This proposal will test the feasibility of developing an innovative software product for training in performance metrics. The increased use of measurement to improve organizational performance in NASA, in the federal government, and in the private sector has created a widespread need to train managers unfamiliar with quantitative methods, but who now must develop, implement, and use measures of organizational performance. The challenges in delivering effective management training are (1) to make it relevant, (2) to deliver it when needed, and (3) to deliver it so that it can be applied successfully. This project will explore the feasibility of developing intelligent computer-assisted instruction as a cost-effective method for both improving manager performance in the development of organizational performance measures and providing just-in-time training in the necessary measurement skills. The proposal team combines the content domain expertise of industrial engineering with knowledge based systems and expert systems development expertise to (1) develop an expert knowledge base for the development of organizational performance measurements, (2) design and develop a prototype of an intelligent computer-assisted instruction software product that improves performance in developing organizational performance measures, and (3) validate the prototype against a NASA work process to be determined in cooperation with NASA.
Potential Commercial Applications:A new and innovative management training software product that uses intelligent, expert system technology to provide just-in-time training to managers faced with the task of developing performance measures for their organization. It will be marketed as a Microsoft Windows-based instructional program aimed at mid-level managers, work team leaders, process managers, quality professionals, training directors, and human resource professionals in both the public and private sectors who want a time efficient and cost-effective means of both teaching and developing organizational performance measures.
