The point is made that systems thinking should be combined with dialectical thinking and constructivist thinking for effective systems design and systems change. To establish a context, a set of assertions on "How the World Works" in regard to systems design and systems change in education is laid out, as value assumptions undergirding…

This document examines the underlying rationale for the development of a global approach in consumer studies. The concept of consumer ethics is discussed and the consumer decision-making process is placed within an ecosystem perspective of the marketplace. The model developed introduces educators, marketers, and consumers to a more global…

This study reviews the literature regarding the theoretical rationale for creating a computer-based school system simulation for educational leaders' use in problem solving and decision making. Like all social systems, educational systems are so complex that individuals are hard-pressed to consider all interrelated parts as a totality. A…

This paper presents concepts and principles pertinent to the development of cross-level and multilevel theory in organizational science by addressing a number of fundamental theoretical issues. It describes hierarchy theory, systems theory, and mixed-level models of organization developed by organizational scientists. Hierarchy theory derives from…

An alternative research methodology is presented which focuses on the aims and values of education while attending to the learner as an elaborate, dynamic, everchanging total system. A summary covers the reactive, preactive, proactive, and spiralling learner systems, each of which meet the definitional system requirement of being dynamic, having a…

Identified are nine essential components in the organizational structure of classroom based early childhood intervention programs for handicapped children. (Author/CL)

Discusses the need for individuals to become aware of the decisionmaking process of institutions that directly affect them. Past attempts to effect change within organizational systems are reviewed in terms of the traditional human relations approach and of a systems approach. (Author/WM)

The aim of this paper is to summarize and tentatively synthesize a number of theories, typologies, and statements about systems and procedures for planned change in small groups, large organizations, and whole societies. Concepts are brought together from psychology, applied sociology, and business management, as well as diplomatic negotiation at…

This chapter considers methods of interface analysis, the stage in the instructional development process that involves the identification, interpretation, and prioritization of essential points of contact among systems and subsystem boundaries. The structure of interfaces, types of interfaces, interface characteristics, and a procedural model for…

This examination of the Air Force instructional development model begins by presenting the history of instructional development in the Air Force and providing reasons for the adoption of the instructional systems development (ISD) process. Each step of the ISD process is explained, and supporting forms and diagrams are provided. The steps…

Using wife battering as a representative presenting problem, this paper presents an interactional, systematic framework of the therapist's management of clients who are involved in life-threatening situations, e.g., cases including suicidal threats, drug abuse, alcoholism, or child or spouse abuse. Several linear-causal theories of addressing…

Physical and social loss which accompany aging are often believed to promote dependency upon family, social services, and health care providers. Clinicians frequently complain about dependent clients and patients who leave the clinician feeling worn out, or worse, burned out. Very few publications have defined or addressed this problem identified…

The purpose of this paper is to present a systems approach to career selection. Although primarily intended for counseling adults, it should also be applicable to high school and college level individuals. The systems model identifies three groups of individuals who need career counseling: (1) program-selected individuals; (2)…

This paper presents a model and conceptual framework for textbook research. The model will help scholars from a variety of disciplines approach textbook research from a common theoretical grounding and later compare and synthesize their findings using agreed-upon categories and a shared vocabulary. The author first describes two rudimentary models…

Today's unprecedented rate of change requires that decision-makers use effective procedures to deal with the increasing complexity and uncertainty regarding the future results of their decisions. Strategic planning is a middle- and long-range method that fills this need. Its holistic, general-systems orientation is the only way to handle the…