Training and development professionals may want to evaluate the implications of the conflict-reducing mechanisms that are imbedded within a Theory Z culture before recommending this approach to their corporate leadership. (JOW)

In a time of constant change, sometimes it is worthwhile to ruminate on the future and how things ought to be. "Journal of Electronic Resources Librarianship" wanted to capture some of these ruminations from around the field in a new column called "E-Opinions from the Field" where readers are asked to send in their thoughts on a topic and respond…

Offers a conceptual framework for organizational development consultation, through a brief definition of the process, with attention given to the systems approach. The consultation process is described, and a brief statement about consulting in business and higher education settings is included. (Author/JEG)

Assesses the contributions of T. B. Greenfield's "Alternative Theory" to a comprehensive theory for school administration in practice and scholarship. Considers Greenfield's standpoint in relation to rational, natural, and open systems perspectives. (DMM)

Discusses the inherent complexities of ecosystems. Included in the discussion are the topics of space and time; thermodynamics and open systems; middle number systems and observer dependence; information needs; and the ecosystem approach and integrity. (Contains 26 references.) (MDH)

As the sophistication of technology has increased, so has public demand for quality. This expectation of quality has occurred across a broad range of products and systems, including education. To meet the demand for quality, many products and systems (including educational ones) have become increasingly complex. Within education there are also…

The ecosystem approach is a management philosophy in which humans participate in the natural world, not dominate it. Discusses this concept with respect to the Great Lakes context, the anthropocentric argument, sustainable development, and integrating economy and environment. (Contains 52 references.) (MDH)

Discusses systems theory and concepts in relation to pupil personnel services. Systems thinking can provide a framework for pupil personnel managers to: (1) conceptualize their department as a system; (2) assess the performance of the department; and (3) coordinate the problem-solving activity of pupil personnel practitioners. (Author)

Prior to improving volunteer services, a leisure agency should have a realistic expectation of the desired accomplishments, both in individual and organizational terms. A systems approach to volunteer management is discussed that includes the components of planning and coordination; recruitment and orientation; training and placement; and…

Uses the example of the Great Lakes-Saint Lawrence Basin Watershed to explore the conflict between current political jurisdictions and the ecosystem approach. (Contains 14 references.) (MDH)

Examines four aspects of administrative software systems implementation that college and university administrators need to understand to avoid implementation pitfalls. These include: (1) system complexity, (2) dangers of customization, (3) documentation, and (4) real costs. (DB)

This pamphlet discusses the original rationale for university systems, points out some of the problems existing because of the definition of that rationale, and proposes a new responsibility for university systems and a new challenge for their leaders. The pamphlet affirms that the system chief executive officer (CEO) and board of governors are…

Discusses difficulties within higher education management in achieving expected outcomes because of problematic elements in: artificial internal structures, funding formulae, the relative importance of system parameters versus system structure, and the significance of time scales and delays in influencing system behavior. Suggests that university…

The author focuses on one particular systems approach, succession planning, and the role of the manager in this process. The manager's role in a career counseling session is spelled out in several steps. The importance of training workshops is also examined. (CT)

The arrival of the Total Quality Management (TQM) approach in higher education has brought both support and skepticism. Although consultants are busy selling tool-driven, seven-step workshops, it is not yet clear what the academic version of the approach will be or how it will evolve. (MSE)