China's national medical universities are strategically managed by the public health ministry, with increasing decentralization in management and organizational operational planning and control. The universities do not have enough trained personnel to absorb the additional responsibilities, and need training in adapting Western-style management to…

To complement and strengthen its educational leadership program, East Tennessee State University, along with Brigham Young University, Florida State University, and Virginia Tech, formed a liaison with NASSP to help expand and refine administrative skills in decision making, leadership, sensitivity, problem solving, communication, judgment, and…

After a 9-week training course, 102 manager trainees in a fast-food chain were assigned to restaurants. Those assigned to units having positive organizational transfer climate (measured by situational cues and consequences) were rated as better performers. Climate affected the degree to which learned behavior was transferred to the actual job. (SK)

Case studies demonstrate that well-managed learning contracts can significantly increase the value of supervisor development, help facilitate more consensus-building and collaboration, and encourage organizational learning. (SK)

The rationally based model of action learning limits learning and change. Adding a psychological component (emotional experiences that promote or discourage learning) and a political component (effects of institutional and personal power relations on learning) broadens understanding of individual and organizational development. (SK)

Versions of a case study with a homosexual and a heterosexual protagonist in an organizational behavior course resulted in different student reactions to issues of sexual orientation in the workplace. Misconceptions about AIDS/HIV and discomfort in talking about sexual orientation and homophobia were evident. (SK)

Crash courses, late-night reading, trusted advisors, and conversations with constituents are re-educating a new breed of superintendent after their years in the military, business, or law professions. Some nontraditional superintendents recruit outside talent for their chief education officers. Many are irritated by rules, but surprised at school…

Suggests that knowledge work is a useful way of characterizing important changes in the nature of work across a range of different occupational and professional groups. Discusses the implications through a conflict-based analysis that highlights the inherent conflict between "knowing" as part of the work experience and "knowledge" as an economic…

Defines co-operative inquiry as a radically participative form of inquiry in which all involved are both co-researchers and co-subjects. Introduces methodology in a layperson's guide. Reflects on the learning process of an inquiry group, especially the process of research cycling, importance of peer group, and the paradoxical self-reflexive…

Adult developmental theory can help learners see how motivation changes across the life cycle. Class-discussion groups focused on these theories raise awareness of what learners value or need at different stages as well as of the diverse life experiences of others. (SK)

To succeed in recruiting development officers, colleges and universities must use more aggressive methods to reach alumni, people with ties to the campus, and local business people; expand their selection criteria, perhaps including candidates with little or no experience; streamline the hiring process; and train new professionals. (MSE)

Two management training approaches were compared. A collaborative project to deliver a British degree program in Russia exemplified the transplant model, aimed at product development. Development of management training infrastructure in two Siberian universities illustrated a process model, aimed at staff development. The process model was…

The Administrator Portfolio Appraisal System implemented by the Judson (Texas) Independent School District addressed current systems' weaknesses by stressing self-assessment, collegial-evaluation processes, refocusing and planning, and informed practice. The program promoted unity and trust among all administrators, fostered open dialog, helped…

Examines career perspectives of primary and secondary deputy headteachers in two local education authorities in England and Wales as they consciously decide whether to strive for headship. Five categories emerged: potential aspirants, active aspirants, unpredictables, settlers, and unavailable aspirants. Deputy headteachers' career perspectives…

Discouraged by their existing administrator evaluation system, a task force of principals reviewed the literature and crafted a more effective process geared to developing leadership capacity that accepts full responsibility for student growth. The process increased interactions with colleagues, gave participants support and assistance in tackling…