1. http://www.progressive.com

In 1937 two gentlemen, Joseph Lewis and Jack Green began an organization called the Progressive Mutual Insurance Company. Their goal was to provide vehicle owners with security and protection. Today, their idea has grown to become the nation’s fourth largest auto insurance company known as the Progressive Corporation. Progressive became a public company in 1971. The company has set an industry standard for customer service and its innovative business techniques distinguish it from competitors. In 1994, Progressive surpassed $2 billion in premiums. This dynamic and ever evolving institution plans to remain far ahead in the industry by providing its customers what they want, when they want it, and at the best price if possible.

Examine Progressive’s Website. Prepare a short report responding to the following questions. Describe how Progressive handles employee training and development. Which of the four approaches (described within the text chapter) for employee development would be most critical for this organization? Why? How does this company provide job enlargement? Is this important to the employees? Why or why not? How important is mentoring for this organization?

2. http://www.disney.com

In 1923, Mr. Disney started a cartoon studio. Today, the Walt Disney Company has grown to become a diversified, international family entertainment and media company. Among the company’s major products/services are entertainment theme parks, domestically and internationally, hotels, media companies, and cruise line. In 2003, the company had revenues of over $27 billion and 117,000 employees approximately.

Explore Disney’s Website. Prepare a short report responding to the following questions. Describe how Disney handles employee training and development. What different approaches (described within the text chapter) for employee learning and development are offered to employees by this organization? Does the company offer explicit mentoring program? Explain the benefits of such a program to Disney. Does the company have a management succession policy? Who is responsible for it? Does the career opportunities at Disney excite you? Why or why not?