Analyzes the structure of a communications department at a rural comprehensive community college by focusing on the grouping of components as well as their place in the status framework. Discusses the behavior of the system as a consequence of the structure as well as its evolution. (KEH)

Presents brief case histories of the evolution and current status of two communication programs. Recommends 10 factors to consider in planning for the evolution and development of communication programs. (KEH)

A problem-centered approach to training can be effective if (1) the goal is to bring about individual and organizational change; (2) the training is an integral part of company strategy; and (3) the problem is relevant to participants, current and pressing, and has corporate commitment to implementation of the solution. (SK)

Discussion of the appropriate use of instruction and training for performance problems in developing countries highlights a case study of an unsuccessful instructional project in South America. The importance of front-end analysis and a needs assessment are emphasized, and the sociotechnical systems theory (STS) of organizational development is…

Analyzes three "myths" associated with senior managers who ignore new communication and information technologies. Discusses how managers can encourage their colleagues to become literate in technology through actively using and supplying technology in the organization. Describes the benefits of voice recognition in making computer…

Develops a model linking organizational growth and decline to competitive strategy, the strategy-making process, and the chief executive officer's personal characteristics. The model was empirically tested for private liberal arts colleges. Enrollment growth is associated with focused strategy, the CEO's innovative style, differentiation, and…

Provides a framework for strategic planning for organizational development; identifies a societally-referenced "mega-level" of planning. Discusses needs assessment, quality management, benchmarking, and reengineering processes for defining and delivering a useful future for both the organization and society. (AEF)

Today's information systems (IS) managers have a far more complex job than ever before. They must both know the technology and have the considerable political, organizational, and communication skills needed to manage change and translate complex technical information into concepts everyone in the organization can understand. (MSE)

This paper identifies critical components of recent organizational quality improvement programs and specifies how applied behavior analysis can contribute to quality technology. Statistical Process Control and Total Quality Management approaches are compared, and behavior analysts are urged to build their research base and market behavior change…

Discusses the problems of applying quality methods to jobs that are not directly involved with manufacturing such as sales, merchandising, law, health care, accounting, and food service. Presents a model for nonmanufacturing organizations. (JOW)

Trends in conceptualization, instrumentation, and sampling in four career development research areas are charted: stage-based and process-oriented models, decision making, intervention evaluation, and organizational development/career orientation. Research reporting methods are analyzed, and suggestions for future research directions offered. (200…

Leaders in professional education and technology were invited to envision the role of technology in restructuring schools and to suggest experiences designed to prepare educational administrators for technology leadership. Responses describe future schools, school leadership, and the involvement of technology in shaping teacher role, curriculum,…

This interview with Assistant Secretary of Education for the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI) Sharon Robinson describes the new organization of OERI and its new emphasis on accessibility and information dissemination. It outlines plans for the agency and goals for educational research. (SLD)

A planned giving officer is seen as an asset to college/university development for technical expertise, credibility, and connections. Attorneys, certified public accountants, bank trust officers, financial planners, investment advisers, life insurance agents, and real estate brokers may be qualified but probably also need training. (MSE)

The seven articles of this special feature consider the role of evaluation in learning organizations. They draw on applications in business and industry, public schools, higher education, a community arts agency, and a foreign township to illustrate the importance of evaluation in the growth of learning organizations. (SLD)