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Robert L. Craig (Editor). The ASTD Training and Development Handbook: A Guide to Human Resource Development (4th edition). New York: McGraw-Hill, 1996, 1071 pages, $89.50.
Reviewed by John R. Ogilvie, Associate Professor of Management and Associate Dean of the Barney School of Business and Public Administration, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT
This lengthy volume of 51 articles, authored predominantly by corporate human resource managers along with several consultants and academics, covers a wide range of issues in training and human development. No one individual has written more than one article. Several organizations have multiple representations, with AT&T members writing five articles, followed by Motorola University with four, and Pennsylvania State University with two.
Compared to the third edition, also edited by Robert Craig, the fourth edition is smaller-in size (i.e., thickness) at least. The previous edition contained 49 articles and over 878 pages but was almost three inches thick-an ominous volume to transport. The latest edition adds two more articles and several hundred additional pages, but is reduced in size to a much more reasonable 13/4 inches due to thinner paper. Although it may seem trivial, the size reduction makes it practical to carry the volume in a brief case. The previous edition was too cumbersome to handle.
The fourth edition retains the same grouping of articles into the five sections of (a) The Training and Development Function, (b) Program Design and Development, (c) Media and Methods, (d) Training Applications, and (e) Resources, as in the third edition. Thus, those who have made frequent use of the previous edition will be at home with the current structure. Even though no rationale is offered for the structure, it makes sense. Some...