Suchergebnisse

Productivity improvement is a national priority in the 1980's. The dramatic spread of quality circles (QCs) demonstrates that they are perhaps the most popular technique to achieve this goal. There are, however, few systematic studies of these programs. It is important, therefore, not to draw sweeping, premature, and possibly erroneous conclusions based on uncritical acceptance of claims made by QC advocates and critics. This analysis adds to the limited data base on quality circles by exploring their use in Florida government. Placing Florida in the context of national developments, it examines the QC form, problems encountered with it, and approaches used to address these difficulties. This is followed by an analysis of QCs in the state's public sector. The study concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings for current and future QC programs.

A final course, or project is a standard requirement in Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs. This requirement is intended to permit the student to demonstrate advanced ability in the discipline. This article examines one such course at Florida State University. The course included readings, exercises, oral presentations, and a written report. This author assesses the merits and drawbacks of the course as well as notes the unintended consequences that resulted. In concluding the article, the author makes several recommendations for future courses based on the experiences gained in the Florida state model.