Discusses a method for identifying candidates for open management slots who not only meet technical requirements but also have good management and administrative skills. (JOW)

Assessment centers have typically been used for job candidate screening and selection. Now their methodologies are being used for succession planning, executive development, training needs assessment, and strategic work force realignment. (JOW)

Describes Texas Instruments' (TI) attempt to capture the key skills and personal characteristics of outstanding manufacturing supervisors in a competency model derived from research on high performers. The result was a one-day simulation and assessment center that looks and feels like a day on the shop floor. (JOW)

Kaizen is a Japanese management concept that means gradual, ongoing improvement involving everyone from top management to production workers. This concept is starting to appear in American companies, and it requires the personnel department to do a much more thorough assessment of job applicants, testing for leadership skills, interpersonal…