A systems model for the design and management of instruction in occupational fields is described. The model is broken down into these phases: (1) analysis, in which occupational tasks are specified via task analysis, tasks are restated as behavioral objectives and a sequence is specified for the objectives, (2) synthesis, in which instructional activities are specified and evaluative procedures designed, and (3) operation, in which instructional activities are carried out and evaluative data is collected. Feedback and iteration follow these phases wherein the data collected during the operations phase is fed back into the analysis so that it can be tested, validated, and redesigned based on input data. Each phase is briefly described, and illustrations augment the descriptions. Related documents are available as ED 027 438 and ED 027 440. (SB)