Describes five highly structured writing assignments for teaching family therapy trainees to think in systems terms: 1) analysis of a communication task; 2) family assessment report; 3) family treatment plan; 4) analysis of a marital or family therapy interview; and 5) family autobiography. Discusses the overall training context. (Author)

Advances a theoretical perspective for analyzing education and instructional technology as disciplines using the science of semiotics as a framework for identifying the components, relationships among components, and meanings of components in educational systems. A 30-item reference list accompanies the text. (Author/JL)

Discusses symptom production and symptom maintenance in terms of psychodynamic and system-oriented family therapy approaches. The conceptual and operational hypotheses of both approaches stem from different logics. Describes their different sets of data, lines of inquiry and treatment strategies. (Author/JAC)

Explored the relationship between support systems and job linked tedium by determining whether office communication patterns affect anxiety and exhaustion among workers. Results revealed that the structure of communication patterns relates to social services workers' feelings of anxiety and exhaustion, and that support groups ease the stress. (RC)

Three perspectives are developed in this reaction paper (see TM 506 171): (1) to make bold predictions of our future society and formulate needs that will be generated for school (2) to examine current assessment practices with specific focus on minority populations; and (3) an elaboration of the second perspective. (Author/GK)

Computer hardware and software alone do not improve a financial management system. They are only the tools that carry out commands. College business offices and related administrative functions must commit effort to improving the overall system. Available from Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154. (MSE)

Transportation systems management (TSM) programs are discussed, particularly the 1977 program of the University of California, San Francisco, which led to traffic reduction and improved vehicle flow. The city's implementation plan for a similar TSM program for 14 educational institutions and hospitals is described. (MLW)

Continues an earlier paper which dealt with the basic concepts concerning the learning process that should be used as a starting point for the instructional design process. Instructional decisions that should be taken at the macro design level are discussed. Twenty-five references are listed. (LLS)

The opportunities for improved internal communication through the use of information technology are discussed. A case is made for the leverage gained by investing in computer-based, information technology. Potential impacts on physical space, staff productivity, circulation patterns, and organizational structure are suggested. (Author/MLW)

Proposes a systems approach for educational organization and planning comprised of six processes based on open-systems theory. This approach sets up the structure for discovering what teaching styles best manage certain learning styles by using particular methods. (DC)

Presents a step-by-step systems approach model consisting of seven major components including: informing and involving key groups, defining problem/goals, needs assessment, formulating objectives, designing program, implementing program, and evaluation. Includes procedures, flow chart presentations, and guidelines for program planning. (RC)

The impact of breast cancer and mastectomy on women and their families is examined from a family systems orientation. Sexual counseling and family therapy are advocated to reduce the psychological and sexual trauma of mastectomy and enhance family adjustment. Clinical case studies provide support for therapeutic intervention. (Author)

The imperatives of institutional planning in an environment of scarce resources have brought program evaluation activities under more systematic processes serving varied needs. Evaluation processes at Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Houston are examined. (Author/MSE)

Because abuse affects all members of an abusive family, the entire family system must be assessed and treated. A three-phase comprehensive assessment and treatment model is proposed that includes individual, marital, sibling, and family dynamics. This combination of treatment approaches culminates in conjoint family therapy. (Author)

An organizational, domain-referenced approach to evaluation of public-school special-service delivery systems is offered. The framework focuses on the process of service delivery and is seen as useful to the improvement of service delivery within the context of Public Law 94-142. (Author)