A programed investment decision system was developed with the aid of generalized perceptron-type pattern recognition techniques. It was implemented in form of a man-machine (MM) system: The human analyst performs (1) some unstructured (heuristic) decision functions, (2) parts of identification of the decision situation, and (3) numerical encoding…

Describes an organization development program for educational systems and reviews an experiment conducted to assess its impact on elementary schools and their teaching staffs. Results indicate that the program was generally successful in establishing collective structures and increasing the perceived adequacy of collective decision processes in…

Describes observations on how companies handle decision-making under conditions of uncertainty, based on a study of the influence of computer methods on planning and decision-making in 32 companies. (Author/JG)

Discusses ways to prevent adolescents from smoking by preparing them to deal with problematic situations. Focuses on problem-solving and decision-making skills. Prevention strategies are also discussed. (RB)

By enabling students to mediate their own disputes, educators may be synthesizing the finest potential in the school--the creative, constructive dynamic inherent in conflict. This article describes a mediated dispute resolution program used in several schools and offers implementation advice. (MLH)

The introduction from a soon-to-be published book on the concept of visioneering -- engineering a vision into reality -- is printed here. The article discusses the creative process, its historical and research background, the use of creative problem solving in approaching challenges and making decisions, and the current language of creativity.…

Reviews research on group problem solving and offers suggestions for improving participation and task accomplishment in the workshop format. (JOW)

This guide to solving problems and managing dilemmas is practitioner-driven. The concepts, language, examples, and cases are crafted to appeal to teachers and administrators interested in improving how they solve problems and manage dilemmas in classrooms, schools, and districts. Part 1 of the book lays out the author's approach to framing…

Thirty-two Snake-fearing Ss viewed a videotape of four therapists who described and illustrated their techniques for treating fear of snakes. After describing their liking or disliking of each of the therapies, 16 Ss were assigned a preferred therapy, and the other 16 were given a nonpreferred therapy. The findings argue for the practice of having…

This project provides students with opportunities to develop decision-making skills in the area of basic business education. (JS)

Outlines a practical approach to planning for office automation termed the "Focused Process Approach" (the "what" phase, "how" phase, "doing" phase) which is a synthesis of the problem-solving and participatory planning approaches. Thirteen references are provided. (EJS)

The effects of group problem-solving methods and problem-situation complexity on attempts at implementing group solutions were investigated in a laboratory field setting. Structure in group decision-making processes led to increased rates of implementation attempts at all levels of problem-situation complexity. (Author/IRT)

A modified Delphi Technique can be used to reach consensus in decision making and conflict resolution. Such an approach was used in the Paramus (New Jersey) Public Schools to resolve a conflict between principals and a committee of parents, students, and specialists concerning a program for gifted and talented students. (Author/MLF)