This Digest argues that management factors are central to youth program successes and failures and that these factor have been ignored in research on youth programs. Instead, the Digest notes that research and evaluation of programs have focused on the following: (1) whether the right audience is served; (2) whether to make incremental improvements or radical changes in program design; and (3) whether data about program effectiveness were gathered or interpreted properly. Drawing from evaluations of several programs the Digest suggests the following four elements essential for quality program management: (1) a well-managed service delivery system; (2) effective targeting and recruiting; (3) a well-articulated and consistent identity; and (4) sound leadership and an effective staff. In addition, funding mechanisms usually do not allow for long-term, stable staffing as funders expect services to begin as soon as the grant is made and ignore the fact that the staff must be hired and trained. Consequently, many programs are poorly run. One national study is cited as finding that low salaries and workers' perceptions of a lack of advancement in the field contributed to high turn-over while program managers reported that they preferred to hire more staff over investing in training existing staff. Included are five references. (JB)