Reaction workup can be a complex problem for those facing novel synthesis of difficult compounds for the first time. Workup problem solving by systematic thinking should be inculcated as mid-graduate-level is reached. A structured approach is proposed, building decision tree flowcharts to analyze challenges, and an exemplar flowchart is presented…

This teaching case discusses the analysis of an electronic voting system. The development of the case was motivated by research into information security and management, but as it includes procedural aspects, organizational structure and personnel, it is a suitable basis for all aspects of systems analysis, planning and design tasks. The material…

Process Improvement (PI) is an approach for helping organizations to identify and resolve inefficient and ineffective processes through problem solving and pilot testing change. Use of PI in improving client access, retention and outcomes in addiction treatment is on the rise through the teaching of the Network for the Improvement of Addiction…

For schools that are too large to give individualized attention to student problems, the house system's team approach to problem-solving responsibility may be the answer. One house organization plan is explained in detail here. (Editor)

Two experiments demonstrate that 10- and 13-year-olds can learn to detect interactive patterns in data. Results also indicate the advantages of creating formal models of solution strategies and using them as a basis for instructional procedures. (Author/DEP)

PATN is a design for a machine problem solver which uses an augmented transition network (ATN) to represent planning knowledge. In order to explore PATN's potential as a theory of human problem solving, a linguistic approach to protocol analysis is presented. An interpretation of a protocol is taken to be a parse tree supplemented by semantic and…

Describes the reconstruction of a conventional thermodynamics curriculum using the Galperin theory of stage-by-stage formation of mental actions and Landa's description of the "through" systematization of knowledge, and discusses the generalizability of the procedures followed in developing the plan for instruction. A 33-item…

The times children take to reach correct solutions to seven easy Block Design items from the try-out version of the British Intelligence Scale were analyzed in terms of two regression models. (Editor)

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a process model could be constructed using steps identified from flow charts which accounted for somewhat more variance in predicting the difficulty of two-digit multiplication problems than did a process model developed by Cromer. Cromer's data and variables were used as a starting point. Ten new…

The purpose of this study was to determine whether a process model could be constructed using steps identified from flow charts which accounted for somewhat more variance in predicting the difficulty of two-digit multiplication problems than did a process model developed by Cromer. Cromer's data and variables were used as a starting point. Ten new…

Provides a summary of a series of research and development projects which investigated the reasons for failure in educational technology-based systems of instruction. Develops a new approach to the design of such systems and their subsequent implementation and control. A 17-item bibliography is included. (Author/CHC)

The program described in this manual is Project ROME-FOCUS--a field-oriented, competency-based instructional program for school administrators pursuing the sixth-year degree at Valdosta State College, Georgia. It is designed to help principals work more effectively with teachers in solving school problems. The manual is intended for use by both…

THIS PAPER INVESTIGATES VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE SYSTEMS APPROACH FOR SOLVING EDUCATIONAL PROBLEMS--(1) THE SYSTEMS CONCEPT, (2) THE RELIABILITY OF THE ASSUMPTIONS ON WHICH THE SYSTEMS APPROACH IS BASED, (3) THE LIMITATIONS INHERENT IN THE SYSTEMS APPROACH, (4) THE HUMAN ELEMENT AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SYSTEMS APPROACH, (5) THE WAYS THE…

Software design is still a craft; techniques are based on the way things have been done, not on basic theorems or design principles. Suggests that academic software design needs to be more like a science or technology and that a taxonomy of design solutions or classification method is required. Describes two case studies. (MLW)

Presents Checkland's soft systems methodology, discusses it in terms of the systems approach, and illustrates how it was used to relate evidence of user survey to practical problems of library management. Difficulties in using methodology are described and implications for library management and information science research are presented. (8…