The authors analyze the effectiveness of consulting courses in raising the self-efficacy of participants to cope with the kinds of tasks typically faced by entry-level management consultants. Using data from self-evaluation questionnaires completed by 130 students in three types of consulting courses, the authors find that these courses are…

A survey of businesses (n=42) determined hiring practices and job responsibilities of entry-level accountants and found out the course content, computer application requirements, and qualities needed. Results indicate that beginning accounting employees need to be technically literate, strong communicators, and problem solvers. (JOW)

Professionals in aging services (n=70) rated practice competence in interpersonal interactions and accountability as highly important for entry-level professionals. Financial and personnel management ranked lowest. Competencies were changing to reflect changes in the environment and in the needs of older adults and service providers. (SK)

Nonpublic (n=820) and public (n=200) accountants rated 112 knowledge and skill areas required of entry workers. Some differences in the importance of these requirements for nonpublic and public accountants have implications for accounting curriculum design. (SK)

Responses from 243 of 400 marketing trainers validated work experience and business/marketing classes as curriculum components. However, high school and technical college marketing programs were not as valued as four-year college programs. (JOW)

Using the DACUM Process, teams reviewed lists of competencies developed in 1993 to revise curriculum standards for entry-level office-related positions. Competencies in organization/operations, information, technology, interpersonal skills, and resources were identified. (JOW)

In a survey of 80 managerial and 130 entry-level computer professionals, most entry workers believed they possessed competencies identified in Association for Computing Machinery (ACM) curricula; most managers did not agree. Most managers rated 28% of ACM competencies moderately to not important; 63% were so rated by entry workers. (SK)

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the Kmart Employment for Youth job preparation program showed that the 43 African American students ages 16-19 gained confidence in such employable skills as the ability to plan and develop a career, to make decisions, and to find a job. (JOW)

Includes "Positively Different: Guidance for Developing Inclusive Adult Literacy, Language and Numeracy Curricula" (Shore et al.); "Difficulties of Applied Practice Experienced by Recently Graduated Tertiary Nursing Students in Their First Six Months of Employment in a Major Public Hospital" (Bates); and "Development of…

Innovative teaching techniques and more instructional time required for licensing are changing the kind of accounting instruction offered in colleges and universities. The changes also create uncertainty about accounting firms' recruitment practices, cohesion within the discipline, and the ability of colleges to meet these new imperatives. (MSE)

At a conference on the senior year experience, participants described "capstone" courses that pull together the themes of a student's major and investigate ethics and civic responsibility. Employers said many college graduates were unprepared to work in teams and unwilling to pay their dues by starting in entry-level positions. (MLW)

Discusses how the New England College of Optometry has expanded clinical education so graduates are equipped to handle new and advanced clinical and patient-care responsibilities and meet the changing standards of professional entry-level competency. The reform process, third- and fourth-year curriculum components, rotations, and plans for…

A national conference of colleges of optometry focused on planning for optometric curricular reform and faculty development. Issues addressed included changes needed to meet entry-level professional needs, available resources, changes in optometry practice, and optometry's role in health care reform. Task forces worked together to develop a…

A survey of 56 pharmacy schools gathered information on current content of drug information courses and clerkships and plans to change training methods as the Doctor of Pharmacy becomes the sole entry-level degree. Some schools will modify course or clerkship content, by omitting or shifting objectives within the curriculum. (Author/MSE)

Chronicles development of the Baylor College of Dentistry (Texas) competency-based curriculum and outlines 11 lessons learned concerning strategic planning, external accountability, value of significant and continuing faculty participation, administrative support structures, linking planning and assessment, using multiple assessment methods,…