Discusses the use of HPT (human performance technology) to get results that add value. Topics include ISD (instructional systems design) and desired results, other than achieving agreed-on learning objectives; cost effectiveness; systemic approaches; and results that can be seen in the performance of individuals. (LRW)

An explanation of action slips is offered that examines controlled actions in the context of an intentional behavior theory. Actions are considered guided by mentally represented intentions, subdivided into goal intentions and contingent instrumental intentions. Action slips are categorized according to problem areas in the enactment of goal…

Illustrates the challenges and benefits of setting business objectives for a project. Describes three ways that a technical communication product can contribute to the business performance of an organization. Explains how to write a business objective, and the benefits of doing so. (SR)

Responds to Waldo and Bauman's Goals and Process matrix. Underscores the increasing value of standards for group work established by the Association for Specialists in Group Work in shaping group work training, practice, and research. Points out that standards are not intended to classify independent group offerings. Suggests alternative…

Authors respond to issues raised by commentators concerning their Goals and Process (GAP) matrix. Discuss themes apparent in several commentaries, including nomenclature, the need for a new model, complexity of the model, the omission of task/work groups, and revision of the Association for Specialists in Group Work's model. (Author/MKA)

Explores the encoding of causal inferences in memory records for texts. Focuses on one class of causal inference: that which links the superordinate goals of characters and the outcomes whereby they are achieved. Suggests that a given superordinate goal inference is represented as a link between the idea units corresponding to the goal and how it…

Explains how to conduct an organization's performance analysis that focuses on customer needs by identifying the desired state, determining the current state, and identifying the current or predicted gap in performance. Considers the organization's mission, a vision or strategic plan, the organization's cultural values, and organizational goals.…

Examines employer-assisted tuition support as a means that organizations use to improve human performance, considers how these programs are aligned with the overall strategic interests of the organization, and makes recommendations about how to measure performance improvement efforts in alignment with organization strategy. (LRW)

All too often discussion of Capability proceeds as if it is clear what "Capability" is and that all that is required is the ascertaining of means for developing it. This paper seeks to explore the meanings of Capability. It provides two broad meanings, and discusses the paradoxes inherent in the application of these to the real world of management…

Since Dilthey we have become used to thinking of reason as having a cultural and historical setting. If we take this insight seriously, then critical rationality or critical thinking can no longer be conceived of as context-free skills. This paper takes up the line of thought that is elaborated by Christopher Winch in his 'Developing Critical…

The main points made by Clarke and Mearman about Winch's article, 'The Economic Aims of Education,' are taken up and discussed. My argument is that work is not necessarily a disutility, although paid employment can be when it is undertaken in conditions that are not fulfilling. Life aims are not the same as educational aims, although educational…

Some scholarship suggests that critical pedagogy should be abandoned for more pragmatic goals. While the democratic and political sensibilities of critical pedagogy require more from the instructor, classrooms that on the surface do not appear to work in teaching students should not be seen as signs that the pedagogy is not worth the extra effort.…

The WAC director, composition director, director of Institutional Assessment (OIA), and WAC/OIA liaison describe the programmatic "needs" and "wants" they balanced in the plan they collaboratively designed to respond to a state mandate for "value-added" writing assessment. To satisfy this mandate, as they explain,…

There are countless Schools and Colleges of Education around the country touting strong commitments to cultural and linguistic diversity (CLD), culturally responsive teaching, and multicultural education in their teacher-preparation programs; however, we are still seeing critical masses of graduates from these programs teach (and assess learning)…

In manual assembly work, parts are often assembled by applying force with a simple tool or by hand. A worker thus needs control the force he or she applies in working, as an appropriate level of force is requisite for minimizing work failures and improving efficiency. The object of this study is to clarify the relationship between the level of…