This first in a series of articles on an instructional development project management model discusses the role of the project manager, and outlines the phases of the model that is used to meet training needs. Highlights include project planning, instructional development (including creating the materials), and followup (including evaluation). (LRW)

Discusses reasons for the lack of effectiveness of management development programs and suggests solutions for improvement. Topics discussed include analysis of good management skills; motivation theory; popular psychology models; self discovery tests; management fads; insufficient skills practice; conducting a needs analysis; and performance based…

Describes the results of a joint project of St. Cloud State University (Minnesota) and DeZURIK Corporation (a manufacturer and distributor of industrial valves) which developed and implemented a technical training needs questionnaire for use with the company's employees. Student involvement in the process is noted. (MBR)

Describes the Instructional Quality Inventory (IQI) for formative evaluation of systematically developed instructional programs, its classification scheme for objectives and test items, and procedures for checking programs for adequacy, consistency and presentation. Accounts of two studies are given to support the usefulness of the IQI. (EAO)

Discusses Low Cost Learning (LCL), an instructional system that maximizes available resources while minimizing cost per pupil, and its use in primary education in Southeast Asia. Short descriptions of LCL programs in the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Liberia are provided. (JJD)

Describes a program through which employees were assigned to positions other than their own for job training purposes. The benefits of such a cross-training program, factors that should be considered prior to program planning, a model for effective implementation, and follow-up to promote retention of new job skills are covered. (KRN)

Describes the steps in a systematic approach to: identification of most important competencies for industrial trainers for agency use in developing instructor competencies to select, train, and evaluate trainers: determining need for trainer competencies list; identifying competencies; establishing criteria to judge competencies; and testing…

Discusses the rationale and describes the components of a three-phase approach in which an instructional improvement consultant and training instructor work as partners in the process of building and refining the teaching skills of classroom instructors in training settings. (MBR)

Describes a situation within an organization where a new problem-solving and decision-making program was being instituted and the development of a preparation program to acquaint program leaders with the changes. Objectives of the preparation program and elements of the guide and video that were utilized are discussed. (MBR)

Defines multimedia, explores uses of multimedia training, and discusses the effects and challenges of adding multimedia such as graphics, photographs, full motion video, sound effects, or CD-ROMs to existing training methods. Offers planning tips, and suggests software and hardware tools to help set up multimedia training programs. (JMV)

Discusses the assessment center approach to employee selection and describes its background, history and use, methodology (including simulation and observation), and possible applications, including its use in a professional certification program for instructional/training designers. (MBR)

Presents case study on personal computer teleconferencing to compare its cost effectiveness with that of on-site training. A model is described that uses a checklist for decision making in three areas: (1) initial considerations, (2) planning considerations, i.e., design elements, and (3) technical considerations, i.e., review and selection…