Presents a method for holistic organizational analysis that provides developers with a rationale to obtain data and decision bases for successful internal and extraorganizational intervention and change. The analysis, based on the Organizational Elements Model, relates organizational resources, efforts, results, and organizational impact. Presents…

The goals of organization development in higher education are to improve the quality of work life for faculty and staff and to improve the effectiveness of the institution in facilitating student development and learning. (Author)

The purpose of the project is to identify goals for vocational education in Florida through the year 2000 and to develop a system plan for achieving them. Project components are leadership and project coordination, staff development, a planning team, needs assessment surveys, futures research, an economic utility model, and dissemination and…

To employ scarce personnel and money to best advantage, company management must diagnose critical training needs and assign them priorities. A systems approach is recommended, which gives focus to training design while accommodating most organization training goals. Included are suggestions for system design, facility management, and cost…

A discussion is presented of future global energy supply and demand problems and two benchmark scenarios showing that time will be the limiting constraint in adapting the energy supply infrastructure to changing resource availability. (Author/SA).

Establishing evaluation objectives requires formal, frequent, and extensive interaction among program evaluators and administrators to obtain from administrators the information necessary to make the most effective choices in planning and carrying out evaluations. Three techniques are described that can be used to ensure that this interaction is…

Outlines how an information company--the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI)--designed a new building to house its facility. Problems and deficiencies in the old work space were analyzed using a rigorous systems approach, and an open-plan system was devised to allow for optimum space utilization and energy efficiency. (CWM)

Pavlov's organism-in-the-environment model was adapted to a functional analysis of communication, expecially abstract and symbolic activities. A classification of discrimination response and reinforcement patterns was given. (CP)

Effectiveness of internal feedback systems on policy is analyzed in terms of a sample case: elimination of segregated dual schools in the South. Findings show that evaluation by policy implementers seems less successful than evaluation by external agents. (Author/AV)

Investigates user participation in the development of collaborative work systems that use technology. Discusses collaborative versus non-collaborative applications; explains design issues that enhance user satisfaction and productivity; and considers how much users should participate in information needs analysis and in systems analysis issues.…

The seven articles in this edition show that cost-benefit analysis is emerging from the confusion of the 1980s and is probably going to become the central tool of program evaluation in the future. The modern approach involves incorporating probability distributions into the cost-benefit analysis. None of the articles are specifically…

Presents brief case histories of the evolution and current status of two communication programs. Recommends 10 factors to consider in planning for the evolution and development of communication programs. (KEH)

Provides a framework for examining the programs required to meet the challenges of information management education along five dimensions: area of study; faculty and school base; core programs; education and orientation of coprofessionals and managers; and management education and orientation. Approaches for improving the value of information…

Tests the effect of school and school district size on a model of the process used by elementary school principals to allocate teachers. Finds that the decision-making model was appropriate across all sizes of schools and for small- and medium-size districts, but not for large school districts. (FMW)

Notes that rough-and-tumble play must be considered in the context of social values; has beneficial influences on children's cognitive and social development; and is distinguishable from aggression. Makes a case for the use of socializing techniques in conjunction with rough and tumble play. (LB)