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Human Performance (HPT)


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What is Human Performance Technology (HPT)?

In April 2000, the Population Leadership Program, a project of the Public Health Institute, supported by the Office of Population, United State Agency for International Development (USAID), released a report describing the science of human performance technology. The following contains excerpts from that report.
The HPT approach was developed because there was a need for a system to address the range of performance improvement situations within organizations.

The [HPT] approach focuses on three major issues: problems, opportunities, and new situations. Problems are defined as an indication of a clear gap between desired and actual performance. Opportunities occur when current performance standards are being met but there is a c hance to improve by 20 percent and thereby create a significant competitive edge. New situations are created by the introduction of new services or by the design of a new organization.

The HPT approach has evolved over many years and has shown to be able to address this range of situations. Even though there are limitless variations on the basic approach, it is always a systemic (reflecting a holistic view), performance focused, and data-driven approach.

HPT is methodical.

HPT takes the process of improving human competence and productivity beyond traditional concepts of personnel, training, and human resource development. Instead, this innovative technology examines human performances as elements of a system.

HPT is scientific.

To improve that system - and individual performances within that system - HPT practitioners employ scientific methods and validated processes to pinpoint the barriers causing performance deficiencies, then prescribe interventions that will measurably improve workforce productivity and competence. Today, HPT and its associated methods are being increasingly used within the public and private sectors to quantify, manage, and measure human capital.

HPT is ROI-based.

The TMEP HPT specialists help businesses achieve desired results through a proper mix of interventions, such as improving communications, revamping training methods, quantifying performance standards or redesigning jobs.

By providing guidance and expertise in the HPT approach, the TMEP makes it possible for Tennessee businesses to attain sustainable improvements and tangible bottom-line results - outcomes that generate significant economic impact for Tennessee communities.