Examines the differences between traditional training and performance improvement. Highlights include the role change for human resources professionals from managing employee training to shaping strategic plans for the organization; incorporating a systems approach; engaging a task force; and enlisting top management support. (LRW)

Describes STEP (Systems for Training, Evaluation, and Performance), a model consortium of senior training professionals for performance improvement. STEP activities are described, including networking and projects; costs, management, and replication of the model are also discussed. (LRW)

Describes the benefits and potential drawbacks of transferring HPT (human performance technology) skills from outside consultants to managers within organizations. Discusses HPT competence and control over work environment, the role of traditional HPT experts after the shift, and three approaches to implementing the change. (PEN)

Considers how human performance technologists (HPTs) can move toward the hard science, or management, arena of an organization. Topics include measuring meaningful outcomes to quantify performance improvements; measurable criteria for workers; essential skills for HPTs; dropping ineffective programs; and defining interventions. (LRW)

The systematic four-step process introduced in this article lays the basic groundwork in helping an organization link all its programs and initiatives to its strategic goals. Discusses the definition and purpose of performance measurement; elements of a global performance system; and building a global performance measurement system. (AEF)

Discusses how to conduct a top-level analysis of training management functions to identify problems within a training system resulting from rapid growth, the acquisition of new departments, or mergers. The data gathering process and analyses are explained, training management functions and activities are described, and root causes and solutions…

The authors update an article on intervention, discussing career development, communications, feedback, financial, human development, information, instructional, labor relations, measurement and evaluation, quality improvement, resource, reward and recognition, and selection systems; documentation and standards; ergonomics and human factors;…

This symposium on organization development (OD) consists of three presentations. "A Study of Gender Management Preferences as Related to Predicted Organizational Management Paradigms for the Twenty-First Century" (Cathy Bolton McCullough) reports a study that found that access to diverse management preferences and the manner in which the…