Provides advice on determining how much centralization is desirable and how to achieve it. Presents advantages of centralization. Suggests beginning centralization with a top executive mandate. Discusses the first meeting to define common objectives. (CSS)

Guidelines for media-based training that works are presented: tailor your media session to its audience; tell the audience what is important and why; use mental imagery to promote memory; don't overload your audience with information; and relate new facts and ideas to things the audience already knows. (CT)

Describes visual aids for training meetings and suggests how the trainer can use them: chalkboards, markerboards, magnetic boards, hook-and-loop boards, corkboards, menu (changeable letter) boards, and easel and presentation boards. Also lists product manufacturers/suppliers. (MF)

Information mapping is a unique method of organizing, writing, sequencing, and formatting learning and reference materials. The technique is applied to training, and a chart is provided to help trainers decide whether they should use information mapping in the preparation of their training materials. (Author/MW)

Eleven tips for planning and running better training meetings are provided. Topics include some of the following: preparing to speak, using visuals more effectively, traveling with film, setting the time of the meeting, using a college campus as a meeting site, and getting going after a break. (JH)

Examines Southwestern Bell's Interdepartmental Training Center's program of providing objective evaluations of trainers and the training process. Elements that are discussed include the evaluation format, the form of the evaluation instrument and its emphasis, the validation process, and refinements to the system. (CT)

Gives step-by-step guidelines for planning, designing, and writing useful training manuals for task performance and equipment operation. Steps include finding out what the worker needs to know to do the job, organizing materials in proper sequence, stating precise operations, and then trying out the instructions. (MF)

Some suggestions for training office clerical employees to help them become more productive are outlined; suggestions are based on observing problem areas that can be improved by training and treating clerical workers as important members of the team. (MF)

The article describes video receivers and monitors and shows how they can be used in business and industrial training departments to tape network or packaged television programs for employee skills training, motivational programs, or entertainment. Some sources of this equipment are listed. (MF)

Training in human relations will help managers improve productivity of employees, according to the author, who reviews numerous suggestions and plans for improving production and then proposes several techniques for trainers to use in training supervisors and managers. (MF)

Focuses on potential values (for example, saving time and money and presenting high quality materials) of using packaged courses or programs for training. Examines some objections to prepackaged materials. Offers planning and decision-making suggestions for choosing suitable materials. Proposes questions for evaluating commercial programs. (CSS)