HRD3702
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number: 199979
Due Date: 24 April 2025
QUESTION 1
Strengths
One of Zenith Manufacturing’s major strengths is its strong commitment from executive
leadership towards learning and development, which ensures top-down support for HRD
initiatives. The company has also successfully implemented modern HRD systems such as
a Learning Management System (LMS) and adopted comprehensive training strategies,
including competency-based training and the use of the Kirkpatrick Four-Level Evaluation
Model to measure training effectiveness. Furthermore, the organisation has embraced a
culture of continuous learning, using Peter Senge’s five disciplines to encourage teamwork,
personal growth, and knowledge sharing.
Weaknesses
Despite progress, Zenith faces resistance to change from some of its managers, which can
slow down the adoption of new initiatives. Another weakness is its limited
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
INTRODUCTION
Zenith Manufacturing Ltd, a South African industrial machinery producer, found itself
at a critical crossroads due to rising global competition, high employee turnover, and
outdated workforce skills. Recognising the need to improve internal efficiencies and
retain market leadership, the company took decisive steps to align its human
resource management (HRM) and human resource development (HRD) strategies
with its organisational goals. This assignment explores Zenith’s strategic shift toward
becoming a learning organisation through structured HRD initiatives, including
leadership development, continuous learning programmes, and advanced training
systems. By analysing the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and
threats (SWOT), this paper further evaluates how the integration of HRD and HRM
impacted organisational performance. It also examines how Zenith’s investment in
employee development and innovation contributed to its transformation, focusing on
learning culture, lifelong development, and managerial capabilities. Overall, this
assignment reflects on how HRD strategies can drive growth, agility, and long-term
success in a modern manufacturing context.
QUESTION 1
Strengths
One of Zenith Manufacturing’s major strengths is its strong commitment from
executive leadership towards learning and development, which ensures top-down
support for HRD initiatives. The company has also successfully implemented modern
HRD systems such as a Learning Management System (LMS) and adopted
comprehensive training strategies, including competency-based training and the use
of the Kirkpatrick Four-Level Evaluation Model to measure training effectiveness.
Furthermore, the organisation has embraced a culture of continuous learning, using
Peter Senge’s five disciplines to encourage teamwork, personal growth, and
knowledge sharing.
Weaknesses
Despite progress, Zenith faces resistance to change from some of its managers,
which can slow down the adoption of new initiatives. Another weakness is its limited
Assignment 2 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number: 199979
Due Date: 24 April 2025
QUESTION 1
Strengths
One of Zenith Manufacturing’s major strengths is its strong commitment from executive
leadership towards learning and development, which ensures top-down support for HRD
initiatives. The company has also successfully implemented modern HRD systems such as
a Learning Management System (LMS) and adopted comprehensive training strategies,
including competency-based training and the use of the Kirkpatrick Four-Level Evaluation
Model to measure training effectiveness. Furthermore, the organisation has embraced a
culture of continuous learning, using Peter Senge’s five disciplines to encourage teamwork,
personal growth, and knowledge sharing.
Weaknesses
Despite progress, Zenith faces resistance to change from some of its managers, which can
slow down the adoption of new initiatives. Another weakness is its limited
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
INTRODUCTION
Zenith Manufacturing Ltd, a South African industrial machinery producer, found itself
at a critical crossroads due to rising global competition, high employee turnover, and
outdated workforce skills. Recognising the need to improve internal efficiencies and
retain market leadership, the company took decisive steps to align its human
resource management (HRM) and human resource development (HRD) strategies
with its organisational goals. This assignment explores Zenith’s strategic shift toward
becoming a learning organisation through structured HRD initiatives, including
leadership development, continuous learning programmes, and advanced training
systems. By analysing the company’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and
threats (SWOT), this paper further evaluates how the integration of HRD and HRM
impacted organisational performance. It also examines how Zenith’s investment in
employee development and innovation contributed to its transformation, focusing on
learning culture, lifelong development, and managerial capabilities. Overall, this
assignment reflects on how HRD strategies can drive growth, agility, and long-term
success in a modern manufacturing context.
QUESTION 1
Strengths
One of Zenith Manufacturing’s major strengths is its strong commitment from
executive leadership towards learning and development, which ensures top-down
support for HRD initiatives. The company has also successfully implemented modern
HRD systems such as a Learning Management System (LMS) and adopted
comprehensive training strategies, including competency-based training and the use
of the Kirkpatrick Four-Level Evaluation Model to measure training effectiveness.
Furthermore, the organisation has embraced a culture of continuous learning, using
Peter Senge’s five disciplines to encourage teamwork, personal growth, and
knowledge sharing.
Weaknesses
Despite progress, Zenith faces resistance to change from some of its managers,
which can slow down the adoption of new initiatives. Another weakness is its limited
