Discusses the necessity of relating needs assessment and needs analysis in performance management. Topics discussed include measurable objectives; the identification and selection of needs; performance improvement; the Organizational Elements Model (OEM), which helps to identify means and ends; and training requirements analysis. (eight…

Describes methods used by instructional designers to help subject matter experts (SMEs) create effective courseware, balanced between theory and practical application, that meets organizational objectives. A case study is presented that explains how to develop student performance objectives (SPOs) through needs assessment, the design of job aids,…

Discusses the impact of the increasing heterogeneity of the American workforce on corporate performance technology trainers, and examines nine pairs of seemingly contradictory advice to people working in a multicultural setting. (CLB)

Discusses instructional media and media selection principles that focus on solutions to learning problems. Three steps are described: (1) setting the learning objective, (2) choosing the best instructional technique, and (3) performance evaluation and feedback. Discussion explains four types of media classified by how they react to student…

Presents an overview and an example of use of the Information-Visualization System, an approach to visual selection enabling educators to match desired learning outcomes with the best visuals to carry the message. Decision tables and resource book containing visual options, information types, and suggested methods of enhancing visuals are…

Suggests that trainers take innovative approaches to training clients who work in high-risk jobs such as the military and recommmends that external needs assessment, front end analysis, and task analysis be used to establish training goals and objectives. Nine references are listed. (MER)

Describes a performance technology approach to paperwork reduction for managers that looks at information as a stimulus designed to prompt or initiate a desired behavior or response from the reader. Guidelines for improving performance through the use of information that serves as directions or feedback are given. (LRW)

A technique that consultants may use to help their clients define, value, and assess goals, the card sort may be used to establish goals for systematic designs addressing instructional, individual, or organizational problems. Examples illustrate its use and three references are listed. (Author/CHC)

Description of a management strategy for assessing performance goals called Job Task Systems Management (JTSM) focuses on a study of inspector jobs at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The adaptation of business planning strategies to the government sector is discussed, and a job and task analysis is described. (LRW)

Discusses similarities and differences between structured program design and instructional design, suggests that use of structured programing by instructional designers would help them communicate with programers, describes structured program design techniques, and presents a sample application of structured programing to design an educational…

Provides an overview of purpose, procedures, and products for the manager of management training and development and for managers who wish to take responsibility for improving the cost-effectiveness of upgrading their own skills. Twelve references are listed. (Author/CHC)

This paper is intended to help instructional designers who work in the technical arena when moving from tasks to performance objectives. Guidelines are provided for both the analysis and the design phases, and a task analysis worksheet is provided. (three references) (DB)

Discusses the importance of identifying the audience and determining specific objectives when designing printed instructional materials that will communicate effectively and provides detailed guidelines for dealing with such design factors as content, writing style, typography, illustrations, and page organization. (MBR)

Several examples are provided of criterion checklists, which are defined as documents which include qualities of actions necessary in a desired performance or qualities of elements necessary in a desired product. How and when to use checklists in skill teaching and how to create them are discussed. (MBR)

Discusses motivation based on adult learning conditions, and suggests appropriate motivation plans for leaders and trainers that will enhance performance. The steps to develop motivation plans include assessing current thinking on motivation and reinforcement options; objectively describing expected behaviors; and developing motivational…