Reasons for frustrations surrounding needs assessment in organizations are examined. Action strategies are paired with three of the root causes of obstacles to effective assessment: (1) flawed needs assessments; (2) no organizational support; and (3) inadequate expertise assigned to the effort. A sidebar presents four possible causes linked to…

Presents results of research focusing on identifying "certification best practices" to provide a framework for business managers and certification practitioners. Describes a 10-step process for evaluating certification programs that takes into consideration four perspectives: audience, learning, business, and financial. (AEF)

Examines three factors contributing to organizational success: use of a systemic model to design and guide the change effort; analysis of interdependencies within the system and of the change potential; and use of communication methods to help ensure that the change will be supported. Presents characteristics of successful change efforts with…

Outlines the benefits of human performance assessment and examines the reasons why testing hasn't become a general practice in organizations. Describes five steps in creating a test/assessment instrument: analysis; construction; reliability; validity; and setting standards. (AEF)