The CEO Institute
Bill Knaust
BUSI 630
FHSU

“An effective training program needs a high-quality program design to maximize trainee learning and transfer of training. Program design refers to the organization and coordination of the training program.” (Noe, p. 193) Doug Conant became CEO of Campbell’s Soup in 2001 in the midst of a tumultuous time for the company. Campbell’s Soup stock was hitting rock bottom and “in Conant’s words, the company had "a very toxic culture." Employees were disheartened, management systems were dysfunctional, trust was low, and a lot of people felt and behaved like victims” (Duncan, 2014). To change the culture, Conant implemented the CEO Institute to “create a meaningful leadership experience for its participants” (Noe, p. 228). The design elements of the CEO Institute follow the three phases of the program design process. Using the design process allows Campbell’s to teach and train employees through learning which refers to a permanent change in human behaviors, and competencies that are not the result of growth processes. Transfer of training refers to trainees effectively and continually applying what they have learned in training to their jobs. (Noe, 152) This entire process is based on the adult learning theory, how adults learn.
Phase 1, pre-training, involves preparing, motivating, and energizing trainees to attend the learning event. Phase 1 also involves ensuring that the work environment supports learning and transfer. Phase 2, the learning event, involves preparing instruction and the physical environment to facilitate learning. Phase 2 focuses on creating a positive learning environment, including planning the activities that occur during training, selecting a high-quality instructor or trainer, choosing a training room and creating positive interaction with learners, and having a proper