EPSScentral Lead StoryApr2003

/2003

It's that time again! EPSScentral is now accepting submissions for the 2003 Performance Centered Design Awards! Here's your chance to show your stuff and gain recognition for yourself, your organization, your software, and/or your business sponsor. The PCD Awards will showcase creative solutions that best represents the principles of electronic performance support and performance-centered design in three categories this year:

Traditional EPSS - external or extrinsic "EPSS" solutions with designs rooted primarily in the learning and/or reference technologies;

PCD Solutions - end-user embedded / intrinsic performer-centered solutions that are strictly focused on task completion (not learning); and

Extraordinary PCD Tools - for developing EPSS and any performance-centered systems and functions!

Awards will be presented at the 2003 Online Learning Conference and Expo and will be published on www.EPSScentral.com to serve as models for new and experienced EPSS/PCD advocates. Previous winning entries may be viewed here.

DATES and DEADLINES:

Submission deadline is July 15, 2003. No exceptions!

AWARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRESENTATIONS

Awards will be announced on August 31, 2003 and will be presented during session 413 on Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at the Online Learning Conference in Los Angeles.

Award-winning entries will also be on display at the EPSScentral booth at the Online Learning 2003 Expo, September 22-24, 2003.

COSTS: All non-refundable entry fees must be accompanied with a check in the appropriate amount payable to EPSScentral LLC or payment can be made via PayPal.

Traditional EPSS: US $350

PCD Solutions: US $350

EXTRAORDINARY PCD TOOLS: US $550

SUBMISSIONS & EVALUATION:

You are responsible for the costs of preparing your entry. You are required to use the entry template for Traditional EPSS, PCD Solutions, and Extraordinary PCD Tools, respectively. You must also supplementing the online submission with a URL, CD, DVD, or video tape of the live experience so that the judges can experience your offering in as concrete a manner as possible.

ELIGIBILITY: Your entry must describe either a particular component or feature of an operational Traditional EPSS Solution, an intrinsic/embedded Performance-Centered System, Performance Centered System Development Tool, or a complete Performance Centered System. Note the word "operational!" - NO design concepts that have not been at least piloted in an operational setting where the business/organizational value has been measured.

Traditional EPSS submissions are the "electronic performance support systems" that are external or extrinsic and have learning and/or reference as their primary design bases. EPSS submissions must be grounded nonetheless in business or organizational performance outcomes. While learning or reference design may be primary with regard to design, the system must show a measurable improvement in performance, reduction in conventional training time, and/or reduced time to competency on the task(s) it was designed to support.

PCD Solutions are intrinsic or embedded and exclusively focused on the business performance outcome in measurable ways. For example, a PCD Outcome that replaces the interface of an enterprise application such that (a) the frequency of data entry errors is reduced; (b) the frequency of incomplete information entered into the system is reduced; (c) the speed with which data is entered is substantially increased; and (d) the need for any form of learning in advance of doing is eliminated is Performance Centered.

On the other hand, an embedded tutorial, online help, field-sensitive help, and the like, are typically NOT Performance Centered Solutions in the same sense. Provided they show measurable performance improvement as described above, such programs should be submitted to the EPSS/Performance Centered Learning category. .Performance-Centered means that there is a measurable improvement in the business outcome (or, if not a business, then a measurable improvement in achieving the organization's goals) with learning NOT a primary goal.

Excellent examples of Traditional EPSS include Leadership Transitions and Xegy Accelerator. Excellent PCD Solutions inlcude Step 7 Lite (PCD is manifested in the inherent design of the software), KP2000 (PCD manifests itself in the redesigned interface), and Guru (PCD manifests itself in the synergy between the native mainframe system, embedded wizards, and the company intranet. Further examples and explanations of PCD can be found at http://www.epsscentral.com/samples.htm and http://www.epsscentral.com/what_is_epss.htm.

Extraordinary PCD Tools are new technologies (tools, products, protocol) that were not previously available commercially or otherwise. Innovative PCD Tools and Techniques are things that facilitate embedding support into other software, act as "agents" to deliver decision support at the time of need, integrate disparate end-user software, help anticipate and resolve performance challenges, use general inference techniques to eliminate complexity, reduce the need for conventional IT support, replace more conventional means of support, and the like. These can be new components of existing PCD Tools and Techniques if they are sufficiently unique.

