Siemens Case Study

1.1

The term learning styles refers to the view that people learn information in different ways. It is an individual’s unique method to learning based on his/her preferences. The three main learning styles include Kolb, Honey and Mumford, and VARK.

Kolb's learning theory

The Kolb learning method sets out four different learning styles, which are based on a four stage learning cycle. It is a unique concept that offers a way to understand the different learning styles of people, and also an explanation of a cycle of experiential learning that applies to us all. These stages include concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, active experimentation. The Kolb learning style applies to Siemens organization because the organization comes up with a strategy that allows the learner to touch on all the different aspects of the learning styles. Moreover, it gives the employees the opportunity to go through a cycle of experiencing, thinking, reflecting, and acting.

Honey and Mumford learning styles

Based upon on Kolb learning style, Honey and Mumford learning styles identifies four distinct learning styles which include activist, realist, pragmatist, and reflector. Each individual needs to understand their own learning style they prefer as well as look for opportunities to learn using that style in order to maximize their personal leaning (Mobbs, 2015).  This learning style applies to Siemens organizations since it develops it employees by identifying ways in which they want to improve their careers by choosing learning methods that suit them best.

VARK

VARK learning style is identified by people’s preference of learning based on how an individual uses their five senses to attain and process information or by using visuals, audios, reading and writing or kinesthetic learners. This leaning style applies to Siemens as each employee has the opportunity to choose the different VARK leaning style that suits him/her.

1.2

Learning Curve: The learning curve is a graphical representation that explains the changing rate of learning in the average person for a given activity. To further elaborate on this, the increase in retention of information is sharpest after the primary attempts, and then regularly evens out. This means that less and less new information is retained after each repetition (UKEssays, 2015).

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Figure 1: Learning Curve

The learning curve must be followed in order to bring efficiency and perfection to a new task. This is because the learning curve is a continuous improvement process that is gained through experience which helps the individual to develop new skills, as well as set career paths. In addition it helps in predicting how long it will take to start future task and as well the rate of improvement in performing a task. Since it is used in resource requirements planning, learning curves are also used to set incentive rate schemes. As one of Siemens strategy aside from performance and portfolio, is the way it managers develops, and motivates its employees, when they implement a new strategy that employees are not aware of, the organization provides them with practical experience, performance coaching, and performance review to understand their level of performance, and where they currently stand.