This study investigated how firms in Germany and Australia compare when dealing with the institutional arrangements for apprenticeship training in their countries, with particular attention given to factors which may impact on their training motivation. Apprenticeships are a well-established pathway to employment across many countries, with a…

This paper presents a systems approach based on the work of W. Edwards Deming to system wide, high impact staff development. Deming has pointed out the significance of structure in systems. By restructuring the process of staff development we can bring about cost effective improvement of the whole system. We can improve student achievement while…

Although a great deal of time, resources and effort goes into the education of potential or existing entrepreneurs, our knowledge of the effects of this education is still rather limited. It can be argued that an imbalance exists between the substantial amount of finance and manpower invested in entrepreneurship education programmes and the very…

Purpose: This paper aims to review the relevant literature on training needs assessment (TNA) with an objective to provide users/beneficiaries of TNA with the understanding of its growing concept, multiple uses (outcomes), and valuing these uses (antecedents). Design/methodology/approach: To conduct the literature review on uses of TNA, the…

To improve the employment rates and earnings of Americans workers, we need to create more-coherent and more-effective education and workforce development systems, focusing primarily (though not exclusively) on disadvantaged youth and adults, and with education and training more clearly targeted towards firms and sectors that provide good-paying…

Cedefop's report "Learning while working: success stories on workplace learning in Europe" presents an overview of key trends in adult learning in the workplace. It takes stock of previous research carried out by Cedefop between 2003 and 2010 on key topics for adult learning: governance and the learning regions; social partner roles in…

Twelve training experts discuss their views on the efficacy of sales training in relation to organizational budget and sales success. (WL)

Examines two key considerations related to the question of whether computer-based training is justified--training objectives, and costs of developing computer-based programs. Questions on training content, skills to be performed by trainees, specific training objectives, development and revision costs, salaries, and cost estimates are presented to…

Discussion of instructional design strategies focuses on principles to create faster, cheaper, and better strategies by using unconventional methods. Presents six case studies that show how training objectives were met and discusses basic principles of training design activities compared to traditional instructional systems design, including a…

Examples of "lean" programs are contrasted with examples of small-step programs. An analysis of cost data for 11 programs shows that trainees' wages are the major source of training costs. Lean programing cuts training time by a third or a half and thus reduces a major element in training costs. (Author)

Six articles discuss the need for improved training of library personnel and strategies for attaining this goal. Areas discussed include training objectives, training methods, the role of library education, staff development at Indiana State University, the role of library management, and the creation of effective training methods. (CLB)

Discusses reasons for establishing in-house training programs with the installation of library automation systems. Training issues discussed include who should provide training; who should receive training; program objectives; program content; training methods; documentation; and future training requirements. A program provided at the National…

The contingency approach applied to the selection of training methods (based upon five independent variables: cost, training objectives, time, class size, and learning principles) holds considerable promise for adding objectivity to training decisions and assuring the choice of appropriate training techniques. (Author/BP)

Designing a training course to be more efficient will simultaneously reduce the amount of trainee time as well as increase its impact on job performance. (Available from American Management Associations, Subscription Services, Box 319, Saranac Lake, NY 12983; $3.25 single copy.) (MLF)

This book describes and advocates "smart training," an approach to on-the-job training that helps employees gain competence and empowers them to act to satisfy customers. The book is organized in 16 chapters grouped into 4 parts. Part 1 outlines the basics of smart training, including its performance base, the need for initial analysis,…