Describes a unique performance appraisal method known as "behaviorally anchored rating scales" (BARS) which is especially useful for managers of instructional developers. Steps and procedures used to collaboratively construct BARS for a particular position are discussed, and factors to consider when planning any appraisal system are…

Discussion of management conflict highlights differing job perceptions held by middle managers. The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Assessment Program is described, and a management structure that requires members of each group to experience job perceptions and tasks of the other group is recommended for performance improvement. (Contains three…

Provides directions for conducting a workshop providing technical training in a large organization that links job performances to work processes. Organizational levels of performance are discussed; relationship maps and process maps are explained; and an example of a workshop for a software maintenance environment is presented. (two references)…

Suggests job aids have motivational benefits and discusses three ways in which they positively affect motivation: increases worker's confidence of success and amount of effort they are willing to invest in attempting tasks; increases expectancy while decreasing amount of motivation needed; and reinforces task importance. (MBR)

Discusses the use of hypermedia for performance improvement interventions in light of traditional approaches to computer-based training (CBT). Problems with CBT are discussed, hypermedia and hypertext are differentiated, links with data files are explained, hardware selection is discussed, and a comparison of hypermedia systems is presented. (LRW)

Explains how to create job aids that employees will be motivated to use, based on a review of pertinent literature and interviews with professionals. Topics addressed include linking motivation with job aids; Keller's ARCS (Attention, Relevance, Confidence, Satisfaction) model of motivation; and design strategies for job aids based on Keller's…

Explores implications of subjective factors that influence rating processes upon which formal performance appraisal systems are based and presents a strategy for addressing this problem which utilizes the critical incident method to focus objectively on employee behavior. A performance feedback worksheet to be utilized with this appraisal method…

This excerpt from "Managerial Engineering: Techniques for Improving Quality and Productivity in the Workplace" describes the development, objectives, and use of On-Error Training (OET), a method which trains workers to learn from their errors. Also described is New Joharry's Window, a performance-error data analysis technique used in…

Discusses the need to develop ways of measuring the cost effectiveness of investment in employee training. Examples of employees with various training needs and their possible impact on the organization are presented, the replacement of humans with machine intelligence is discussed, and the application of performance technology is suggested. (LRW)

Describes a five-step approach to performance management which includes (1) redefining tasks; (2) identifying skills; (3) determining what development tools are necessary; (4) prioritizing skills development; and (5) developing an action plan. Presents a hiring model that includes job analysis, job description, selection, goal setting, evaluation,…

Explains how the use of performance analysis technology in a hospital improved job performance, thereby generating dollar benefits and cost savings. The variables involved in this analysis are discussed in detail, and a case study illustrating its efffectiveness is included. (MBR)

Discusses the development of performance schema that outline criteria specific to a job-related activity during which trainees apply course content and demonstrate competencies learned. The process involves identification and grouping of criteria, choosing rating scales, checklist construction, and organization of the preceding elements into a…

Discusses the role of meetings in improving job performance, identifies adult learning principles that may enhance the planning and delivery of business meetings, describes the component parts of business meetings, and presents a matrix that integrates adult learning principles with the management of business meetings. (Six references) (LRW)

Discusses the military's use of job aids to address the following problems: how to put more training into instructional programs without increasing course length; how to save training development time and money without sacrificing student achievement; how to reduce training products; and how to increase short- and long-term performance. (MBR)

Describes a longitudinal project in which organizational behavior management (OBM) procedures have been applied to improve performance of plant employees, increase sales of contract furniture, accelerate response time to customer inquiries, increase orders processed, and reduce processing errors at Krueger, a contract and institutional furniture…