Home study is practiced by most managers, who read or write reports, reflect on work projects and problems, and catch up on professional journals at home. A goal of home study advocates is to make such home study as useful as possible. A management development process known in England as action learning requires that 60 percent of study be done at home, 20 percent in groups at work, and 20 percent in tutor-led sessions away from work. It achieves completion rates of more than 75 percent (unheard of in most home-study-only programs) and is frequently very effective. By positioning the action learning combination study program in the workplace and requiring the wholehearted support of employers and colleagues, the motivation and commitment of those involved is transformed. Action learning works so well because: (1) the workplace offers an excellent laboratory to explore ideas; (2) many workplace colleagues can act as unofficial tutors and mentors; (3) the workplace offers opportunities to take action and thereby reinforce earning; and (4) the at-work context of learning demands wisdom in the use of knowledge--normally a missing ingredient in educational performance. Action learning can produce more effective managers and can be more powerful than stand-alone home study. This report describes briefly seven action learning projects and lists eight ways action learning programs use home study. (KC)