Acumen Launches PRAXIS for Managers 5.0 for Windows.

SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 10, 1996--Acumen International, the industry leader in performance and change management solutions, today announced PRAXIS for Managers 5.0, a new version of its skill-based multi-rater feedback instrument that runs in the Windows 3.X and Windows95 environments.

PRAXIS for Managers assesses an individual's performance based on input from bosses, peers and direct reports. PRAXIS for Managers 5.0 supports Microsoft Windows and graphical user interface (GUI) standards for data entry and application navigation. It also offers on-line help to individuals who rate each participant as well as to the report administrator who generates the feedback reports. The new release also features enhancements to both the assessment and reporting functions in the software.

"PRAXIS for Managers meets an important need for companies that want to manage change and improve the skill level of their workforces," said Acumen CEO and president Cynthia Padnos. "Because it runs in Windows, this new release is easier to use and more robust than its DOS counterparts. PRAXIS for Managers 5.0 will enable human resources departments to move quickly and easily into the Windows95 environment."

According to Padnos, Human Resources departments in major organizations such as Rohm & Haas and Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) are upgrading to PRAXIS for Managers 5.0.

"PRAXIS for Managers is a key component of our leadership development program," said Barbara Jereb, senior consultant at PG&E. "It helps our managers deliver the kind of job performance required for their personal success and the success of PG&E."

New Features Enhance Assessment and Reporting Functions

PRAXIS for Managers is a competency-based multi-rater feedback instrument used to promote company and individual growth at the executive, managerial team, and sales team levels. Participants distribute assessment disks to superiors, peers and direct reports, who then rate them in a variety of categories, ranging from communications skills to understanding of the company's mission. Reports are then generated based on this feedback either at the customer site or by Acumen. PRAXIS for Managers delivers feedback that includes both graphic profiles and detailed, plain-English narrative reports.

This comprehensive, individualized feedback points out strengths and weaknesses, and offers suggestions for improvement.

PRAXIS for Managers 5.0 offers enhanced assessment and reporting functions. For example, raters can now provide a PRAXIS participant with direct feedback through a "Comments" box at the end of each rating session. Participants are provided with a report that includes all rater comments, although the raters remain anonymous.

"Acumen has always been known for its content-rich software programs," said Padnos. "The comment box provides specific feedback that might not have been obtained through the rating questions. It adds another dimension of feedback to help guide performance improvement."

A new viewing capability helps administrators who may need to preview reports for example, check to see that all raters have returned their disks. This feature also enables participants the convenience of viewing feedback without printing the report.

Three new administrative reports that enable tracking at the participant, rater and group levels are also available with PRAXIS for Managers 5.0. For example, the rater's report shows who has turned in assessment disks. Administrators can then remind tardy raters to complete an assessment and turn in their disks.

The Windows GUI makes PRAXIS for Managers easy to use for participants, raters and administrators. A tool bar and icons make it easy to locate, view and print reports. Most commands can now be executed through these features, eliminating the need to remember and enter lengthy command sequences.

The PRAXIS report generator is backward compatible, supporting prior releases of assessment disks for DOS products (PRAXIS for Managers 3.0 and 4.0). Administrators and participants therefore do not lose the ability to measure against past performance.

PRAXIS for Managers 5.0 is available immediately. Windows and Internet versions of other Acumen products are planned for the near future. For more information contact Acumen at 415/492-9190.

About Acumen International

Acumen is the market leader in automated management assessment and performance feedback systems. Acumen's PRAXIS, PRAXIS IC, WorkStyles, ACUMEN, and SALES ACUMEN applications run on personal computers in Windows and DOS environments. Headquartered in San Rafael, Acumen's products are sold through sales offices in San Francisco, Chicago and New York, and through a network of distributors throughout the United States, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.

Acumen products have been implemented at Fortune 500 companies in numerous industries, including Banking, Chemicals/Pharmaceuticals, Consulting, Consumer Products, Financial Services, Government/Education, High Technology, Manufacturing, Health Care Services, Publishing, Telecommunications, Transportation/Shipping, Travel/Hospitality, and Utilities. -0-

Note to Editors: For Screen captures of PRAXIS 5.0 please contact Diane Rose at 415/492-9190 x207.

ACUMEN, PRAXIS, PRAXIS IC, SALES ACUMEN, and the Acumen International logo are registered trademarks of Acumen International, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. WorkStyles is a trademark of Acumen.

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