Presents theory and typology of marital quality. Outlines three-corners model--systems theory of the self-in-marriage. Describes seven types of marital relationships in terms of systems theory, including four variants of high-quality marriage. Highlights model through critical assessment of Lewis and Spanier's (1979) essay on marital quality and…

Describes the difference between systemic and systematic as they relate to school reform and instructional design. Highlights include a history of systems theory; systems engineering; instructional systems design; systemic versus reductionist thinking; social systems; and systemic change in education, including power relationships. (LRW)

Contends that family therapists, with their systems epistemology, can apply their training to working with athletic teams. Revisits innovative approach to working with athletic teams from systems perspective. Presents additional interventions, focus group interview with team (postconsultation), and general principles developed in working with…

Considers addictions and construct of codependence. Offers critical review and synthesis of codependency literature, along with an intergenerational family systems framework for conceptualizing the relationship of the dysfunctional family to the construct of codependence. Presents theoretical basis for systemic clinical work and research in this…

Describes the construction of a model of computer-assisted instruction using a qualitative block diagram based on general systems theory (GST) as a framework. Subject matter representation is discussed, and appendices include system variables and system equations of the GST model, as well as an example of developing flexible courseware. (Contains…

Groundwater remedial actions are highly complex projects. During the past 10 years, many remedial actions have begun, but very few have been successfully completed. This paper describes the complexity of groundwater remediation and offers an alternative management approach involving systems movement successfully utilized at a site in the…

The authors assert that the present educational system is not responding to the demands of the environment, but schools may be performing at their capacity and unable to improve further. They propose system redesign and implementation as part of an alternative frame of reference regarding reform. (Author)

Continuing use of outdated design is the main source of the crisis in education. The existing system should be "trans-formed" rather than "re-formed." Transformation requires the development of organizational capacity and collective capability to engage in systems design with a broad vision of what should be. (Author/JOW)

Clarifies concepts of linearity and circularity as applied to marital and family therapy. Defines distinct and theoretically legitimate meanings of linearity (proportionality, unilaterality, temporality). Redefines circularity into two distinct meanings (recursivity and holicity). Concludes with call for continued deconstruction of social systems…

The ecosystem approach is a management philosophy in which humans participate in the natural world, not dominate it. Discusses this concept with respect to the Great Lakes context, the anthropocentric argument, sustainable development, and integrating economy and environment. (Contains 52 references.) (MDH)

The interior ecosystems model illustrates effects on the human organism of the interaction of the natural, behavioral, and built environment. Examples of interior lighting and household energy consumption show the model's flexibility for organizing study variables in interior design research. (SK)

Describes ways that components of Information Engineering (IE) methodology can be used by training system developers to extend Instructional Systems Development (ISD) methodology. Aspects of IE that are useful in ISD are described, including requirements determination, group facilitation, integrated automated tool support, and prototyping.…

An open-systems framework is used to describe how institutional researchers analyze the inputs, processes, outputs, and environmental considerations of higher education; resources for collecting and analyzing data are specified. Additional resources for institutional research professionals are listed. (MSE)

Introduces fundamental concepts of problem-determined linguistic systems approach to counseling and demonstrates utility of these concepts for students, trainers, supervisors, and practitioners. Contends that problem-determined linguistic system provides alternative approach to developing meaning that has implications for how mental health…

"Nonlinear dynamics," chaos and complexity theories, and their accompanying research methods provide new ways to understand systems theory and study complex human systems. This article presents an overview of these approaches, their sophisticated mathematical methods, and their relevance to social work practice and research. The…