Describes seven important characteristics of the performance environment that can affect a performance outcome. Topics discussed include the performance environment as an open system, performance variables that can affect outcomes, how performance can be improved, and how performance variables are interrelated. (LRW)

Analyzes courses offered in various educational technology programs in terms of the focus of each on one of five organizational elements, and recommends an expansion of current curricula to include not only input, process, and product-oriented learning experiences, but also to include outcome related experiences. (MER)

Discusses varieties of feedback as a first step in understanding the dynamics of successful feedback practices and identifies common elements in the concepts of feedback and reinforcement for use in making management of the instructional encounter more effective. Instrumental feedback is discussed as a model for feedback among human beings. (MBR)

Discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches to needs assessment is followed by a description of the five phases of the flexible composite needs assessment approach, START (Systematic Technique for Assessing Resources and Training/Development) for developing training programs within various types of organizations. (EAO)

Describes ways that components of Information Engineering (IE) methodology can be used by training system developers to extend Instructional Systems Development (ISD) methodology. Aspects of IE that are useful in ISD are described, including requirements determination, group facilitation, integrated automated tool support, and prototyping.…

Compares design of instructional system with that of data processing system, noting similarities (needs analysis, definition of required outputs, identification of inputs, need for design processing, development of procedures, testing, implementation); structured design techniques; and advantages of structured instructional system design. Warnier…

Introduces a new department within the National Society for Performance and Instruction which will examine applications of performance technologies in the nonindustrialized areas of the world, including different subject areas and techniques. Reports on the experiences of different performance technologists will be presented each month. (MBR)

Describes a systematic approach to organizational change based on examination of prior consolidation experiences, which identifies organizational and individual employee needs and uses Maslow's sequence to plan for these needs. Use of this approach to manage transition period prior to consolidation of branch operations of the 3M Company is…

Discusses the systematic approach to training, how this approach increases training impact, and how it evolved and identifies the four components of this approach, describing three components in detail--pretraining briefing sessions, review of individual training objectives, and group followup. (MBR)

This examination of programed instruction both as a product and a process lists Bullock's Thirteen Questions to check the extent to which an instructional program can be viewed as programed instruction and explains the rationale behind them. It also clarifies some common misconceptions about programed instruction. (EAO)

Traces the history of military efforts to systematize the design, development, installation, and operational training for a weapons system and discusses the current status of criterion referenced instruction in Army training programs. Steps being taken to remedy identified problems are described. (MER)

This alternative model for identifying, diagnosing, and treating organizational needs identifies the basic elements of organizations, determines gaps between what is and what should be for each element, and allows interventions which are internally and externally consistent and successful. Common tools for closing these gaps are described. (MBR)

Presents seven principles for applying technology to training and development problems. Based on General Systems Theory (GST), these principles were developed to help with long-term decisions. Highlights include instructional systems development models; complexity in cultural systems; matching training materials to user characteristics; systems…

Introduces performance technology as a field of application for training professionals. The term "performance technology" is defined and explained, the epistemological foundations of performance technology are outlined, the relevance of performance technology to training and human development is described, and myths about performance…

Observations on general Japanese culture, business culture, specific business missions and strategies, characteristics of individual workers, and business operations emphasize production processes and policies, organization structure, performance support systems, general management practices, and attention to quality. A table comparing the human…