This report explores the links between trade unions and workplace training, and the potential benefits of social partnership in the skills system. The UK is relatively unusual in having no formal role for trade unions in the training system. In most advanced economies, trade unions and employers work alongside government in shaping the skills…

Studies have confirmed that there is a strong correlation between employees' levels of basic workplace skills and their productivity in the workplace. Programs to build basic workplace skills have been shown to yield the following positive results: more instances of employees using reading and writing on the job, higher employee participation in…

Workplace literacy programs can support the path toward either low wages or high skills. Instead of the "high skill" path, most U.S. companies follow the "low wage" path. Depending on who is involved, which program goals are selected, and what planning process is followed, a workplace literacy program can maintain outdated workplaces or foster…

The purpose of this book was to assist trainers in developing the skills that must be involved in a total quality management (TQM) training program. The book is organized into 17 chapters that cover the following topics: understanding the need, organizational requirements, training and the bottom line, training and organizational change, the…

Productivity is a major issue in every discussion about the national economy. There is growing evidence that lagging productivity is one of the roots of the national economic slowdown, manifested in high rates of inflation and unemployment, increased federal deficits, and in reduced ability to compete in international markets. Many economists…

This essay deals with a series of methodological issues involved in assessing training priorities in developing countries. It is argued that the present methods of arriving at these priorities leave much to be desired, and a number of suggestions are made that might lead to more informed policy decisions on education and training. (CT)

This document contains four papers presented at a symposium on practitioner states moderated by Kay Bull at the 1996 conference of the Academy of Human Resource Development (AHRD). "The Effect of Locus of Control and Performance-Contingent Incentives on Productivity and Job Satisfaction in Self-Managing Teams" (Bonnie E. Garson, Douglas…

Seven job-related basic skills identified as skills employers want are as follows: (1) learning to learn; (2) reading, writing, and computation; (3) oral communication and listening; (4) creative thinking and problem solving; (5) personal management, including self-esteem, goal setting, motivation, and personal and career development; (6) group…

In 1988 SPD1, a division of Motorola, began an extensive 4-year endeavor to transform itself into an organization built on excellence and customer satisfaction. SPD1 contracted with Merex Corporation to provide three services that would enable employees to take on their new responsibilities more effectively. Merex conducted Skills Enhancement…

The 1971-76 National Education System Plan to modernize education in Nepal and the 1975-1980 Fifth Plan of His Majesty's Government, emphasizing vocational education to meet the country's technical manpower needs, are attempts to make education relevant to the needs and aspirations of Nepal by linking education with productive enterprise and…

This document contains papers from 23 of 25 symposia held at the 1995 Academy of Human Resource Development (HRD) conference. Keynote speeches, symposium 6, and symposium 25 are not included. The 23 symposia are on the following topics: (1) HRD town forum; (2) core directions in HRD; (3) university instruction in HRD; (4) evaluation in HRD; (5)…