Examines the social, economic, political, and philosophical influences on the development of Key Skills in Britain, particularly the work of R. H. Tawney. Describes their evolution into the current set (communication, number application, information technology, working with others, improving one's own learning and performance, problem solving) and…

Reports on focus group discussions with managers, bartenders, waitstaff, and security staff of retail alcohol establishments. Purpose of the focus groups was to identify beliefs, attitudes, behaviors, and practices among management and staff to guide development of training programs. Results indicate that, compared to management, staff had…

Examination of the government role in labor force development in Singapore, Taiwan, and South Korean identified strategies and structures enabling the "East Asian Miracle" of economic development, including strong states with high autonomy regarding capital and labor, super-ministries linking institutions, and strong central control of…

Economists are aware of the importance of human capital in the process of development, whereas policy makers are only now exploring its implications, pressed by demands for more jobs and higher incomes. Recent research in the dynamics of labor markets illustrates how the results can help shape education and training policy in the United States.…

This report presents an overview of the distance education systems currently operating in Europe. The first chapter discusses the factors influencing growth of job training requirements in Western Europe. The qualitative trend in training requirements is discussed in chapter two, particularly new consumer habits. The role of the media in…

Economic competitiveness is today's most critical issue. Keeping the United States competitive in the world marketplace means the difference between a rising standard of living for everyone and the disappearance of what is taken for granted as a way of life. Developing human capital is the route toward successful competition, as some examples…

This publication discusses and analyzes issues related to job training in the high school. Section 1 describes the nature of the job training problem by presenting views of constituencies affected by high school programs. The interests of these groups are examined: students, instructional staff members, school administrators, parents, employers,…

Several social objectives influence government sponsorship of employment programs: (1) training for mobility to reduce disruptions caused by change; and (2) increasing skill levels to increase productivity. Evaluation of program effectiveness considers whether the program served its target groups, what activities were provided, and what the…

Although several fundamental forces are changing the American economy and the American work force, three conditions are pivotal--demographic change, technological change coupled with shifting conditions of competition, and the continuing inadequacies of both public- and private-sector employment and training policies. The employment and training…

Reviews the record and actions of the 102nd Congress of the United States with respect to legislation and other issues of interest to the African American community and the Urban League movement. Covers appropriations, family, medical, higher education, environmental, job training, and older citizens legislation. (JB)

Industrial expansion remains essential for the development and structural transformation of most sub-Saharan African economies. The advantages of industrialization go beyond the provision of manufactured goods and the diversification of exports to the modernization of society. Growth rates in formal manufacturing tell little about the economic…

The issues of harmonization and autonomy as they affect vocational education and manpower policy development and the implementation of program service delivery are analyzed. Some of the background issues that have affected the relationship of vocational education and manpower, in particular the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act (CETA), are…

Discusses the problems associated with remediation in vocational education and job training and argues for the need to reform the current system. The authors explain that reform would require the coordination and referral mechanisms familiar to policymakers as well as pedagogical reforms that have rarely been considered. (GLR)

This paper provides background information for a seminar discussion about basic skills integration in the workplace. It is intended to frame major policy questions for participants. The chief mission of the seminar's sponsoring organization is to develop a common framework among public agencies, private employers, and unions to discuss policies…

This paper explores the role of public jobs programs in the U.S. economy from the 1930s to the present. It postulates that jobs programs are necessary because they serve four separate but overlapping needs: alleviating joblessness, hardship, and poverty; helping the economy emerge from recession; providing jobs to able-bodied welfare recipients;…