Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to test the feasibility of a conceptual model on relations between organisational innovation, knowledge productivity and social capital. It explores processes of knowledge productivity for sustainable innovation and associated HRD implications in knowledge intensive organisations, taking the perspective that…

Many schools attempt to implement multiple programs to promote positive young adolescent development; however, these programs are often fragmented and lack coordination. The authors describe an initiative designed to help schools coordinate their social-emotional and character development (SECD) efforts to improve school climate and help students…

Although interdisciplinary approaches to complex problems are not new to Harvard University (Massachusetts), there is new interest in structured faculty collaboration. Some of the barriers to faculty teamwork are explored, models that enable interaction outside traditional departmental confines are examined, and some ways that other colleges and…

Responding to a budget deficit, St. John Fisher College (New York) used quality-management tools to address critical budget issues and initiate a strategic program. Because the process used consensus-building tools, committee members felt they had been given equal input into resource allocation decisions and the process provided a sense of shared…

A program of small foundation grants and a broad definition of the kinds of excellence to be supported by the institution combined to create faculty commitment to professional development at the College of Charleston since 1976. (MSE)

A case study uses the concept of second-order organizational change to conceptualize the nature of change associated with infusing multicultural education within a large college of education. A four-year process is described, in which qualitative changes to the organization's culture occurred. Key elements of change included the values and norms…

The recent experience of the business school at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville in overcoming structural obstacles to curriculum development is discussed. Drawing on an automobile industry model for organizational change, the school used an interdisciplinary approach to curriculum design and implementation. Characteristics of the…

Partnerships between businesses and higher education institutions can help meet the training and information-technology needs of businesses and simultaneously increase the expertise and technology base of the institutions. Challenges include obtaining venture capital, personnel, cultural differences, and legal issues. A Kent State University…

The University of Denver (Colorado) reduced workers' compensation losses 97 percent in 1990-91 by developing a master safety plan, sponsoring safety training, managing medical costs, providing modified duty for injured employees, screening applicants, orienting new employees, investigating claims thoroughly, performing life-safety audits, and…

The University of California at Los Angeles has implemented an innovative computing system based on radical postaudit and distributed security concepts. Rather than automate standard manual processes, the university decided to eliminate all preapproval processes and decentralize access controls. Results include significant cost savings, faster…

Programs for faculty and teaching assistants at eight universities were designed to address the instructional needs of increasingly diverse student populations. Common elements of success included institutional commitment, administrative support, faculty involvement, active learning strategies, facilitator training, and evaluation. The programs…

A case study of a large research university illustrates the increasing use of nontenured faculty. Origins of the expansion are examined, arrangements used to resolve staffing problems are described, and their effectiveness and general consequences for departments are assessed. It is concluded that while short-term negative outcomes can be…

In response to widespread frustration over faculty salary negotiations, Wheaton College (Massachusetts) linked faculty salaries to changes in its financial resources. The policy united the entire college community and paid dividends in many ways. Faculty have become more directly involved in fundraising and recruitment activities, and in the…

Cultural and organizational issues arising in university-industry partnerships are explored, outlining benefits and risks to both parties. A short-term partnership between Southern Illinois University and the high-tech Hewlett Packard Company is examined, including its origins, the nature of the contract, communication between cultures, time…

At McGill University (Canada), rather than implement a costly, high-tech contingency and disaster recovery plan for information services, planners focused on risk assessment and avoidance for central and departmental information systems. Actions included better backups, less dependence on key individuals, and an institutional awareness campaign.…