A recent study of academic programs in human resources development (HRD) produced the following profile of the academic researcher in HRD: male, in the field of education, graduate student or professor, focusing on training and development, doing unfunded research, method of research is descriptive rather than experimental. (JOW)

Uses High School and Beyond data to examine the effect of rationing secondary school vocational training opportunities on program participants' and nonparticipants' beginning wage. Secondary vocational education brings little or no wage advantage in training-related jobs. However, findings do not disprove vocational training program effectiveness.…

Human resources development and training are not suited to everyone. A practical, time-saving process for people wanting to become trainers includes (1) assessing relevant skills and interests; (2) researching organizations; (3) learning basic business operations; (4) learning the training process; (5) developing a chronological resume; (6)…

The education-for-work movement needs a deeper philosophical base. The philosophies of vocational education, human resource development, and adult learning may provide appropriate guidance for workforce preparation. (SK)

Rankings from Delphi panel of 23 supported 5 of 6 basic and 5 of 7 advanced academic skills identified as essential by Secretary's Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills as well as 7 categories of job skills identified by the American Society for Training and Development (Carnevale et al.). Current emphasis on tech prep, school to work, and…

A survey of 333 Fortune 500 firms received 81 replies indicating that (1) two-thirds formally recognized the value of human resources; (2) most had changed corporate policy regarding human capital; and (3) most training was provided in the ares of new employee orientation, current job needs, customer relations, personal development, and…

Outlines major recommendations and actions to date of five reform proposals: "America's Choice" (National Center on Education and the Economy); "Connecting School and Employment" (Council of Chief State School Officers); America 2000; the National Education Goals; and Job Training 2000. (SK)

According to a survey of 148 small business employers, schools should teach youngsters basic math, reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills, along with specialized skills needed for technology, business, public service, personal service, health, and consumer occupations. Schools should also teach good grooming, healthy habits, and the…

Hispanics have immigrated from different countries at different times for different reasons and have settled in the United States. This diversity is reflected in their labor force characteristics. (Author)

Vocational education and training are indispensable for improving labor mobility, adaptability, and productivity, thus improving companies' competitiveness and redressing labor market imbalances. To adjust to this new environment, most countries are reviewing, adapting, and redesigning their education and training systems. (JOW)

Discusses key issues in the debate over investment in human resources: Who pays for training? What is the return on investment? and What are alternative approaches for human resource accounting? (SK)

Presents components of human resource accounting (HRA)--description of human resource costs, estimation of return on investment, estimation of human resource values. Reviews research on the influence of HRA on decision making, concluding that a number of factors inhibit its effective use. (SK)

Provides a profile of corporate universities; discusses formation of strategic partnerships of business, industry, and universities; and describes two University of Tennessee partnerships: with Saturn Corporation and with Bechtel National. (SK)

In Britain, a "third way" to labor-force development (between U.S. deregulation and the German dual system) includes flexible labor markets and supply-side interventions. However, National Vocational Qualifications and other elements of the British system rely on outmoded concepts of work organization and skills. The third way is likely…

Discusses the evolution of human performance improvement, an outgrowth of instructional systems design and programmed instruction that emerged after World War II. Discusses the contributing disciplines (behaviorism, analytical systems, organizational learning, organizational development, systems theory, management development) and the major…