Excellent examples of Extraordinary Performance Centered Design Tools are those that facilitate creating and integrating performance support environments, such as alternate interfaces, merging disparate systems (via interface integration, middleware, agents, and the like); capturing and disseminating business processes and best practices; embedding “wizards” and other productivity enhancers into existing systems; providing decision support and workflow support; providing resources to quickly troubleshoot problems, answer customer questions, and the like (see Knowledge Stream). Any tool that clearly stands head-and-shoulders above the rest in its category - or that defines a unique category - for enhancing the creation of EPSS / Performance-Centered Solutions is a candidate for an Extraordinary PCD Tool. Hardware and hardware devices that fit this description are also candidates.

The Awards are open to businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions. Vendors are welcome to submit their work but are strongly encouraged to do so in partnership with their clients.

WHAT AND WHERE TO SUBMIT:

To be considered in this year's PCD Awards, your submission must be postmarked on or before July 15, 2003. Your submission must include:

The prepared submission template (Traditional EPSS, PCD Solutions, or Extraordinary PCD Tools) with supplementary URL, CD, DVD, Video or other supporting media/materials to ensure that our judges can evaluate the real experience. You must mail six (6) copies of your submission materials.

One copy of the completed and signed Permission to Publish template (hard copy, signed and mailed) that is included with each submission template.

Your check for US $350 (Traditional EPSS, PCD Solutions) or $550 (EXTRAORDINARY PCD TOOLS and TECHNIQUES) made payable to EPSScentral LLC. Payment can also be rendered via PayPal. Please write to info@epsscentral.com if you plan to pay via PayPal. Transactions must be completed by the postmark deadline.

ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST FOLLOW THE DETAILED GUIDELINES PROVIDED ON THE ENTRY FORMS!

All materials must be addressed to:

PCD Awards 2003

c/o EPSScentral LLC

6909 Pacific Lane

Annandale, VA 22003

and MUST BE POSTMARKED by July 15, 2003. No exceptions!

