Other Services and Information

Design Philosophy

Both program design and delivery are based on solid research findings, drawn from the disciplines of sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, and comparative education. The following design principles guide our efforts:

Real World Research Base. Materials are based on actual case studies and critical incidents. Participants are encouraged to analyze and evaluate the performance of real people in real situations, and to test their own skills and knowledge against the consequences of actual management practices.

Organizational Relevance. Developers work closely with client organizations to assure that programs focus on needs and issues critical to improving the organization's performance. Tailored case studies, diagnostic instrumentation, and application activities are used to address specific client needs.

Diverse Needs and Experience of Program Participants. Experts in adult learning have recognized for many years the importance of utilizing participants' diverse needs and experiences in designing and conducting training programs. Our workshops are designed to capitalize on that diversity in ways that utilize the resources of participant groups, and enrich the learning experience of each participant.

Diversity in Learning Styles. Among members of any organization, there is a wide range of learning styles. Cultural and ethnic diversity magnifies the extent of that range, as well as the critical importance of developing programs that help people learn in ways that are most effective for them. Our workshops respect that diversity, both in design and in instructional methodology.

Inquiry-Based Instructional Design. The decision making process is one of inquiry, of constant reassessment and reorganization of information, of questioning, examining alternatives, formulating hypotheses, and testing conclusions. This process results in managers developing insights and understanding that enable them to solve problems and to choose effective practices and behaviors. Our workshops capitalize on this critical process, to stimulate objective and spirited inquiry, and to encourage the application of what is learned in the participants' real work environments.

Diagnostic Pressure. Because significant and lasting personal change occurs only as a function of choice, programs utilize a variety of diagnostic activities to provide practical data to help individual participants identify specific strengths and improvement needs. Instructional activities create gentle but steady pressure on participants to alter their behavior in specific ways to improve performance.

Case and Application Enriched Program Materials. To assure that people learn skills in a context that facilitates application and retention, programs are heavily case driven. All programs include application activities to focus individual learning on practical, relevant, and workable solutions to real situations and problems. Extensive use of video case materials enriches each program, serving to entice participation while providing a relevant and realistic vehicle for inquiry.

Other Information