Parsons describes benefits and limitations of using financial analysis tools to evaluate human resource development programs, suggesting the additional dimension of values. Brinkerhoff's reaction emphasizes the flaws of impact evaluation, suggesting ways to reframe training evaluation. (SK)

Outlines the state of economic transition in Hungary, the status of human resource development, economic and legal reforms, and the social partnership (education, business, government) in vocational training. (SK)

Explains two main approaches to human resource development (HRD): the transactional, which focuses attention on training as an activity strategy; and transformational, which focuses on a results-driven strategy that is performance-centered and helps organizations achieve strategic business goals and objectives. Compares the role of HRD…

Although education and training were distinct concepts when Taylorism dominated the workplace, it is no longer appropriate to separate them. Today's highly competitive environment requires the education of a flexible, multiskilled workforce, not training for narrowly defined employment tasks. (SK)

Leonard Nadler, who created George Washington University's doctoral program in human resources development (HRD) in 1962, discusses definitions of HRD and its growth as a discipline. (JOW)

The author examines such trends as rapid job change, organizational decentralization, the need for increased productivity, legal challenges, and changing work force needs; the evolving job-analysis technology; and the potential impact of this technology on human resources professionals. She also summarizes the key features to look for in a…

Offers specific strategies and ideas on how human resource professionals can collaborate effectively with line management. Includes examples of how it was done at several companies. (JOW)

Review of literature on sociocognitive frameworks for organizations, organizational learning, and knowledge management indicates the importance of an integrative approach to learning and knowledge in organizations. Particularly important are corporate vision, organizational context, and management action. (Contains 89 references.) (SK)

Examines the role of European universities as a motor for regional development and progress, and suggests that the best universities, having acquired world status, will have as a stated or unstated goal the education of global elites. (EV)

Adapts the gap model (comparison of service recipients' attitudes before and after service delivery) into a human resource development (HRD) service management model. Delineates linkages among organizational mission, internal customers' mission, performance needs, and HRD mission. (SK)

Defines needs assessment and compares different models in terms of levels (mega, macro, micro) and process and input. Recommends assessment of strengths and weakness of a model before using it in human resource development. (SK)

This chapter describes techniques and projects that most institutions need if they are to be viable in an increasingly competitive labor market. The authors assert that institutional researchers who increase their involvement in workforce development initiatives can become more valuable to their institution.

In 1996, Congress passed the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 (welfare reform), which, using the mechanism of the existing state Human Resource Investment Councils (HRICs) created by the Job Training Partnership Act Amendments of 1992, held out the promise of improving effective coordination among and across…

To address the economic crisis facing the country, the President signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) into law on February 17, 2009. This sweeping legislation provides $789 billion to jumpstart the economy and boost employment. This act includes $463 billion in new spending and $326 billion in tax relief directed at those…

The Federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Title II, Adult Education and Family Literacy Act provides funding for states and territories to provide instruction in English as a Second Language (ESL), Adult Basic Education (ABE), and Adult Secondary Education (ASE) to adults in need of these literacy services. California State Budget Act language…