TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT AS A STRATEGIC TOOL FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE (A STUDY OF TUYIL PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRIES LIMITED, ILORIN, KWARA STATE)

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of employee training and development on employee performance at Tuyil Pharmaceutical Industries Limited. Specifically, the study sought to establish whether there was a relationship between training and employee performance, determine how training and development impacted the productivity and efficiency of the organization, assess the extent to which training of employees was linked to retention and the satisfaction of employees, and establish the barriers to the practice of training programs. A total of 239 questionnaires were distributed to the staff, and the data collected were analyzed using the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMC). The relationship between training and employee performance was strong and positive, which means efficiency at the organizational and individual level is a product of training programs that are properly structured. The study also established that training programs that are properly structured and are aimed at the development of the staff on a continuous basis are motivating to employees, reduce employee turnover, and increase satisfaction on the job. However, factors such as inadequate funds, poor planning, and lack of support from management were the most cited barriers to the practice of training programs. The study recommends that organizations need to invest a lot of resources and time in training so that the employee's level of competency can be elevated, and subsequently the organization can grow. Keywords: Training, Development, Employee Performance, Organizational Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Tuyil Pharmaceutical Industries.