate conducive to learning and choosing appropriate training methods emerged as key elements that contributed to a successful appreciation of this training.
Originality/value
This study is one of the few that examines the possibility of a systematic application of the andragogical process model for learning to workplace training. Its results suggest that the model could be considered for application by non-professional trainers or external trainers from a workplace, but that organizational constraints must be considered when using it.
Details
Keywords
Jill Hooks, Natasja Steenkamp and Ross Stewart
Companies use figures within the annual report to send messages. The purpose of this paper is to explore the opinions and understandings of annual report preparers who produce the…
Abstract
Purpose
Companies use figures within the annual report to send messages. The purpose of this paper is to explore the opinions and understandings of annual report preparers who produce the figures and users who interpret them. The focus is on figures that the authors consider convey messages about the company's intellectual capital (IC).
Design/methodology/approach
The paper used a questionnaire to obtain the opinions of “informed investors” and conducted interviews with the preparers of the annual reports. It compared the opinions of the two respondent groups.
Findings
Preparers and users bring multiple meanings to the figures. Users overlooked some messages which were complex and symbolic and also perceived more messages than intended by the preparers. The two respondent groups generally perceived brands, corporate image building and aspects related to employees as the IC items best portrayed in the selected figures. Most users and some preparers perceived the main reason for using figures was their strength as a marketing tool.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is exploratory in nature and there is scope to extend the work to a greater number of annual reports and/or figures. The research is limited by the use of students as a proxy for users of annual reports.
Practical implications
The findings may be helpful to annual report preparers in understanding the rhetorical impact of images. Such understanding will help them in choosing figures which are effective and persuasive when seeking user engagement.
Originality/value
The authors are not aware of any prior research that examines the perceptions of preparers and users in respect of messages conveyed through figures, and, in particular, research that incorporates aspects of IC in corporate annual report figures. The paper, therefore, extends the empirical literature on IC.