Audits & Surveys

It is important in preparing for tomorrow’s business today, that organisations listen to stakeholders and monitor the impact of policies, products and services. Astar works in partnership with ERS Market Research to provide organisations with a range of innovative research techniques and methodologies that provide the information you need to:

• Measure and monitor diversity strategies
• Undertake sensitive consultations with employees, customers, suppliers and stakeholders
• Survey staff attitudes
• Identify staff and customer profiles
• Create a baseline to measure change
• Assess the impact of training and development

In combining structured research with inventive and learning-based approaches to implementation, we then quickly bring tangible benefits to organisations.

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Theatre and Video for Learning

At Astar, we have found that theatre is an extremely effective means of highlighting organisational and development issues through bringing them to life by using live, professional drama and role-play. Our approach is based on client specific research leading to realistic scenario development and workplace simulations in conjunction with the client. Learning is then facilitated through the use of small group discussions managed by experienced consultants familiar with both the requirements of the client and of the subject under discussion. In that way, we keep focused on the programme objectives while also ensuring that participants have an entertaining and enjoyable experience from which learning can be gained.

We have found that the advantages are:

• Issues are seen as relevant
• The impact of behaviour can be demonstrated in a safe environment
• Sensitive issues can be explored without embarrassing the participants
• Debate is stimulated
• Skills and appropriate behaviour can be practised
• The medium of theatre translates across geographical and cultural boundaries

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Train the Trainer

There are many ways to build internal capacity to run training programmes throughout an organisation. One effective method is to develop in-house resources through a Train the Trainer programme. This enables Managers to take forward the training amongst their own staff either with video or computer-based training using an e-learning package.

Astar can provide facilitator guides and training for new trainers as well as follow up sessions as necessary. The most obvious advantage of this option is that Managers are seen very clearly to ‘own’ the training as they are delivering it.

With Astar’s support, clients can ensure that the effectiveness of development programmes is shared through their organisation.

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Evaluation & Quality Assurance

Evaluation and quality assurance are essential tools to ensure training programmes remain of the highest standard and continue to meet the outcomes that clients have set for them.  At Astar, we monitor the effectiveness of our programmes through a variety of ways:

• Analysis of post course evaluations to ensure training is meeting set outcomes and consultants are delivering against agreed standards
• Review meetings to discuss progress
• Observation of workshops by the Programme Director/Quality Assurance Director to assess workshop outcomes and consultant performance
• Conducting post-training reviews to examine progress made within organisations

Astar’s evaluation tools and quality assurance processes provide the follow up evidence clients need to prove that the investment in training continues to add value and enhance the overall performance of the organisation.