Investigating factors which influence the quality of training programmes in public universities in Jordan

Abstract

Training initiatives are universal phenomena, particularly in developing nations, which have been using training as a part of their overall development efforts. This research aims to identify and investigate the factors that influence the quality of training programmes in training centres in Jordanian public universities. It is an explanatory study which focuses on explaining how and why the factors influence training practices. \nThis study has been conducted by adopting a case study strategy and a qualitative approach. The data were gathered by using semi-structured interviews as the main data collection instrument within two training centres in two Jordanian public universities. Additionally, a number of data collection instruments were used in order to achieve triangulation, and to fully understand the training practices in the two case study organisations (CSOs). In total, 16 trainers and 12 training programme coordinators and training administrators were interviewed. The research reveals that there is an absence of: systematic trainer selection processes, a training design approach, training evaluation systems, trainee selection, involvement of major parties in training design and evaluation, and a lack of variation in methods used in delivering training programmes. The study reveals that there is an absence of systematic institutional efforts regarding training for trainers, training coordinators and administrators in both CSOs. \nContributions to knowledge on the academic and practical levels are evident with the research being the first explanatory attempt to empirically investigate the key factors which influence the training programmes in training centres in Jordanian public universities. Thus, it provides a deep understanding of the current training practices and management in training centres in two Jordanian public universities. This is because previous studies focussing on training were mainly undertaken in different cultural contexts from that of Jordan. The findings of this study have added to the existing literature by extending knowledge regarding training practices in a new context. Practically, the study has significant implications for both practitioners and decision makers, such as: the need to establish systematic trainer and trainee selection processes; continuous development and training for trainers and administrators; adoption of standardised procedures for designing training programmes; developing appropriate methods for the evaluation of training programmes; enhancing quality awareness of quality in training; and establishing a formal body to organise and control training institutions in Jordan. Several directions for future research are also recommended.

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