The Westchester (New York) Chapter of the American Society for Training and Development presented a panel discussion focusing on the process of matching skills, career goals, and objectives of employees to the needs of the corporation. Their findings are presented in this article. (CT)

Few companies are comfortable with their performance appraisal system. The author suggests trying (1) systems that recognize competing priorities and attempt to alleviate conflicts through intelligent design and (2) management training that emphasizes the importance of providing staff with ongoing feedback. (CH)

The author states that many career development programs lack strategic attention to one or more system components in the model composed of content, process, and structure. He discusses how to fit career development activities into a model that addresses each component. (CH)

The author discusses how using statistical process control can help manufacturers save money and produce a better product. He covers barriers to its implementation within an organization, focusing on training workers in the methods. (CH)

Presents the proposals to improve workforce preparation from the report "America's Choice": (1) require attainment of high national standards of educational performance; (2) create learning environment that ensures this attainment; (3) establish professional certifications for non-college bound persons; (4) have employers allocate 1 percent of…

Discusses the five principal factors to consider when planning career development programs, including the four key roles of the manager in career development; the rationale for each role and why it is important that managers demonstrate competencies in each of the four; why managers resist these roles; and recommendations for methods to help…

Discusses self-management of professional development activities. Defines professional development, discusses information resources available to the professional, and gives suggestions for planning professional development activities. (CH)

The authors discuss how training managers can deal with functional illiteracy among their worksite students. Recommendations include (1) understand the reading process, (2) use directed reading activity, (3) determine reading level of materials and trainees, and (4) investigate alternative materials. (CH)

Refutes seven myths that keep employers from welcoming disabled persons into the workplace. Myths include higher turnover, lower productivity, greater safety risk, higher cost, more demanding, embarrassment, and incompatibility. Makes recommendations for managers. (CH)

Three business trends make career development for secretaries especially important: an increasingly white-collar work force, low productivity and secretarial shortages in offices, and redefinition of the role of management. Clear career paths for secretaries, such as executive secretary, paraprofessional, and management tracks, are effective ways…

The author defines productivity and discusses ways to increase productivity in the workplace, with emphasis on human resource development (HRD). He discusses the use of quality circles, participative management, and layoffs to increase productivity. (CH)

The authors discuss social, economic, and technological changes that are affecting the labor market. They define jobs, work, and careers and discuss evolving career forms, including linear, free form, and mixed form. The role of career development professionals in this transition is outlined. (CH)

Four authors who have experience with contract training present their recommendations for those who want to become contract trainers. Topics covered include program design, audience analysis, and marketing the trainer. (CH)

The author discusses application of Del Gaizo's four-level evaluation model to a business communications skills course for support and secretarial staff. The four measurement levels are (1) happiness, (2) learning, (3) practical application, and (4) bottom line. (CH)

Presents results of a national survey of training and development executives concerning the state of U.S. employee training. Examples of the topics covered by the survey include corporate philosophy, staffing considerations, needs assessment, training participation, program topics, methods and materials, and program evaluation. (CT)