Contends that it is widely believed that cheap labor in poor countries attracts foreign investors. Asserts that historical evidence indicates that past patterns of direct foreign investment in poor countries are inconsistent with the cheap-labor argument. Includes two figures and one table. (CFR)

An analysis of unemployment rates, wages, and policy initiatives for school "early leavers" in Ireland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom suggests that early withdrawal from school represents a substantial, transnational problem attributable to basic policy problems. It is noted that no policy initiatives directly address…

Describes a survey that determined to what extent human performance technology (HPT) is being taught in 82 academic programs that traditionally emphasized training, including programs in instructional systems, training and development, human resource development, and adult learning. Results indicate that training continues to dominate, and future…

Examines the concept of human capital as an economic construct. Suggests that human capital contributes to economic development, as do physical capital or natural resources, in that its development reinforces individuals' future economic output. Suggests that this perspective may prove useful for human service professionals because funding…

Discusses the role of corporate support of, and partnerships with, community colleges in providing workforce development programs. Provides information on soliciting corporate support and describes several college-corporate partnership programs. Indicates that the success of corporate proposals depends upon the articulation of the "return on…

Identifies work force development needs that can be met by community colleges through the use of cooperative education programs. Suggests modifications to current cooperative education programs to achieve desired work force and economic outcomes (e.g., employee recruitment, retention, and technical training). (DMM)

Explains the technology transfer strategy, "Transformations," developed by the Center for Occupational Research and Development to provide pretechnology, technology core, and specialized training to help students learn or relearn the skills needed by today's technological work force. Describes the implementation of the strategy at…

The Commission on the Skills of the American Workforce warns that the United States can remain competitive only if productivity increases because of a high-skill, high-performance work force. They propose a flexible matrix of learning opportunities to prepare students to be adaptable and productive on the job. (SK)

Describes a survey of manufacturers in a midwestern state conducted to determine why businesses utilize postsecondary institutions for corporate training. Indicates that there was broader use of community colleges than of universities and that businesses used postsecondary education for emerging technology training, job training, personal…

Problems affecting the operation of the Nigerian Skills Acquisition Programme, a secondary school vocational program, were studied through the questionnaire responses of 105 trainees, 50 parents, and 10 administrators. Responses were generally favorable, with some specific suggestions for funding and additional technical and safety equipment. (SLD)

The United States has no systematic procedure to help secondary students transition from school to employment. That lack most adversely affects poor and minority students. The article examines successful school to work transitioning in Japan and Germany and notes that businesses and governments must recognize their responsibilities in preparing…

A discussion of labor force development worldwide, especially as it relates to use of new technologies, looks at the interplay of such factors as demand for and supply of appropriately trained workers and the world's changing demography. Policy considerations in matching supply with demand are examined. (MSE)

Describes the organization of a regional symposium to provide a learning environment that promotes professional development of graduate engineering students and the interactive exchange of ideas among regional industries and universities. Includes a brief history of the event, goals and guidelines for hosting such a symposium, and an illustration…

Focuses on the role of education and human resource development in relation to the economic performance of countries over time examining three major regions: (1) the early developing western nations (North America and Europe); (2) the newly industrializing countries of East Asia; and (3) the underdeveloped countries especially in Africa. (CMK)

Surveys of rural and urban businesses and households in northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin found that: only 25 percent of firms had trouble hiring skilled workers; required skills were not particularly high-tech; few firms used public or private education providers in their skill training activities; and the labor force was overtrained…