Feedback from companies forming a community of practice in Tasmania, Australia, is that there is a need for a framework for self-directed action learning within each organisation as well as across the action learning community. Senior management report that there is a 'falling away' after a facilitated action learning intervention concludes and,…

This profile describes a new WPA's choice to work incrementally to assess an inherited, fledgling First-Year Writing curriculum at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and change it over a three-year period with continual stakeholder involvement. The methods used for assessment were two rounds of instructor surveys and three rounds of direct…

The present article describes the use of action learning by a group of 30 franchisees to organise themselves and work through a period of upheaval and uncertainty when their parent company faced liquidation. Written from the perspective of one of the franchisees who found herself adopting action learning principles to facilitate the group, it…

The new strategic paradigm of resource development described in this paper recognizes that there are a number of important resources, in addition to financial ones, that are important to support the mission and to achieve the vision of a nonprofit organization, such as a college or university. It acknowledges and utilizes board members, with…

Planning in Reverse is an innovative concept designed to make organizations more successful by altering the perspective utilized in the strategy process. What is needed for organizations to thrive in this new environment of change and uncertainty is a short-term approach for long-term viability. In this book, tools and concepts regarding Planning…

Effective, efficient, and sustainable ID/DD organizations: are they possible in today's world of dwindling resources and mounting demands for more and better services? Yes--with the practical tools and strategies in this lifeline for ID/DD leaders. Developed by two of the most trusted authorities in the disability field, this innovative business…

Outlines the linkage between the Stockton (California) Unified School District's assessment program and the concept of "Organizational Development" (OD). Although the program was not designed to be an OD project (it was to improve the district's management selection process), it did have an impact on management. (MD)

The growth and development of research activities at a state psychiatric research and training institute while under the new management of a local medical school is described, and specific techniques and initiatives to enhance research are outlined. (MSE)

The history of Canada's second largest engineering school's system of research administration is outlined, and the areas of general concern for research administrators seen in the near future are examined. (MSE)

Reorganization of the information systems at Indiana University is chronicled and the role of computing services in linking all parts of the institution in support of both education and administration is discussed. Involvement of planning and policy groups in developing directions and initiatives is also outlined. (MSE)

This report is designed to aid probation and parole administrators, planners, program operators, and line staff by highlighting programs and practices throughout the country which appear to have special promise. The scarcity of evaluative data and the limitations inherent in a study of this kind forced heavy reliance on subjective assessments in…

There is a lack of systematic methods for effective implementation of meaningful consumer and community participation, which is a major factor contributing to critical deficiencies and imbalances in the planning and implementation of human services programs. A constituency-based approach for the development of service acquisition systems is…

A group of school districts in Western Oregon has developed a goal-based improvement model that provides teachers and administrators with a common information base. (Author)

Examines organizational patterns for administering community services at community colleges. Identifies conditions contributing to successful organizational patterns. Suggests features of organizational development which may be helpful in analyzing community services administration and in dealing with emerging community services functions in the…

The National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) Strategic Plan outlines the fundamental purposes, values, and environmental factors of the association. It presents five strategies: to serve and educate association membership through publications, research, and programs; to advocate and support technology use; to expand fiscal resources; to…