Union Pacific Railroad Learning Organization Interview

Conducted by,Shaum Turner

MSM620

About UPRR

• Union Pacific is headquartered in Omaha, NE

• Employs more than 45,000 people

• UPRR provides safe, fuel-efficient, freight transportation for a diversified group of business products

• UPRR rails operate in 23 states and delivers door-to-door freight solutions and logistics expertise

Interviewee Background

• Loraine Newsome

• Current role with UPRR is Senior Human Resource Manager

• Tenure: 15 Years

Purpose of the Interview

• UPRR’s learning culture

• Past, present and future learning practices

• Goals and objectives for continuous learning

The Interview

What does a Learning Organization mean to UPRR?

• Foundation for learning

• Continuous learning

• Open Communication

What is the vision for learning at UPRR?

•Employees are accountable for learning

•Employees are communicating what they are learning to fellow coworkers

•Knowledge transferred

What are some of UPPR’s learning strategies?

• Identify personnel needs

• Identify learning gaps

• Promote continuous workforce training and development

• Ensure programs are aligned with policies and practices

• Increase training effectiveness

UPRR’s past learning practices

• OJT

• Government regulations

• Best practice system

UPRR’s current learning practices

• Career Development

• Operating Rules and Skills Training

• Plateau and Training Records

• Operating Management Training Program

Leadership Learning at UPRR

• Seven Habits Of Highly Effective People (AFSH)

• Program Number Two Network Thinking (ONWT)

Access to learning resources

• State of the art Training Center

• Extensive Online Training Program

• Off site locations

Total Quality Management Program

Interviewer reflections

•Learning is constant

•Communication is vital

•Leadership plays a critical role in a learning organization

• Learning Organization creates opportunity