Any organization with a comprehensive training program has a leadership development curriculum. These programs include everything from conventional classroom learning with guest speakers to high-tech simulations and lavish retreats. There also may be mentorship thrown in, as well as multiple job rotations. Despite the well-rounded curricula, many…

Training can be improved by providing a theoretical base for practice. Criteria for selecting useful theory include generality, relevance, consistency, completeness, testability, centrality, and usability. (SK)

Networking as a goal of training can increase communication, problem solving, and flexibility. Necessary steps are selecting participants to support the network, including provisions for trust and relationship building, ensuring the transfer of training, and encouraging followup and accountability for transfer. (SK)

The Senior Managers Program of the U.S. Department of Education integrates training with on-the-job application of skills to provide a more effective learning environment and immediate results. Each training workshop is followed by an intervention in the participant's work unit, and teams work on agency problems identified by high-level officials.…

When managers apply the skills they learn, the techniques associated with leadership training often do not translate to improvements in employee productivity or in organizational productivity or profitability. (JOW)

Recognizing that trained managers and supervisors are sorely needed, particularly in today's economy, the author discusses the historical pattern of training and calls for improved methods by those responsible for management training. (JOW)

Describes an approach which overcomes the discrepancy between the aims of management training programs and the needs of management in organizations. (JOW)

Programs for developing the managerial capacities of department heads in secondary schools tend to be of two types. One type concentrates on the dynamics of interactions between participants during the program. In this type of program, consultants either call for active involvement of the participants in the analysis of their interactions, or…

Discusses the love/hate relationship that the human resources development community has with corporate training programs. Indicates three major objectives of effective programs: (1) build generic management skills; (2) build skills and knowledge applicable to a particular organization; and (3) forge and maintain a cohesive corporate culture. (JOW)

Differences in the structure and operations of small businesses necessitate management training tailored to their needs. One method involves different techniques for each management level: chief executives, managers, supervisors. Another approach is holistic group training involving action learning for the entire management team. (SK)

The author argues that curriculum design requires viewing the whole fabric of management training in its totality; individual training programs are created from this perspective. The challenge in this case is to build a coherent plan that will provide structure and unity to the whole management training program. (Author/SSH)

Explains why some programs fail to prove themselves in evaluations yet have substantial benefits. Documents a method of administering self-reports, pre-then-post testing that helps to eliminate response-shift bias. (Author)

Discusses six major errors in management development programs. These failures include (1) not tying development programs to strategic considerations, (2) not properly qualifying participants, (3) not using proper training methods, (4) not differentiating group and individual development, (5) not providing posttraining support, and (6) not…

Reports on the state of strategic planning for education and training in service industries, manufacturing, retailing, and entertainment organizations. A questionnaire surveyed 200 training managers in organizations of over 5,000 employees headquartered primarily in the Pacific Northwest and revealed that strategic planning is becoming a priority.…

Takes a look at where women stand in management circles today, how they view themselves as contenders for management positions, and what training they now need. (Author/JM)