Structuration theory helps to explain the role of human agency in the reciprocal relationship between social systems and structures, which Giddens called the "duality of structure." The theory explicates how power struggles emerge and are negotiated and, depending on the restructuration, can help to resolve conflict or lead to deteriorations and…

With the growing suburban population, many employees in metro areas are facing long commutes to and from the workplace. According to the 2011 Texas Transportation Institute's Urban Mobility Report, the average commuter experiences 34 hours of delay per year and spends an extra $713 on fuel (see…

This study explores the issues in the development and application of a competency model and provides implications for more precise integration of competencies into human resource (HR) functions driving performance improvement. This research is based on a case study from a Korean consumer corporation. This study employed document reviews,…

Needs assessment plays an important role in training and human performance improvement efforts, but the literature contains little research on this topic. This study extended previous research on the Performance Analysis for Training (PAT) model of needs assessment by examining its implementation to determine environmental and occupational health…

Interactive digital media, or video games, are a powerful new medium. They offer immersive experiences in which players solve problems. Players learn more than just facts--ways of seeing and understanding problems so that they "become" different kinds of people. "Serious games" coming from business strategy, advergaming, and entertainment gaming…

Describes the NETwork for Excellent Teaching, an instructional development program at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) that uses a performance technology approach. NET program goals and representative projects are described; and goal achievement is evaluated through administrative acceptance, student learning, and…

Social Responsibility is becoming a key issue for organizations today. They talk about it and they make social contributions, but how do we know if anything is being achieved? A framework is required and has existed at least since 1992. Roger Kaufman's Mega Planning has slowly gathered momentum in organizations worldwide. For a faster take-up we…

This research study examined the role of instructional design knowledge in the development of teaching expertise for university teaching assistants (TAs). ID theoretically supports the development of systematic and meaningful patterns of cognitive organization that characterize teaching expertise. Therefore, it should support TAs in developing…

This article explores the use of an evaluation model of learning and development utilizing formative, summative, and confirmative steps, along with a framework for developing evaluation tools aligned with organizational change goals. A case study is presented in which formative, summative, and confirmative evaluations were used to assess materials…

This study examined use of a strategic planning process to reinvent a corporate training department. The naturalistic case describes how the corporate training function gained credibility and influence with senior management, developed alignment with organizational goals, and began transforming the function into a performance improvement…

This research investigated expertise development among instructional designers by tracking novice designers' unfolding perceptions of instructional design (ID), design-related self-perceptions, and other individual differences. It examined development toward ID expertise from multiple aspects: processes, product, and cognition, through a case…

Presents results of a case study that illustrates problems of employee surveys as part of the organization development process and makes recommendations to practitioners for effectively managing a sound approach to performance improvement. Provides a look at an inexperienced consultant and the distractions that resulted in a failed organization…

Documents a case study in which needs assessment and a change model were applied in such a way that the needs assessment process served as a change strategy. States that, in this case, both the results and the needs assessment process contributed to the organization's change goals. (Author/CH)

Examines the use of the Performance Analysis for Training (PAT) model to assess performance needs in an organization that implements integrated manufacturing processes. Results showed that the PAT model was a useful guide for assessing performance needs and that the process and product of the performance analysis was influenced by the…

The author attempted to determine which type of training evaluation method--reaction, learning, behavior, or results--elicited the most management support of training. He distributed a case study survey instrument to 90 master of business administration students and 75 nontraining managers. Data indicated that the results evaluation format…