Discusses the historical development of "hard" and "soft" systems thinking traditions and examines how these traditions have been understood and applied in the field of instructional development. Proposes the need for a synthesis of the two traditions in planning, implementing, and evaluating instructional programs. (AEF)

Describes the importance of leadership as an informing and unifying discipline for the preparation of performance technologists and explores the impact of this orientation on a pertinent course at Western Michigan University. Topics include leadership behaviors, vision, motivation, conflict, decision making, communication, change, followership,…

Discussion of human performance technology tools for instructional design focuses on incentives and competence. Highlights include quality, organizational goals, feedback, employee attitudes, working conditions, deadlines, standards, training, a balance of forces, and partnerships. (AEF)

Argues that a process orientation, rather than a focus on inputs and outputs, offers performance technologists a more direct way of contributing to the realization of key business goals and more effectively focuses training and development on performance issues. Process redesign is a key strategy in the realization of these two goals. (Contains 15…

Provides an overview of performance technology, the application of knowledge for optimizing performance. Discusses the influence of ISD (instructional systems design), tactical interventions, business, and industry; its use in business, industry, military, and government; and academic backgrounds of performance designers. Outlines a…

Reviews five transfer models that are effective in organizing knowledge sources and stimulating understanding in the process of transferring training skills to the job. Highlights include trainee characteristics, design factors, work environment, a systemic model of factors that predict employee training, trainers becoming performance…

The systematic four-step process introduced in this article lays the basic groundwork in helping an organization link all its programs and initiatives to its strategic goals. Discusses the definition and purpose of performance measurement; elements of a global performance system; and building a global performance measurement system. (AEF)

Provides eight reasons why a trainer with an instructional technology background and an employee-centered focus on performance improvement should be involved in solving human performance problems. Abilities highlighted include: systematic thinker; systemic thinker; analytical; team player; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; knowing…

Describes ways to develop productive international teams in the international marketplace. Discusses obstacles, including language and distance; a model for effective global team performance; cultural differences; shared goals; communication; lack of information; leadership; work procedures; compensation; lack of knowledge or skills; and hindered…

The field of training and development has been increasingly affected by knowledge management, performance support, and learning technologies, yet the impact of these disciplines has typically been disjointed and uncoordinated. Projects in each of the disciplines are often implemented systematically, but not systemically. To take full advantage of…

Today, collecting, evaluating, and analyzing data--the basic concepts of scientific study--usually involves electronic probeware. Probeware combines sensors that collect data with software that analyzes it once it has been sent to a computer or calculator. Science inquiry has benefited greatly from the use of electronic probeware, providing…

Both principals and school districts hire literacy coaches with the clear hope that they will succeed in improving teachers' instruction and, in turn, students' literacy learning. Unintentionally, however, they can overlook putting into place supports that coaches themselves may need to reach these goals. This Literacy Coaching Clearinghouse brief…

The University of Chicago's Joseph Regenstein Library Bookstacks Department has used process mapping and continuous improvement to successfully improve its overall operations. The most recent efforts focus on Lean manufacturing, an initiative centered on eliminating waste in manufacturing processes. The conversion of the Bookstacks Department from…

Teacher educators have a dual responsibility. They must not only deliver the content of their courses but also model the pedagogical beliefs and instructional strategies they espouse. Perhaps no area more explicitly demonstrates the difference between "talking the talk" and "walking the walk" than the integration of technology into teacher…

A suburban high school district in Arizona was recently named as a provider of Technology Assisted Project Based Instruction (TAPBI). The district?s challenge was to create 20 effective, online high school courses in approximately nine months. Successful deployment depended in large measure on the ability of the teachers of those courses to…