Action research is a method of organizational development and improvement often used in educational settings. This study implemented an action research process in an alternative school that serves students with significant special needs. The action research process was implemented by classroom teams who developed a research question, collected and…

APA Books® announces the "APA Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology"--the first offering in an new reference series covering core and emerging subdisciplines, the "APA Handbooks in Psychology." I/O Psychology is both a science/practice and an applied/basic research discipline. Appropriately, the "APA…

Recognizing that a necessary and significant role change is underway in faculty development, this book calls for centers to merge their traditional responsibilities and services with a leadership role as organizational developers. Failing to define and outline the dimensions and expertise of this new role puts centers at risk of not only…

Describes how to improve an existing orientation program for nurses or implement a new one by utilizing Management by Objectives (MBO) principles. First, covers how to identify, prioritize, and classify managerial objectives. Then discusses how program effectiveness is insured. Last, discusses three important conditions for successful program…

Results-based management (RBM) is an approach to programme planning and management that integrates strategy, people, resources, processes and measurements to improve decision-making, transparency and accountability. The Commonwealth of Learning (COL) began the adoption of a RBM model with its 2003-2006 Three-Year Plan. This led to a significantly…

This article describes the activities of the National Intramural Sports Council, formed to provide leadership in the initiation and improvement of intramural programs at all educational levels. (MJB)

A program rationale within the overall Mountain-Plains structure is outlined along with current program practice and evaluation. The new personal counseling program includes extensive use of group settings, objectives derived from evaluation, program options for students, and the introduction of evaluation instruments keyed to objectives. The…

This digest suggests steps to take to organize an outdoor education organization at a state, regional, or local level. After an individual or group has determined the need for an organization and an area to be served, the first step is to organize a working meeting of no more than 20 key persons. Next, the purpose of the organization and services…

Development and Implementation of a management by objectives system is examined. Cited is the Oklahoma experience which has shown management by objectives to be an effective management system for the State Department of Vocational and Technical Education. Planning, decisions, evaluation, goals and stumbling blocks of program implementation are…

States that the purposes of the National Council for Staff, Program, and Organizational Development (NCSPOD) are to foster development activities, research, and evaluation; develop innovative approaches; generate means and resources for self-development; and maintain communication. Lists NCSPOD's services and officers. (DMM)

Administrators and teachers who are formulating a career education program for their school or school district are confronted with a wide range of decisions to be made. By viewing career education as a "curriculum organizer," the authors present the range of questions that must be discussed before decisions and directions are determined. Fourteen…

Training Manager of the University of Illinois describes steps in development of the successful series of "Executive Leadership Seminars." Basic questions answered are, "What organizational needs are to be met?""What should the enrollee learn and how should his behavior change?" and "What course content, from a…

Discusses the role of the Office of Staff and Organization Development of Miami-Dada Junior College-North in coordinating the professional growth of their staff. (Editor/RK)

Examines popular approaches to performance and organizational improvement to see what flaws they contain and how continued practice will impede progress. Discusses benchmarking; quality management/continuous improvement; needs assessment; training; downsizing; reengineering; system(s) approach; and strategic planning. Describes the Organizational…

A case study of the Devils Lake Manufacturing Corporation (a successful enterprise between the Brunswick Corporation and the Sioux Indians on the Fort Totten Indian Reservation) is discussed. It shows how the thorough training of operative employees in a minority enterprise has been a factor in the organization's success. (Author/BP)