This report presents the results of a demonstration of the cost effectiveness of supervisory and management development training, and it outlines a model that will permit practitioners to conduct a definitive analysis of the financial value of training. The purpose of the study was to predict potential Return on Investment (ROI) and measure the…

Analysis of 51 of 80 project proposals, the capstone exercise of the Arkansas Certified Government Manager program, showed that nearly half dealt with new technology/services and 65% were implemented. The exercise promotes state agency analysis, discussion, and action regarding the issues or problems addressed by the projects. (SK)

Highlights the importance of preparation for company boards of directors and provides checklists for the following areas: understanding of board members and the team, identification of directorial competencies, professional development methods, role of the chair, steps toward corporate transformation, and development of a business excellence…

Instructional objectives for teaching with case studies are outlined, and techniques for using case studies are described. Combinations of objectives and methods for different situations are explored, and suggestions for practitioners on effective use of different case study types, with different populations, and at different phases of management…

A modular group project-based approach to management development was implemented by Volvo Concessionaires (United Kingdom) in partnership with training consultants. Ingredients of its success included top-level commitment, investment in diagnosis and tailoring, and use of company-specific case studies. (SK)

Analysis of affirmative action in South Africa suggests it fails because (1) it is based on developing blacks and women to function in a fundamentally unchanged work environment; (2) it is often seen as quota filling and not development; and (3) many expect it to fail and commitment is lacking. (SK)

A recent study investigated administrator development at a regional assessment center when no specific structured developmental program was provided by the center or by the sponsoring organization. Former participants in an assessment center are likely to pursue professional development activities even though formal postassessment programs are…

Etiquette serves as a defense of the social order while hiding that purpose from its beneficiaries. Although people believe their manners guarantee integrity, politically "innocent" powerful people are often unintentionally offensive to people of a different class, ethnicity, or gender. (SK)

Evaluates an organizational diagnosis program that assesses managerial communication skills and provides the frame for follow-up training programs. Finds that managers participating in follow-up communication skills training performed significantly higher on interpersonal skills, problem-solving ability, and productivity over three long-term…

Although Seattle Public Schools needed additional training for its newly decentralized decision making to succeed, declining enrollments and escalating costs prevented the district from allocating necessary funding. Instead of asking the business community for money, the district asked for the time of their best managers to work with principals on…

Compares differences in market approach, risk perception, and personnel selection between large companies and small firms with family of origin ties to other countries. Uses these differences to develop a substantially altered model for cross-cultural training in expatriate firms. (SK)

Expands on the propositions of Kolb's learning-cycle model by adding psychodynamic and political aspects. Illustrates the complexity of experiential learning when unconscious forces and power aspects are considered. (SK)

Meta-abilities are cognitive skills, self-knowledge, emotional resilience, and personal drive, which make a critical difference in coping with change and taking initiative. Interviews with 96 British managers confirm that their individual development took place at the meta-ability level and played a critical role in their ability to have an impact…

Contains precis of 18 articles on strategic management issues, including management development, on-the-job training, corporate scholarship, educational technology, coaching, investing in intellectual capital, and knowledge management. (SK)

Demystifies the two "faces" of micropolitics. "Policy micropolitics" distinguishes between micropolitics and management and focuses on the relationship between school micropolitics and the wider macropolitical context. "Management micropolitics" makes no clear micropolitics/management distinction and focuses on…