Interactive Training, Inc.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Colleen Hurley, Business Manager
Interactive Training, Inc.
Tel: (508) 820-8634
cvhurley@trainingforum.com

CD Solutions Launches Interactive Training Series on CD-ROM

First disc in Coping with Organizational Change series helps companies compete more effectively by providing guidance for conflict resolution, says author.

FRAMINGHAM, MA March 27, 1996 -- CD Solutions, Inc. today announced that it is launching a comprehensive, interactive CD-ROM-based skills training program aimed at helping people cope with significant change within their organizations. The first disc in the Coping with Organizational Change series, called Workshop in Conflict Solutions, is being released this week. Other scheduled titles will focus on coaching and counseling, team building, and general supervisory skills. "Most organizations are undergoing significant change, with many becoming flatter and more efficient. This frequently means those on board have to do more with the same or fewer resources," said CD Solutions President Paul H. Earl.

"People are finding they need to work with others in new ways, and this requires them to enhance their people skills, which is what Coping with Organizational Change addresses." Coping with Organizational Change, which runs on the Windows, Windows 95, and Macintosh platforms, is the latest series in the CD Solutions Library of education and reference CD-ROMs. It's based on the work of John W. Baker, II, of BCV Associates, a widely recognized authority in the human resource training field who has consulted on organizational change issues to scores of public, private, government, and non-profit organizations around the world. "To compete more effectively, managers and supervisors have to become better at managing cross-functional teams," Baker said. "Conflicts often arise when people who have different approaches to solving problems work together. Knowing how to resolve those disputes not only addresses the immediate problem, but also builds a framework for tackling other situations. This enables the organization to become a stronger competitor." According to Training Magazine, U.S. employers last year spent $52 billion on formal training for 50 million people, of which $10 billion went for seminars, computers, and packaged training programs. In addition, surveys found that 40% of all organizations are moving toward team-based structures, while 70% of all organizations are providing team-building training. Baker noted that CD-ROM technology enhances the way training is delivered while reducing organizational costs. "While it's our belief that technology should not replace the trainer, technology does dramatically reduce the cost of implementation."

Key features of the Workshop in Conflict Solutions disc include eight interactive exercises and 12 role plays that allows the user to use the computer as an interactive "prop." The ability to print any or all sections of the disc lets users create their own custom workbook based on the disc. Over one and one-half hours of tutorials and exercises let users pace set their own pace for learning, while the CD-ROM medium lets them work on the material when it's most convenient for them. In addition, an integrated notepad utility provides a convenient way to make and save notes for future reference, while a comprehensive conflict resolution checklist, glossary, bibliography, and a library of related Internet resources completes the disc.

Key sections of the disc include:

Background: Exploring conflict.
Setting the Scene: Sources of organizational conflict; value inventory; dyadic sharing; perception as an information process concept; conflict positions.
Strategies: Constructive/destructive conflict management; avoidance, defusion, confrontation; selecting the plan.
Tactics: Tools and tricks of the trade; power - personal, position; control/surrender techniques; six techniques for resolving conflict.
Finding the Common Ground: Integrative solutions; contentious behavior.
Interactive Role Plays: With a partner (4); solo (8); to develop a conflict procedure. The single user price of Workshop in Conflict Solutions is $155. For information on workstation and volume prices, call CD Solutions at 508-879-0006.

BCV Associates, of Newburgh, New York, is a human resource, organizational development, and training consulting firm that helps companies and individuals develop the skills, systems, and resources needed to optimize human and business potential. CD Solutions, Inc., an operating company of the International Data Group, publishes CD-ROMs for the business market to help users make the best use of their technology investment to grow their business and manage their use of information. Since 1992 the company has published more than 40 custom CD-ROMs to help businesses distribute information and market themselves.

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