INSIDE p.2 Northbound Train Spotlight p.2 Uniculture Model p.2 Making the Grade p.3 Book Review p.3 Model-Netics Testing p.3 M-N Instructor Review Process p.3 MEM D&I System p.3 School Business Managers p.4 Calendar of Events p.4 Contact Information The number in parenthesis after a name refers to the individual's Model-Netics Associate Number.

Book Review

Who Moved My Cheese?
This book written by Spencer Johnson, M.D., ranks 12th on Amazon.com's best seller list. It only takes about an hour to read this tale of four characters who live and run through a maze in search of their "cheese."

As the story unfolds, it is no accident that two of the characters are adventuresome mice and two are higher level "analytical" humans. As the cheese "moves", we observe, and can relate to, some very interesting reactions to change.

This book should be of interest wherever you find people who fear or resist change. Change can be a blessing or a curse, depending on your perspective. The message of Who Moved My Cheese? is that we all can come to see it as an opportunity, if we understand the nature of change and the role it plays in our lives.

However, Spencer Johnson's story communicates much more than the theme of change. Model-Netics models from the motivation, problem-solving and other sessions will come to mind as you read it.

The book reinforces the timelessness of the models that you know from Model-Netics! One reading of this story will bring to mind many models like the "Change Curve", "Incrementalism", "Behavior Is Goal Directed", and the "Problem Filter". We encourage you to do your own "Reference Check" to see how many models you can identify in this book.

The author, Spencer Johnson, M.D., is co-author of The One Minute Manager and many other books. Who Moved My Cheese? is available in most bookstores and internet booksellers.

Model-Netics Testing:
Five Major Benefits
Testing is very popular today with many organizations including testing within their training programs. MEMC is receiving more and more requests for Model-Netics tests. To meet this need we have developed a variety of Model-Netics tests.

There are several major benefits from Model-Netics Testing.

1. Learning and Retention. Learning and retention of the models are improved with testing. Testing provides a Heisenberg effect which will generally result in about a 20 percent improvement in content retention .
2. Program Evaluation. Testing provides a foundation for evaluating and measuring the effectiveness of the training.
3. Expectations. Testing communicates the importance of the organization's expectations regarding Model-Netics and of the behavior suggested by the models.
4. Recognition. Successful completion of tests contributes to participant recognition and satisfaction. It gives them a feeling of accomplishment.
5. Certification. Testing is necessary for various continuous education certification requirements. Testing can also be used as certification to meet internal career path requirements.

MEMC encourages everyone to consider adding testing to their Model-Netics instruction. We have tests by session, by review session, and comprehensive tests covering all the models. A number of MEMC clients have successfully incorporated testing into their Model-Netics instruction with positive results. To obtain more information about testing, contact Scott Christensen at 713-831-1351 or slchristensen@maineventmanagement.com.

The Model-Netics
Instructor Review Process
The Model-Netics Instructor Training Program (ITP) includes audiotape or in person reviews through the first five to six sessions and a self-assessment procedure for the remainder of the course. An item that is very helpful when the reviews are done by audiotape (due to distance) is receiving samples, or actual photos of instructor's flip chart work. As the flip chart is a key focal point in the instruction, it helps the reviewer to visualize the setting and information on the chart.

	MEM D&I System The MEM Directive & Information System (D&I) is a standardized methodology for documenting, organizing and communicating organizational policies and procedures. The D&I System actualizes the Progress Principle. It provides the recorded history that makes it possible for people to build on the accomplishments of their predecessors instead of repeatedly solving the same problems. The D&I System can help you in the following areas: Continuous Improvement Knowledge Capture Promotion of Best Practices Quality Assurance Managing Change Improved Management Performance Reduced Suboptimization Reduced Impact of Turnover Improved Compliance MEMC offers full consulting assistance for installing and maintaining the D&I System. For information contact Scott Christensen at 713-831-1351 or slchristensen@maineventmanagement.com.

	School Business Managers In November 2000, the Houston Independent School District (HISD) established a training program for school-based business managers in an attempt to ease outside demands on school principals. The program will allow school principals to focus their time on educational issues. When the program is fully implemented, there will be between 150-175 School Business Managers (SBMs)at HISD. HISD contracted with Main Event Management Corporation to design a standardized training program for SBMs. The training program will contain both business and management courses. Model-Netics will be a key part of the management training curriculum. In addition, as part of their development program, the SBMs will attend the Model-Netics ITP and teach the Basic Course. If interested, contact Scott Christensen at 713-831-1351 or slchristensen@maineventmanagement.com.