For this new, sixth edition the authors have revised and updated it to take account of the growing emphasis on self-managed learning and the developing role of the training specialist as facilitator and advisor. New material has been included on the role and influence of the line manager, experiential learning, knowledge management and the future of on-line learning.

The authors provide a critical overview of the national framework and draw out the fundamental issues and principles before discussing the practical details of needs assessment, planning, implementing and evaluating training.

All these themes are combined in a book ideally suited to students of employee development across a broad range of courses, including the IPD's Professional Qualification Scheme, Training and Development NVQ qualifications at all levels, HND and first degrees with a business or administrative content, and MBA and other postgraduate programmes. The analyses of topical issues make it invaluable for updating practitioners, while the exercises, cases and suggestions for further reflection, discussion and reading provide a unique resource for continuing self-development.