Positive management techniques yield great benefits in areas such as group effectiveness, problem solving, and staff commitment. Some qualities for a positive environment are defined. The management retreat process at the University of Alabama at Birmingham is described. (Author/MLW)

Examined the usefulness of problem-solving training for residence hall coordinators (N=16) and resident assistants (N=69) following an inservice training session. Results indicated residence hall staff viewed the training as satisfactory, but responses varied according to different levels of self-appraisal of problem-solving skills. (JAC)

Plattsburgh State University's six-point program for mastering adversity is presented as a model for others. The six points include: a clear mission, an administrative organization designed for managing resources, a realistic enrollment plan, reallocation of internal resources, a staff development program, and an effective governance system. (MLW)

Quality circles attempt to satisfy both task and personal needs through staff involvement in solving work-related problems. This paper summarizes quality circle theory, applies it to school settings, and suggests a framework for introducing the process to educational institutions. After briefly defining quality circles, the article presents two…

This paper presents a counseling model for managers in education who must deal with staff, their problems, and their perceptions. The basic principle underlying the model is given: the helper is not expected to have ready-made solutions to others' problems, but to offer motivation, time, and skills to help others solve their own problems. The…

Describes the Oregon State University library's experience with Total Quality Management (TQM) from initial training and development of two teams to its use as an impartial problem-solving tool which anyone can use. Staff concerns and fears about TQM are discussed, and benefits are explained. (Contains five references.) (EAM)

Problem-based learning (PBL) has gained credibility and some use in institutions of higher education. This paper provides a brief conceptual discussion of PBL and the idea of "problem," and describes one learning model that incorporates PBL as a method for moving students to high levels of learning. The second portion of the paper describes one…

This paper addresses the need for group-based or team-based techniques to facilitate organizational learning. It identifies two process-oriented strategies: the role analysis technique (RAT) and the diagnostic window technique. These techniques can be used in meetings to model the intellectual tasks that need to occur in today's learning…

Improved teaching performance, changes in teaching methods, and changes in staff/faculty development are discussed. For each "sample of experience" emphasis is placed on student learning, assessment of student performance, and the learning experience of the individual student. Improved teaching performance requires institutional policies and their…

An approach to building an effective training and development (T&D) process within postsecondary institutions is described. The process involves three distinct phases: developing an inservice skills training program, institutionalizing an on-the-job career development process, and conducting organizational development activities. The focus of the…

The aims of this conference were to promote information literacy as a means of personal and national advancement in today's information-dependent society; to emphasize information literacy as an essential competency for lifelong learning; to ensure that all delegates understand information literacy and its importance for the economic and social…

Describes a model of Total Quality Management (TQM) developed by the Association of Research Libraries. The issues, elements and processes of a comprehensive TQM-based transition, including commitment by management, linkage to organizational strategic planning, organizational culture, understanding customers, and quality teams are covered.…

Stresses the need for research libraries to develop conscious, explicit processes for organizational change through an understanding of organizational development. Internal restructuring, parallel organization for problem solving and guiding change, organizational culture and organizational politics, strategic organizational change, training, and…

Planning and management strategies used in the private sector have practical applications for higher education in a period of systemic and organizational stress. Promising strategies include organizational delayering; employee empowerment; boundless thinking, problem-solving teams; accelerated processes; quality management and improvement; and…

This study examined learning transfer in adult acquisition of group process skills using a problem-based learning (PBL) approach to staff development in one school district. The study's theoretical framework included learning transfer, adult and organizational learning, and group work. Subjects, 29 instructional leaders and administrators,…