Development Center

A development center is usually an assessment center modified for the purpose of L&D interventions. It uses typical assessment methods like group discussions/activities, interviews, inbox exercises, simulations and roleplays, etc. to gauge candidates’ professional skills and aptitude for specific roles. The insights from development center activities help tailor the right development plans for every candidate.

A development center is a tool similar to assessment center and modern ACDCs. It is used for initiatives like training needs identification, leadership development, HiPo identification and succession planning. Development centers help identify professional strengths and challenges so that developmental initiatives can be undertaken as per specific L&D requirements. Development centers, when used strategically, can be a powerful tool to boost overall skilling and upskilling interventions in an organization.