E L E C T R O N I C

  We selected an organization which is well known throughout the world as a leading company in training called "The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD)." The internet address is: http://www.astd.org. "ASTDhas been around since 1944. It provides information, research, analysis and networking opportunities for more than 58,000 individuals and organizations from every level of the field of workplace performance in more than 100 countries. It is the leading resource on workplace learning and performance issues, providing information, research, analysis and practical information derived from the knowledge and experience of its members, conferences and publications, and the coalitions and partnerships it has built through research and policy work."

  ASTD's products and services range from conferences and symposia and different ASTD publications. ASTD's products and services page on the net discusses providing information resources for performance specialists to meet the changing requirements for their jobs. "Information on learning and performance topics, from training basics and instructional systems development to quality of worklife, is provided in a practical monthly format that helps practitioners stay current with the information they need."

  One of the products that ASTD produces is the Training and Development magazine. This is a monthly magazine which investigates the latest trends and the hottest topics in training, performance, human resource management, and new learning technologies.

  An interesting article published in the November 1996 issue of Training and Development magazine is entitled "Position Yourself for the Future: The Top Ten Trends." The article looks at the new trends for training giving practical suggestions for professionals to follow. A summary of the trends focuses on the following topics: Skill requirements; Diversity of the workforce; Restructuring of the organization; Advances of technology in the way training is delivered; New ways to deliver services; Organizational emphasis in human performance management. Also, what professionals will need to possess in terms of skills in the changing training market. Some of the more important skills listed in the article include: Organizational awareness of mission, goals and objectives; Leadership skills; Interpersonal-relationship skills; Technological literacy; Problem definition skills; Problem solving skills; Business understanding; Ability to see the big picture.

  Other articles in the November issue include a look at the future of both the changing organization's environment and the training and development profession.

- Don Holub