New media, such as electronic mail and word processing, are playing increasingly important roles in communication activities, especially in organizational settings. This article reviews the process by which new media are diffused, and describes some characteristics of new media that have implications for evaluation research. (Author/BW)

Identifies 15 trends in organizational development in the categories of the macrosystem, the human resource system (group dynamics and interpersonal intervention), and the individual in organizations. (SK)

Discusses three phases of instructional design (ID)--definition of instructional parameters, analysis and synthesis of instructional alternatives, and implementation of instructional plan--and presents a 15-step ID model. Included for each step are a descriptive name, boxed example, and rationale and (as applicable) current state of technology for…

Prototypes and policy models suitable for adaptation to specific states and policy issues are presented. Examples of adapted models are also provided: the systems model adapted to Pennsylvania and the policy model adapted to the issue of state support for independent institutions in Pennsylvania. (Author/LB)

An article on applications of personal computers for the learning disabled presents the rationale and components of a special education systems approach. A model for organizing information is followed by a review of personal computers as instructional management tools. Examples are cited of computer assisted individualized education program…

Describes the characteristics and application of a methodology for developing a strategic, long-range organizational information plan that will permit coordination of information subsystems within a university's computerized information system. The University of Minnesota's application of such a methodology provides illustrative examples. (PGD)

In the 20 years since the first computers were installed in Japan, roles of systems engineers have changed. As a result, two leading educators developed a new method which has been successfully used for eight years. The development and use of method for solving engineering systems design problems is described. (JN)

French public affairs at the local level are managed by a complex, stable system of groups and institutions. Interorganizational relations are regulated by a complex, and more or less organized, system rather than by an interorganizational network. (Author/IRT)

What kinds of instructional materials provide students with the experiences and activities that help them learn? Suggests that teachers should use local production facilities to design and produce their own materials for classroom use. (Author/RK)

Presently available design techniques, technologies, and management practices can significantly reduce the energy requirements of new buildings. A two-part section discusses solutions to the energy problem in the commercial, institutional, and industrial fields. (Author/MLF)

This Catholic college for women in St. Joseph, Minnesota, is adopting components of systematic institutional development in its planning and budgeting. Four programs are integrated: institutional research, the management information system, management development, and management planning. (LBH)

A "system dynamics" model was developed by the University of Vermont's Division of Health Sciences and the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont, the division's affiliated hospital, to anticipate the hospital's utilization by patients in order to plan for future medical students and house staff. The model has proven a useful planning tool…

A study of Hawaii's school construction program analyzed four major processes: program planning, facilities design, construction, and repair and maintenance. (MLF)

This chapter addresses the issue of when counselors should suggest to their clients that their family members should become involved in the counseling process. Family systems theory and its application are reviewed, with a special focus on issues involving communication, problem solving, family roles, and boundaries. Family systems theory is a…

A theoretical model for collaborative inquiry as a research methodology in adult education has been proposed. The model, which likens collaborative inquiry to the process of organic gardening, depicts a sphere in motion where the cycles of collaborative inquiry revolve in continuous motion. In the center of the sphere is a collaborative self that…