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)

Identifies essential elements for a useful needs assessment audit as a performance improvement tool. Pertinent terms are defined; a needs assessment audit checklist is provided; rating the needs assessment process is discussed; and other approaches to needs assessment are described. (Contains five references.) (LRW)

Discussion of performance improvement focuses on work processes. Highlights include a definition of process; types of process steps, including operational and nonoperational; desired process characteristics, including high reliability and low variability; a comparison of two different processes; and suggestions for process improvement, including…

Identifies human performance (HP) models of five prominent human performance technology authors; contrasts the models with each other; combines elements into a new model; and discusses how the model can be used to help assess performance problems and explain HP to clients at three different levels. (LRW)

Discussion of management conflict highlights differing job perceptions held by middle managers. The Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Assessment Program is described, and a management structure that requires members of each group to experience job perceptions and tasks of the other group is recommended for performance improvement. (Contains three…

Discussion of the role of small group performance focuses on solving problems to improve performance. Types of tasks and their effects on groups are described; group resources are discussed; factors affecting group process are explained; and a flowchart for solving group performance problems is presented. (LRW)

Discusses rewards and performance incentives for employees, including types of rewards; how rewards help in managing; dysfunctional awards; selecting the right reward; how to find rewards that fit; and delivering rewards effectively. Examples are included. (three references) (LRW)

Explains how to create an organizational system that will result in good performance. Topics discussed include process versus system; two views of a system, i.e., mechanistic and organic; and components of a system, including performance guides, measurement of results, feedback, and training. (LRW)

Discusses the role of feedback in performance technology and suggests ways to improve both the accuracy and the effectiveness of the feedback. Desirable characteristics of feedback are described, including promptness, directness, reliability, and usability; and the need for assessment and assimilation following feedback is explained. (LRW)

Discussion of the development of job aids and personal performance tools focuses on self-charting as an effective feedback technique. The use of self-monitoring for various situations is described, the importance of setting goals is discussed, and computer programs developed for self-monitoring are explained. (eight references) (LRW)

Discussion of the performance analysis process focuses on its use in traditional educational settings to prepare students as designers and trainers in a variety of settings. A flowchart of how to conduct a performance analysis is provided, and a worksheet to guide students through the performance analysis process is included. (four references)…

Discusses a shift in career paths from instructional technology to performance technology and describes steps to take to become more aware of the performance technology process. Differences in the design phase of the processes are described, and models that identify areas which can be affected by human performance problems are presented. (LRW)

Focuses on three areas that can affect how well a consultant serves the client: (1) decisions, including decision making, decision makers, and lines of communication; (2) illusions, including the need to address performance improvement; and (3) models, including defining, validating, and possibly changing the model. (LRW)

Explores the issue of interactivity in distance education courses being compromised through the use of telecommunications technology. Factors contributing to low interactivity are discussed, including one-way communication, schedule conflicts, and lack of standards; and ways to increase interactivity are suggested, including two-way communication,…

Describes a five-step approach to performance management which includes (1) redefining tasks; (2) identifying skills; (3) determining what development tools are necessary; (4) prioritizing skills development; and (5) developing an action plan. Presents a hiring model that includes job analysis, job description, selection, goal setting, evaluation,…