After an absence of 10 years, strategic planning has returned as a prime management issue. New attitudes, new approaches, and new players have emerged with new practices. A good strategy can make a company more attractive to customers and investors as well as a better place to work. (JOW)

Looks at how six companies addressed the issue of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection among their employees. Stresses the need for education and policies and looks at legal issues. (JOW)

Training must be preceded by a well-articulated quality strategy and must be designed to facilitate its implementation. Each phase of the training curriculum should build on the preceding phase so that people will have the knowledge and skills they need when they need them. (JOW)

Studies conducted at the Institute for Research on Learning demonstrate that, at work, people learn by doing things together. Communities of practice--groups that develop and share ways of doing things--are fundamental elements of learning organizations. (SK)

Cognitive science lessons that should be applied to workplace learning include the following: (1) learning is embedded in individual experiences; (2) learning is most effective in context; (3) collaboration enhances learning; (4) learners continuously create knowledge; and (5) learners need to recognize and question tacit assumptions. (SK)

It is critical that managers and supervisors promote new attitudes and behavior. A second stage of diversity training should focus on the application of diversity ideas and the development of an environment that is conducive to conflict resolution. (JOW)