The goal of this work was to build the leadership aptitude of managers in the Enrollment Management Group (EMG) at Duquesne University and to study the efficacy of an intervention--two specific and intentional leadership working sessions. The project used an improvement science framework with survey and interview methods to determine to what…

Systems thinking is recognized as an essential skill for understanding complex problem solving and decision making associated with many of the contemporary issues faced by individuals and communities. In this article, our goal is to contribute to the knowledge of curriculum and pedagogy of formal systems thinking teaching in higher education. We…

The most pressing social problems facing humanity in the 21st century are what systems theorist Russell Ackoff referred to as "messes"--complex dynamic systems of problems that interact and reinforce each other over time. In this article, the authors argue that the lack of progress in managing messes is in part due to the predominance of…

An organized approach to problem solving in university public information and relations is outlined: (1) identify the problem, (2) do adequate fact-finding, (3) determine cause, (4) list possible solutions, and (5) make decision. Other suggestions include: beware of fatigue, take time-out, and beware of the please- the-boss syndrome. (MLW)