FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE—SHAPING THE FUTURE OF PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT
In every field, moments arise when theory meets practice, when learning transcends the classroom and becomes lived experience. This issue of Performance Improvement Journal celebrates one of those moments through the voices of the next generation of performance improvement professionals: the winners and finalists of the ISPI Case Study Competition.
The ISPI Case Study Competition represents the essence of applied learning. It challenges students not only to understand models and methods, but to use them, to diagnose complex human performance challenges, analyze root causes, and propose actionable interventions. It is, at its core, a bridge between academic preparation and professional application. Participants step into the role of consultants, operating within the same ambiguity, pressure, and collaboration required in real-world performance improvement work.
As highlighted in the faculty reflections from Drs. Deri Draper-Amason, Holley Handley, and Ria Roy, the competition provides more than a test of technical knowledge. It cultivates resilience, teamwork, and professional identity, the qualities that sustain long-term success in our field. Students describe the experience as transformative, often recalling how late-night strategy sessions, constructive critiques, and iterative problem-solving mirrored the realities of organizational life. These are not abstract lessons; they are formative experiences that shape emerging professionals into confident contributors to the discipline.
This year’s featured student articles exemplify the spirit of From Theory to Practice. From the University of West Florida, two teams translated the principles of Human Performance Technology (HPT) into rigorous, data-driven analyses of workforce challenges in the HVAC-R industry. In “Leveraging HPT to Enhance HVAC Technician Retention: A Multisite Case Study,” Shannon Biagi, Caroline Atwood-Brode, Sara Golden, and Traci Hudgin applied systems thinking to reveal the interplay between leadership, scheduling practices, and workforce stability, offering evidence-based interventions to improve retention and engagement. Meanwhile, “Designing Sustainable Workforce Interventions in the HVAC-R Industry” by Roberto Robles, Randall Olvera, Ashley Labus, and Nicole Hatcher, demonstrates how graduate students can design innovative solutions grounded in HPT, including AI-enhanced scheduling, social media recruitment campaigns, and community partnerships to strengthen technician pipelines. Together, these studies reflect not only academic excellence but also the growing impact of student-led research on industry practice.
For faculty and mentors, the competition is equally rewarding. It provides a model of experiential learning that complements academic rigor with authentic practice. Through their guidance, students learn to navigate complexity and build the habits of reflective practitioners, skills that align perfectly with the future of our field, where adaptability and evidence-based decision making are indispensable.
As we look ahead, one message is clear: the future of performance improvement is in capable hands. These students remind us that innovation and insight often begin with curiosity and courage, the courage to engage, experiment, and refine. Their work stands as both a testament to the enduring relevance of performance improvement and a call to continue investing in mentorship, collaboration, and experiential learning.
On behalf of Performance Improvement Journal, we extend congratulations to the competition winners, gratitude to the faculty coaches, and appreciation to ISPI’s community for supporting this vital bridge from theory to practice. Together, we are not just preparing students for the field, we are shaping the future of performance improvement itself.
CALL FOR PAPERS
Do you have an idea for a paper? Have you seen a great presentation that should become an article? PIJ is actively seeking articles that cross the boundaries of domains and introduce HPT-related innovations or a new approach to utilizing/teaching HPT. Your article can provide readers an opportunity to see performance improvement in action!
Please send questions to pij@ispi.org. We look forward to seeing your contributions, comments and questions.
CALL FOR REVIEWERS
PIJ is always looking for reviewers to help evaluate and review manuscripts. Your feedback matters! The comments and feedback that reviewers supply are an invaluable contribution in our research network. Participating in the review process is an excellent way to gain first-hand experience with the publishing process. Please contact pij@ispi.org to express your interest.
Join Us at the ISPI 2026 Conference in Nashville, TN. Please visit our conference website for more details: https://ispi2026.mystrikingly.com/
