United Parcel Service's career development system takes multiple approaches: information from career discussions between supervisors and supervisees and a career planning workbook and guide is used for individual career planning, district master operating plans, and the management appraisal process. (SK)

A case study of a South Wales manufacturer illustrates the need for companies to adopt an integrated strategy for computerization and information systems. Lack of management training blending computing and business skills can have a crippling effect on system development and organizational health. (SK)

Some staff development and organization development practices that can profoundly influence teacher attitudes and behaviors include having a clear school vision, establishing collegiality and experimentation norms, displaying a collaborative attitude, using staff development research, varying staff development format, encouraging faculty…

Miller's report of a survey of 149 members of the National Association of Industrial and Technical Teacher Educators (116 replies) indicates overall satisfaction with association mission, publications, dues, and services. Walker comments that conventional needs assessment may not be the best for organizational planning. Evans notes declining…

After operating an outsourced library onsite for six years, the computer company Sun Microsystems converted the eight outsourced workers into full-time, regular staff. The Sun library manager demonstrates the advantages of outsourcing: core competencies, cost savings, and value added. (AEF)

To sustain growth requires changes in the Chinese economy and society. The Asian financial crisis shows that independent institutions and individual freedoms are necessary to stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation. Conservative social values often promoted by the education and training system could hinder economic growth. (SK)

Defines return on investment (ROI); describes the individual articles included in this special section of the journal which focuses on the process of ROI in organizations. Together, this collection of articles displays a wide variety of views about the necessity for ROI and the quality and quantity of its use. (AEF)

Reviews the literature on educational curricular change and applies findings to change in medical school settings. Found a consistent set of characteristics in the following areas associated with successful curricular change; these include: organizational mission and goals, history of organizational change, politics, organizational structure, need…

Examines contributions of academia to widespread underperformance and failure in information technology investments. Cites the dominance of economic-technological considerations over human-organizational ones. Concludes that interdisciplinary collaboration and dialog are needed to integrate the knowledge and expertise of information technology and…

Content analysis of 25 business college syllabi indicated that content skills related to diversity were being taught. Survey responses from 81 human resource managers suggested that college graduates were not adequately prepared to deal with diversity. Managers believed that process skills (team building, communication, managing and supervising…

Presents definitions of intellectual and human capital. Examines human capital from the individual perspective (employability, performance, career development) and organization perspective (investment, ownership, knowledge management). Reviews papers in the theme issue. (Contains 117 references.) (SK)

PepsiCo's change-leadership model starts with a teachable point of view, showing trainees how to think in different terms, develop a point of view, test it, crystallize the vision, and implement it. The human resources department plays an important role in articulating the point of view. (SK)

Suggests that performance consultants are at their best for the benefit of clients when they assume the role of facilitator, not solver of clients' performance problems. Describes the four requirements involved in facilitation: Facilitators, Exemplary Performers, a Model, and Resources. Illustrates how to implement and use the four features of…

Describes characteristics of a questioning culture in organizational development. Addresses questions on leading; learning; and information access as leverage. Lists fundamental employee questions that exist in every organization, and describes two positive effects that occur when these fundamental questions are recognized and become the overall…

Five Australian companies using total quality management (TQM) were evaluated to identify the relationship between learning organization characteristics and Baldrige quality award criteria. Companies' sustained commitment to learning was the most important practice underlying successful implementation of TQM. (Contains 37 references.) (SK)