Using Performance Analysis for Training in an Organization Implementing ISO‐9000 Manufacturing Practices; A Case Study

This case study extends previous research on the theory and practice of performance analysis by examining the application of one model, the Performance Analysis for Training (PAT) Model, in an organization that was implementing ISO‐9000 processes. The research questions focused on whether using the PAT Model produced the expected results and on the correspondence between the actual process used for the performance analysis and the process outlined in the PAT Model. The study findings revealed that the performance analysis produced the expected results and that the results were influenced by the three elements identified in the model's conceptual framework—organization characteristics, decision maker characteristics, and analyst characteristics—and their interactions. In addition, four adaptations to the PAT model were identified.     

Solutions to Literacy Deficiencies in the Workplace; A Survey of Current Practices

Much attention has focused on employee basic skill (literacy) problems in recent years. Most authorities on the topic have focused their attention on two solutions alone: (a) offering in-house training to employees short-term solution intended to rectify existing basic skill deficiencies in the workforce; and (b) supporting public education as a long-term solution intended to ensure that future job applicants/employees possess basic skills adequate for beginning work. Few writers or authorities have suggested alternative performance improvement strategies to address basic skill problems. This article identifies a range of performance improvement strategies for addressing basic skill deficiencies and summarizes results of a recent survey of training and development professionals about how often these strategies are used in their organizations. In general, many survey respondents indicated that their organizations are using many different performance improvement strategies to address basic skill problems.     

Summative Evaluation

Summative evaluation is defined as the process of determining the value, effectiveness, or efficiency of an object to form a decision–making basis about that object. In this article, we present an overview of one major aspect of summative evaluation–the planning process–and then present essays on five topics that we believe are difficult issues most often faced in the conduct of summative evaluation. These five topics are: (a) client commitment to evaluation; (b) evaluating the training organization; (c) evaluating management training; (d) institutionalizing the evaluation process; and (e) the conduct of cost benefit studies.     

Self-efficacy and classroom learning

This article discusses the role of perceived self-efficacy during classroom learning of cognitive skills. Self-efficacy refers to personal judgments of performance capabilities in a given domain of activity. Students enter classroom activities with various aptitudes and prior experiences, which affect their initial sense of self-efficacy for learning. During task engagement, students may assess self-efficacy by utilizing cues made cognitively salient by educational practices and which convey information about their capability to acquire knowledge and skills, such as performance outcomes, attributions, situational circumstances, outcome patterns, perceived model similarity, and persuader credibility. In turn, heightened learning self-efficacy enhances motivated learning, or motivation to acquire knowledge and skills. Research findings are presented showing how different educational practices affect self-efficacy. Future research needs to determine how students derive efficacy information from multiple cues, and to specify in finer detail how the cognitive processes involved in understanding instruction and appraising self-efficacy influence one another.     

EPA glossaries: The struggle to define environmental terms

As the nation's principal environmental agency, the EPA is responsible for conveying a wide array of information to the American public. The agency utilizes glossaries, lexicons, dictionaries, and thesauri to define environmental terms, regulations, scientific concepts, and issues. However, the approach taken to defining environmental terms is challenging and there is often more than one definition for the same term. This article examines how the EPA defines environmental terms and how it can be difficult to choose the most appropriate definition or environmental term.