There is a recognized gap between HRD practice and HRD research. In recent years, actions have been taken to understand and close the gap, and more are planned. Those efforts would benefit from a greater understanding of how the gap is experienced and addressed in other professions. This paper summarizes a literature review of material from other…

This manuscript presents preliminary findings from a case study. The study focused on one aspect of learning: the dual processes of participation and reification. Based in the community of practice literature, this learning is critical to understanding how the judges use the artifacts of their practice differently. These artifacts, otherwise known…

Human Resource Development (HRD) programs are faced with overwhelming challenges as there is a dearth of computer literate employees to meet the growing demands of the workplace. In other words, many employees are technologically and computer challenged thus impeding the instruction and learning process. Innovative organizations utilize computer…

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of training program characteristics on training effectiveness among organizations receiving training services from external training providers. Two surveys were sent to HRD managers and senior managers per company. The results showed that the operational margin of the programs where private…

This study reviews 125 HRD-focused articles published in two major HRD journals and ten mainstream SSCI journals across a six-year timeframe (1998-2003). It compares theoretical frameworks and methodologies employed in these different outlets, also looking at differences between US and European articles. Several differences in theoretical…

In a movement toward workforce development as an academic entity, the identity of adult education as projects for inquiry is troubled. In some academic programs, adult education has been termed adult learning in the service of promoting teaching and learning for the workplace. However, adult education's inquiry, its projects, might be more than…

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the statistical evidence for the extent of employer training in Australia and analyse this information in the light of three major qualitative projects that have been undertaken into employer training since the mid-1990s. Design/methodology/approach: The paper reports an analysis of the major…

In 1993, Texas' 24 quality work force planning committees used a state-developed targeted occupations planning methodology to identify key industries and targeted occupations with the greatest potential for job openings in their respective regions. Between 11 and 20 key industries (13.5 on average) were identified for each region. The following 10…

The most serious problem with the current work force preparation system is that many employment and training programs operate today to serve roughly the same people. Instead, these programs should be coordinated better to lower costs in the face of lowered funding. The General Accounting Office reports that about 125 federal programs do…

This study examines the depictions of organizational life appearing in popular training films. The study argues that little cultural attention has been paid to Human Resource Development (HRD), which has become a multi-billion dollar industry shaping employees' behaviors, knowledge and values. In addition, this study extends the interpretive…

Brief descriptions of individual models of business/education cooperation in ten U.S. cities are presented in this report. The models were either developed under the aegis of local Chambers of Commerce or depict major urban partnerships of which the Chambers are a part. Cities with such programs include Boston, Cincinnati, Dallas, Hartford,…

A review of the literature on human resource development (HRD) and HRD programs is presented. Topics include: (1) two definitions of HRD (Nadler 1983 and the American Society for Training and Development); (2) an analysis of those definitions; (3) the importance of HRD to organizations and individuals; (4) descriptions of types of HRD programs…

This article describes two formulae designed to measure the effect of job preparedness programs at six North Carolina community colleges. Increased taxes due to increased earnings "pay back" the program costs in less than two years. And trainees, through increased wages, "earn back" training costs in approximately five months. (NHM)

The Road Transport Industry Training Board has recognized that manpower planning was the key to estimating the industry's training needs. The effective training methods discussed are: management training, Group Training Associations, apprentice training, direct training, and mobile-training service. (Author/BP)

The authors, realizing the importance of continuous organizational reappraisal of manpower needs and strengths, have developed a model based on supply of management manpower and demand for management manpower. Without a manpower forecasting/planning program, the future needs of the organization are reduced to guesswork. (EA)