Systems theory spans many disciplines and several decades. The field of biology has informed systems theory, according to von Bertalanffy (1972) and Boulding (1956), as an organizing principle of living beings. Extensions of this theoretical framework have led to the application of systems theory as systems thinking in a diverse array of…

Purpose: This paper aims to explore advantages, disadvantages, advice and concerns regarding workforce cross training practices, as well as examples of businesses and organizations that have successfully implemented cross training programs. Design/methodology/approach: This article is a general review, based on the literature available and the…

Internationally universities have been characterised by shrinking government funding, fierce competition for student enrolments, and greater pressures to become commercially viable. It is against this complex background that academic leaders have been required to confront and resolve a multitude of conflicting interests as they seek to balance a…

This paper explores issues relating to programmes for doctoral students wishing to gain experience of, and develop skills in, teaching. The focus is on "Developing Learning and Teaching"--a new provision at the University of Oxford. The purpose is to exemplify how activity theory can be used to situate particular programmes and individual…

Continual additions of discrete educational programs are ineffective and deleterious to the educational system. The New American Schools Development Corporation and Goals 2000 are examples of systemic school-improvement initiatives. A new paradigm based on lifelong learning and individual and team growth is essential. A learning organization must…

Reviews systems approaches as a way of analyzing a distance-education professional-development program and, in particular, issues of management. The strength of the systems approach lies, among other things, in the ways it relates distance-based professional development to environments both internal and external to the institution. (Author/AEF)

An effective educational reform plan creates a compelling vision, develops a new policy environment conducive to change, and lays out strategies for involving educators, parents, business people, and community members in implementation. Traditional educational policy is biased toward the status quo, favors yearly, incremental policy-making,…

This opinion paper explores the use of computers in the U.S. Public Education System, concluding that technology is underutilized and not fulfilled most of the educational promises attributed to the tool. Drawing upon research and personal experience, the paper explores 8 possible reasons for the problem, including: the computer itself; not enough…

The professional development process can be organized as a continuous, multifaceted, proactive, and integrated system that is futures-oriented and focused on adaptation as an essential organizational function. A systems model employing a university professional school as an example is presented. It focuses on professional schools because they lend…

Telecommunications and information technologies can advance school reform to ensure the achievement of high standards if the curriculum guides the investment in technology. Technology must be planned for, and it must be implemented slowly, as an essential part of the curriculum and not as an add-on result of available funds. Systemic reform linked…

This final report describes the accomplishments and activities of a 5-year federally funded California systems change project supporting the development and replication of inclusive schools as part of the state's movement to provide the least restrictive educational environment for all students with severe disabilities. The project was a…

A study was conducted to develop tools for describing and evaluating external governance in the U.S. Department of Defense's (DoD's) multiorganizational system of education, training, and professional development. An exploratory conceptual framework and taxonomy for understanding external governance in the DoD context was developed, and the…

This final report describes activities and accomplishments of the New York Partnership for Statewide Systems Change 2000, a 5-year project to increase and improve inclusive educational services to New York State students with severe disabilities at the secondary level and students with serious emotional disturbance at the elementary and middle…

Implementation of the Entry Level Skills Program (ELSP) during 1979-80 at Huston-Tillotson College and Wiley College, both historically black institutions in Texas, is described. The ELSP, which is a developmental program for freshman students who have not acquired the full range or level of cognitive skills needed for college, is part of the…

By establishing its Outreach and Technical Assistance Network (OTAN) in 1989, California became the first state to spend substantial funds on building a technological infrastructure for adult education. OTAN's goals are as follows: foster communication among state officials, researchers, and local administrators, instructors, and staff in adult…