The Delphi technique for problem-solving and forecasting is a useful tool when a group of experts with diverse backgrounds is asked to make decisions. (For availability see EA 507 171) (Author)

The problem-solving method most often used in problem-solving groups is likely to create relationships among members of the group that will lead to a win-lose solution. To avoid this, members can list conditions they feel a solution must meet before they can accept it. (Author)

Believes educational research needs to move much closer to where national policy decisions are being made. (Editor)

Governing board members can work collaboratively with the college president to walk the fine line between conserving tradition and resources and making needed innovations in curriculum or campus living. However, they must learn to offer their own individual and group judgment without being intrusive. (MSE)

Decision Support Systems (DSS) are automated information systems designed to aid administrative decision making. A literature review on the design, implementation, and evaluation of DSS, suggests that evaluators act as liasons between designers and managers, identify and collect data for DSS, and evaluate DSS. (Author/EGS)

Examines the choice-making processes of students engaged in the selection of speech introduction strategies. Finds that the frequency of students making decision-making errors was a positive function of public speaking apprehension. (MS)

Describes OAKDEC, a program based on decision-making logic that uses expert system techniques to assess the status of a database search and to provide recommendations to the user on how to proceed. The discussion focuses on the use of OAKDEC as a research tool for studying user behavior. (20 references) (Author/CLB)

Examines ethical issues in making policy decisions regarding divorce child custody disputes. Suggests dilemma occurs when legislator must decide between discretionary standard promoting best interest of child and nondiscretionary arbitrary assignment of custody. Advocates normative analysis of various types of dispute-settling processes and…

Describes the current status and limitations of expert systems, and explores the possible applications of such systems in education and training. The use of expert systems as tutors, as job aids, and as a vehicle for students to develop their own expert systems on specific topics are discussed. (40 references) (CLB)

Presents three solar access dilemmas requiring student analysis and decision making in order to develop skills that are transferable and applicable real-life public policy issues of geography. Developed for seventh-grade world geography course but equally applicable at higher grade levels. (TRS)

Describes the Food and Health Policy Game, an educational board game designed primarily for community health physicians and health education officers, to show how a food and health policy might be implemented to promote healthy diets and preventive medicine by the National Health Service. (MBR)

Evaluates the comparative effectiveness of three methods for making decisions in task groups. Examines group members' satisfaction with each decision-making method and the extent to which each method builds consensus among members for decisions made by the groups. (Author/JAC)

Takes a look at the questions involved in designing customized training: What changes does management expect to see as the result of training? Who has information that must be included and excluded? How "customized" should the training be? and How will the training be delivered? (CT)

Describes "Looking Glass," the Financial Services Industry, and other simulations for management training seminars. The article examines how the games teach decision making and allow participants to become involved. It also discusses the future of computer-based training and the costs of such programs. (CT)