The Nominal Group Technique uses a group of people who nominate problems and issues that deserve attention and combines the ideas from several individuals with an effective method for consolidating and prioritizing them. (JOW)

Presents guidelines for starting a training department including reasons why corporations decide to establish one. Includes examples from many companies. (JOW)

Discusses the six cycles of training: (1) identification of training as a solution, (2) allocation of resources, (3) building expertise, (4) demonstration of success, (5) withdrawal of support, and (6) groping for survival. (JOW)

Presents simple methods for calculating the costs and benefits of training, consulting, and other human resource development interventions in a variety of settings. (JOW)

Revisits an April 2000 article questioning the relevance and efficacy of Instructional Systems Design (ISD) and comes back to the question of whether ISD is flawed or is the manner in which people are putting ISD into practice the problem. (JOW)

Discusses how to select the best training program for your needs. Includes information on deciding whether to develop your own program or buy one; identifying the kind of program you need; examining what is available; networking; choosing a supplier; and evaluating programs. (JOW)

Describes learning objects, also known as granules, chunks, or information nuggets, and likens them to help screens. Discusses concerns about how they can go wrong: (1) faulty pretest questions; (2) missing links in the learning object chain; (3) poor frames of reference; and (4) lack of customization. (JOW)

Creation of a superior interactive videodisc training program requires integration of four essential design elements: instructional, audiovisual, computer programming, and geographic design. They are equally important to the medium's success as a training tool. (JOW)

The authors present a step-by-step approach to a phased-in career development model to help develop, restructure, evaluate, and implement a program. Steps include: examine existing practices; sell top management; communicate corporate philosophy; integrate the program; design workshops; and evaluate. (CT)

The author states that organizations should take on the task of preparing employees for the emotional upheavals that can accompany retirement because doing so pays off for both the company and the employee. He discusses adjustment problems and suggests content for sessions in a preretirement program. (MF)

Describes ways to develop interactive, web-based training programs for a minimal cost. Discusses partnerships, the use of video, low-budget alternatives, and the versatility of the Web. (JOW)

Focuses on potential values (for example, saving time and money and presenting high quality materials) of using packaged courses or programs for training. Examines some objections to prepackaged materials. Offers planning and decision-making suggestions for choosing suitable materials. Proposes questions for evaluating commercial programs. (CSS)