Mining the Benefits of the DACUM Process

The WIDS DACUM process works—even in the northwest Arctic Borough of Alaska.  Take it from Teck Alaska Incorporated-Red Dog Operations, one of the world’s largest zinc mines.

Senior Training Manager Jason Baca shares how the WIDS model provided a business improvement process that can benefit your organization, too.  

Capture your company’s critical knowledge with DACUM

 Even in the Arctic, no company is immune from the national skills gap, Jason explains.            

“With the amount of employee attrition we are predicting…we have to have job tasks and training documented,” Jason shared.

 What’s the value of documenting tasks and training?

“Ultimately, we were looking for a business improvement process that would develop standardized job training and integrate it into our day-to-day operations,” Jason added. 

‍DACUM provides many benefits

 If developing “standardized” training induces more shivers than “Arctic,” consider the benefits of the DACUM that Jason identifies:

• Identify the key tasks of any occupation through a proven model
• Streamline job training by identifying overlaps and tasks that don't add value
• Standardize job descriptions within your organization
• Develop a systematic process for promoting employees

 And “standardized” doesn’t mean “straight from management.”  

 “The DACUM process is a team process.  It promotes buy-in from within the organization. The team analyzes the tasks and training together,” Jason explained.  

Invest in DACUM and yield compound returns

How did it go in the Artic?  

“The return on investment…will benefit us for many years to come,” Jason stated.

Teck’s investment yielded returns beyond documenting training:

• Employee pride and ownership in training has increased
• Employees know what is expected of their job and how their skills relate to a career
• Managers have better tools to manage employees
• The company has recognized employees for their valuable skills, increasing morale 

“I like the way WIDS does it”

We made a great impression – Jason is forthright about the benefits of working with us:

• The WIDS process is very efficient
• WIDS consultants are easy to work with and bring a depth of experience
• WIDS is flexible and ensures we get our needs met at many levels

And we left the door open to the future…

 “All companies need to find their training gaps and target improvement,” Jason notes.  “We are hoping to work with WIDS well into the future,” he smiles.  

WIDS (Worldwide Instructional Design System) is a nonprofit organization that provides curriculum design software, consulting, and training services.