A mini-pilot test was conducted by the Department of Labor's Employment Standards Administration to develop training on enforcing the Federal Family and Medical Leave Act. The situation that necessitated the test is presented; mini-pilot test examples are explained; and pros and cons of the mini-pilots are examined. A sidebar contains suggestions…

Discussion of quality management and approaches to organizational success focuses on benchmarking and the integration of other approaches including strategic planning, ideal visions, and reengineering. Topics include performance improvement; decision making; internal benchmarking; and quality targets for the organization, clients, and societal…

Reviews activities of the Association for Educational Communications and Technology (AECT) during the past year, including strategic planning for the future; seeking new alliances with other professional organizations; promoting the profession as well as educational communication and technology; and communication within AECT. (LRW)

Describes the development of institutional effectiveness indicators as well as a multi-step organizational planning process at Central Arizona College. Reviews five key areas targeted for analysis: organizational renewal and learning, leadership, governance, cultural transformation, and institutional efficiency. (JDI)

Reviews a number of strategic plans and the goals and objectives normally assigned to distance education, and distinguishes the terms used in strategic thinking about distance education. Examines assumptions about adopting distance delivery of education and training by looking at distance education not as an objective, but as a strategy.…

Draws on U.S. and international research to analyze the models, strategies, and processes used in implementing and sustaining educational reforms and innovations at the classroom level. There are some promising directions: a trend away from a macro policy focus to examining building- and classroom-level innovations, a shift from innovation…

Proposes developing marketing into a discipline, which would help organizations respond appropriately and profitably to changing market demands. Asserts that using the PRAISE Marketing Process as a model may assist businesses in defining a marketing purpose, and helping them research, implement, and evaluate their marketing plans. (VWC)

Describes three goals that a project manager must meet to achieve a successful project: manage the workflow in order to complete the project; manage the expectations of the client; and maintain a standard of excellence. Discusses how to use the "Project Plan,""Meeting Report," and "Status Report" as tools for…

Organizational values are changing in an information technology environment and as more women enter management. A blend of "male" and "female" values is becoming essential to successful leadership of organizations in a global context. (SK)

Educators, business, students, and taxpayers/policymakers have differing perspectives on information-systems curriculum on a continuum of long- vs. short-term planning and public vs. private interests. Strategic curriculum planning should be driven by stakeholders with the longest-term perspective (educators) with input from shorter-term tactical…

Highlights the development of a data management system to facilitate service delivery by the career planning and placement department at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Recounts the development of the system, providing the context for data management and describing the issues associated with building and implementing a data model, and the…

Evaluation of the role of faculty in higher education strategic planning reports on perspectives of seven administrators and faculty involved in planning, as well as the research literature. Notes that while faculty participation is widely favored, problems are often experienced. Identifies factors influencing the success of faculty participation,…

Discusses the need for strategic planning in libraries for the use of information technology that will add value to the library and better serve the users. Explains a model for developing information technology strategic plans that includes vision statements, goals and strategies, and an implementation timeline. (LRW)

Only when the organizational structure and staff are aligned with the school vision can productive and exciting change happen. Change is thwarted when the school vision is uninspiring, developed incorrectly, not used immediately, or misaligned with staff or organization. Values, missions, outcomes, and visions have a short shelf-life; they must…

Traditional school planning approaches no longer serve (British) schools' needs. Strategy as applied to school planning is only of partial use. Schools need new avenues to meet the challenge of effective leadership and management. One alternative employs "strategic intent" encapsulated in a new model replacing the limited…