This article has recognised the need for fundamental improvements in the HRM department of the Bankstown Hospital. Through the critical analysis and evaluation of internal systems and processes we were able to identify a number of issues as areas where improvement must be facilitated, each with varying degrees of seriousness. The key problem areas…

Research activities often involve enrolling human subjects as volunteers to participate in research studies. Federal regulations mandate that research institutions are responsible for protecting the ethical rights and welfare of human subjects from research risks. This is usually accomplished by requiring approval of research protocols by an…

A3 Thinking is fundamental to Toyota's benchmark management philosophy and to their lean production system. It is used to solve problems, gain agreement, mentor team members, and lead organizational improvements. A structured problem-solving approach, A3 Thinking builds improvement opportunities through experience. We used "The Toyota…

This paper describes the use of advisory boards in the development of two competency-based business programs: one graduate and the other undergraduate. Though the programs varied significantly in structure and content, both used focus group methodology to collect comprehensive and relevant input from advisory board members comprised of local…

This study focused on determining the applicability of a mathematical modeling technique (goal programing) to state-level vocational education planning, using Missouri as a test case. Results indicate that such models may help the vocational planner solve problems that cannot be solved by more conventional methods. (SK)

A project was developed to link together the computer and an operations research technique (goal programming) and to bring them to bear on problems in improving vocational education planning. The process involves using the computer to solve a mathematical model designed to determine trade-off values among alternative goals and plans. Simulating…

In the last two decades, increasing concern has been expressed about the ability (or inability) of various governmental agencies, service organizations, and manufacturing organizations to effectively perform their tasks. Psychologists have only recently become involved in researching issues concerning the adoption, implementation, and…

The status of State management information systems (MISs) is documented in this study, in which interviews were conducted with MIS directors and senior administrators from agencies in the 47 participating States. Constraints to improving these systems are also described and recommendations are provided to the U.S. Office of Education (USOE) to…

The Florida State Advisory Council on Vocational Education funded a study to determine the extent to which programs involved in vocational training represent a consistent, integrated, and coordinated approach to meeting vocational education, employment, and training needs of Florida, and to determine present and emerging patterns of governance of…