1. Goal-Directed Systems Design
Quick reference Job Aid
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Use this Checklist to evaluate an application of the Output-Process-Input Model
 Processes-  Outputs, Inputs, Goals-  Goal-Directed Approach-
Does the process follow this Are outputs, inputs, and goals Does the accomplishment of each
formula: "[verb]+ing + defined as things or conditions using sub-goal contribute to the
[noun]," or "to [verb] + the following formula: "[adjective] + accomplishment of the higher
[noun]?" [noun]?" goals?
(It should be an activity)
 Main Resources- Are the main Rules for Outlining-
 Production- a process 1. Place the Final Output at the top
resources raw materials for a
that changes what an of the outline
production process, resources
organization inputs into 2. Outputs & Inputs are always
distributed by a distribution
a desired output. placed in parenthesis
process, or customers? (Do not
include resources that are not 3. Inputs consist only of main
 Distribution- a process resources for the process
that moves what an being processed by the processing
4. Processes must be labeled:
organization inputs to a system.) Production, Distribution, or
desired location without Research & Development
changing that input.  Output-Process-Input Chain- 5. Lower levels must be indented
st
1 Ask what you want to accomplish to the right and connected with a
(output) line
 Research & 2nd Ask how you accomplish that 6. Multiple resources or multiple
Development- a output (process) processes may be located at the
process of production 3rd Ask what you need in order to same level, and must be
conducted specifically to accomplish that process (inputs) connected with a line.
develop procedures, 7. Never connect Processes to
instructions, or  Ultimate Goal- Does the highest Resources at the same level
equipment to be used in level organizational goal involves the 8. The bottom of the outline must
another production or well-being of living creatures? end with a main resource
distribution process.
 Final Output- Is the final output
 Selling Process- If an of the organization distributed
organization is in the outside the organization you are
business of selling analyzing?
something, are
customers identified as
one of the main
resources?
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Created by Lisa Haroff as part of the MA project in Summer 1999

2. Use this checklist2 to evaluate an application of the Goal Specification Form.
Output © What is the ultimate accomplishment of your system?
© Is it defined in terms of things and conditions—“adjective + noun”?
Example: Undergraduates that are applying GDSD concepts to the desired standard
Standards Current Ideal
(Always specify an Quality © The degree of excellence or accuracy
absolute value for each Example: Students get a 92% on the GDSD test
aspect. DO NOT define it Quantity © The amount, volume, number or rate
in terms of the degree of an Example: 25 out of 30 students must score a 92%
improvement or reduction Timeliness © The deadline for something to be completed
in percentage such as “20% Example: Within 2 weeks
more than now” ) Costs © The amount of dollars/effort/hours to complete something (including cost of
intervention)
Example: No more than 6 hours spent on teaching each week
Process © Does the process follow this formula: "[verb]+ing + [noun]," or "to [verb] + [noun]?" (It
should be an activity)
Example: Training undergraduates in GDSD
_o_Production __Distribution __R&D
Front line Current Ideal Cost of Intervention
Personnel © Are they the ones who work directly in the process?
Example: TAs
Procedures © Is it a description of a process that guides the personnel’s performance?
© Is it worded in the following formula? “Following the Manual/Instructions/Training/Job
aid/etc” on “how to” (a brief description of the procedure)
Example: Training on how to teach undergraduates in GDSD
Equipment © What is used to process the main resources?
© Do they consist of things and not the abilities or skills of personnel?
© Is it worded in the following formula? “Manual/Instructions/Training/Job aid/etc” on
“how to” (a brief description of the procedure)
Example: Books, worktext, job aids
Contingencies © Is it worded in the following formula? “Bonus/Incentives/Praise/etc” contingent on (a brief
description of performance or accomplishments)”
Example: Praise from system manager contingent on effective teaching of GDSD
Management Current Ideal
Personnel © Are they the ones who manage the corresponding front line unit?
Example: System manager
Procedures © See above mentioned criteria
© Does the “Ideal” procedure involve implementing the performance management
contingency?
Example: Training on how to monitor TA’s performance
Equipment © See above mentioned criteria
Example: Computer
Contingencies © See above mentioned criteria
Example: Praise from professor contingent on monitoring of TA’s performance
Input © What is the initial resource of the system?
Example: Undergraduates that are not applying GDSD concepts to the desired standard
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Created by Yvonne Heung as part of the MA project in Summer 1999; revised by Nic Weatherly in Spring of 2004

3. *Note: “Current” and “Ideal” columns only apply to standards, procedures, equipment, and contingencies