Developing training for a rapidly growing small business is a challenge, as the

target is always moving, and changing to meet new demands. This paper will discuss the
different aspects, strategies, theories, and processes involved in developing employee
training for Lush Limousine Services. Beginning with a background on the business
start, as well as background on the small city that has become big news in the wine
industry.
Paso Robles main agricultural crop was wheat 100 years ago, almonds seventy
years ago, and most recently, wine grapes. Through the growth of the local wineries has
come growth in many local businesses. Driving while intoxicated is deadly, and
therefore taxi and limousine services have burgeoned in the area. It is normal to see three
or four limousines in front of a local hotel, from three or four limousine services. While
every business owner hopes for growth, the reality is the needs of the business often
outstrip the business owners time and energy. The result can be a rapidly growing lack
of customer service. The gap analysis involved with developing training for Lush will
analyze what the needs are, versus what the employees already know, and what
information is available at the business already.
Analyzing the current employees knowledge, and predicting what future new
employees might need in addition to the current, will be discussed. The cyclical nature of
the business results in loss of knowledge from gaps in work experiences.
Details such as wine varietal vagaries will expand into the context in which the
business exists. Industry trends, and a literature review to show the context that this is
taking place in will involve trends in service businesses, and California agriculture.

The solution to the above mentioned problems in time and employee memory
encompass the goal of the training. The proposed solution is a combination of computer
based training, job aids, and short training videos. Small businesses struggle with
employee specialization, as every employee must do several jobs in order for the business
to function successfully.
The seasonal nature of the service business in a tourist destination results in high
turnover of employees. Some of the training involved with new employees is
individualized depending on the employees familiarity with the geography of the area,
and knowledge of wine tasting. Some, however, is repeatable, and the problem of staff
availability for training would be partially solved with computer-based new employee
training. Merrills First Principles of Instruction will be used, as well as Multimedia
Learning Principles.
The instructional strategies used will include computer-based training, roleplaying, and on the job training. The employee will absorb a certain amount of
knowledge of wine, and the general area, and then synthesize that basic comprehension
through role-playing with a more experienced employee. After the initial computerbased training, there will be on the job training, followed by a discussion post-training to
explore new questions. This capstone will encompass the initial beginner training.
The project management plan, to include the prototype, steps to finish the project,
and needed resources, are in process. The formative evaluation will follow the
description of that process, to include a usability study. At the end of the training
development a final summative evaluation will take place, encompassing the data
collected from the initial evaluations.