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	/2003 It's that time again! EPSScentral is now accepting submissions for the 2003 Performance Centered Design Awards! Here's your chance to show your stuff and gain recognition for yourself, your organization, your software, and/or your business sponsor. The PCD Awards will showcase creative solutions that best represents the principles of electronic performance support and performance-centered design in three categories this year: Traditional EPSS - external or extrinsic "EPSS" solutions with designs rooted primarily in the learning and/or reference technologies; PCD Solutions - end-user embedded / intrinsic performer-centered solutions that are strictly focused on task completion (not learning); and Extraordinary PCD Tools - for developing EPSS and any performance-centered systems and functions! Awards will be presented at the 2003 Online Learning Conference and Expo and will be published on www.EPSScentral.com to serve as models for new and experienced EPSS/PCD advocates. Previous winning entries may be viewed here. DATES and DEADLINES: Submission deadline is July 15, 2003. No exceptions! AWARD ANNOUNCEMENTS and PRESENTATIONS Awards will be announced on August 31, 2003 and will be presented during session 413 on Tuesday, September 23, 2003 at the Online Learning Conference in Los Angeles. Award-winning entries will also be on display at the EPSScentral booth at the Online Learning 2003 Expo, September 22-24, 2003. COSTS: All non-refundable entry fees must be accompanied with a check in the appropriate amount payable to EPSScentral LLC or payment can be made via PayPal. Traditional EPSS: US $350 PCD Solutions: US $350 EXTRAORDINARY PCD TOOLS: US $550 SUBMISSIONS & EVALUATION: You are responsible for the costs of preparing your entry. You are required to use the entry template for Traditional EPSS, PCD Solutions, and Extraordinary PCD Tools, respectively. You must also supplementing the online submission with a URL, CD, DVD, or video tape of the live experience so that the judges can experience your offering in as concrete a manner as possible. ELIGIBILITY: Your entry must describe either a particular component or feature of an operational Traditional EPSS Solution, an intrinsic/embedded Performance-Centered System, Performance Centered System Development Tool, or a complete Performance Centered System. Note the word "operational!" - NO design concepts that have not been at least piloted in an operational setting where the business/organizational value has been measured. Traditional EPSS submissions are the "electronic performance support systems" that are external or extrinsic and have learning and/or reference as their primary design bases. EPSS submissions must be grounded nonetheless in business or organizational performance outcomes. While learning or reference design may be primary with regard to design, the system must show a measurable improvement in performance, reduction in conventional training time, and/or reduced time to competency on the task(s) it was designed to support. PCD Solutions are intrinsic or embedded and exclusively focused on the business performance outcome in measurable ways. For example, a PCD Outcome that replaces the interface of an enterprise application such that (a) the frequency of data entry errors is reduced; (b) the frequency of incomplete information entered into the system is reduced; (c) the speed with which data is entered is substantially increased; and (d) the need for any form of learning in advance of doing is eliminated is Performance Centered. On the other hand, an embedded tutorial, online help, field-sensitive help, and the like, are typically NOT Performance Centered Solutions in the same sense. Provided they show measurable performance improvement as described above, such programs should be submitted to the EPSS/Performance Centered Learning category. .Performance-Centered means that there is a measurable improvement in the business outcome (or, if not a business, then a measurable improvement in achieving the organization's goals) with learning NOT a primary goal. Excellent examples of Traditional EPSS include Leadership Transitions and Xegy Accelerator. Excellent PCD Solutions inlcude Step 7 Lite (PCD is manifested in the inherent design of the software), KP2000 (PCD manifests itself in the redesigned interface), and Guru (PCD manifests itself in the synergy between the native mainframe system, embedded wizards, and the company intranet. Further examples and explanations of PCD can be found at http://www.epsscentral.com/samples.htm and http://www.epsscentral.com/what_is_epss.htm. Extraordinary PCD Tools are new technologies (tools, products, protocol) that were not previously available commercially or otherwise. Innovative PCD Tools and Techniques are things that facilitate embedding support into other software, act as "agents" to deliver decision support at the time of need, integrate disparate end-user software, help anticipate and resolve performance challenges, use general inference techniques to eliminate complexity, reduce the need for conventional IT support, replace more conventional means of support, and the like. These can be new components of existing PCD Tools and Techniques if they are sufficiently unique. Excellent examples of Extraordinary Performance Centered Design Tools are those that facilitate creating and integrating performance support environments, such as alternate interfaces, merging disparate systems (via interface integration, middleware, agents, and the like); capturing and disseminating business processes and best practices; embedding “wizards” and other productivity enhancers into existing systems; providing decision support and workflow support; providing resources to quickly troubleshoot problems, answer customer questions, and the like (see Knowledge Stream). Any tool that clearly stands head-and-shoulders above the rest in its category - or that defines a unique category - for enhancing the creation of EPSS / Performance-Centered Solutions is a candidate for an Extraordinary PCD Tool. Hardware and hardware devices that fit this description are also candidates. The Awards are open to businesses, government agencies, and educational institutions. Vendors are welcome to submit their work but are strongly encouraged to do so in partnership with their clients. WHAT AND WHERE TO SUBMIT: To be considered in this year's PCD Awards, your submission must be postmarked on or before July 15, 2003. Your submission must include: The prepared submission template (Traditional EPSS, PCD Solutions, or Extraordinary PCD Tools) with supplementary URL, CD, DVD, Video or other supporting media/materials to ensure that our judges can evaluate the real experience. You must mail six (6) copies of your submission materials. One copy of the completed and signed Permission to Publish template (hard copy, signed and mailed) that is included with each submission template. Your check for US $350 (Traditional EPSS, PCD Solutions) or $550 (EXTRAORDINARY PCD TOOLS and TECHNIQUES) made payable to EPSScentral LLC. Payment can also be rendered via PayPal. Please write to info@epsscentral.com if you plan to pay via PayPal. Transactions must be completed by the postmark deadline. ALL SUBMISSIONS MUST FOLLOW THE DETAILED GUIDELINES PROVIDED ON THE ENTRY FORMS! All materials must be addressed to: PCD Awards 2003 c/o EPSScentral LLC 6909 Pacific Lane Annandale, VA 22003 and MUST BE POSTMARKED by July 15, 2003. No exceptions!