A formative evaluation was begun of an innovative project funded by the Australian National Training Authority (ANTA) to develop competencies and qualifications in e-commerce. The formative evaluation was designed to focus on inputs, processes, and interim outputs, identifying both good practice and areas for improvement. Findings to date…

In a competitive market training economy, vocational education and training (VET) and small business in Australia face a number of challenges. They need to qualify the extent of lifelong learning skills being used in the small firm workplace, define the range of learning partnerships both within VET and the wider informal learning community in…

A study assessed how to improve individual informed decision making by various actors in the arena of skills formation in Great Britain on the basis of existing research knowledge. Since individual decisions are situated in a complex institutional arena, two of the most important contextual relationships--schools and employers--were analyzed prior…

This report, the Australian National Training Authority's (ANTA's) key reporting and accounting document, focuses on internal operations structured around the annual ANTA Plan and work priorities. A "Chairman's Comment" (Stuart Hornery) and "From the CEO's Desk" (Moira Scollay) precede an overview that provides a history of…

This volume is composed of 13 comparable longitudinal studies that draw on survey data and case studies of young people in Canada, Germany, Great Britain, and the United States. "Introduction: Transitions to Employment in a Cross-National Perspective" (Walter R. Heinz) provides a context and an overview. Part I has four chapters that…

Considers biotechnology's influence on international relations, focusing on agriculture, environmental issues, law, commerce, and biological warfare. Claims that, because biotechnology cuts across international boundaries and affects public and private interests, it necessitates the rethinking of international systems theory. Urges international…

Discusses the future of society and argues education is the most vital form of social investment. Sees great value in overseas studies for all students. Defines requirements of an international dimension in higher education. Discusses the European Institute for Business Management (INSEAD) as a model for such programing. (NL)

Provides a comparative analysis of 30 countries with regard to efforts in integrating the information technology (IT) infrastructure into manpower development activities. Examines investment in education and IT; growth patterns in information/communication infrastructure; extent of achievement of literacy; interaction of IT with education; status…

In the second of a two-part series, this paper looks at the global spread of school dropout and at the factors that keep elementary school-aged children outside education. In order to have a more complete picture of the dropout problem, it necessary to take into account pupils who do not continue their education beyond primary education or who…

The European Social Fund's (ESF's) emphasis on new technology training increased throughout the 1980s, but in the 1990s this emphasis disappears from policies toward "socially excluded" groups, including long-term unemployed women. Women are segregated into certain occupations and then further segregated by a hierarchical division that…

This collection of 20 papers addresses child development and early intervention issues related to literacy acquisition from a cross-cultural perspective. Titles of the papers are: (1) "Preparing Young Children for Literacy: Issues in Theory and Practice" (Lotty Eldering and Paul Leseman); (2) "Jomtien Revisited: A Plea for a…

This book explores the issues raised by the changing climate within which educational planning will take place in the final years of the 20th century. The volume focuses on the problems faced by countries hardest hit by economic recession and the need for adjustment to a changing economic environment. Organized into six chapters, the book…

This book, drawing on 30 years of adult education experience in England, Ireland, India, and other countries, contrasts the individualistic approach to adult education in the West with the social responsibility view of adult education in the developing world. The book's thesis is that the gulf between the approach of the West and that of…

This book studies how structural factors may contribute to determining both the volume and the composition of educational activities for adults. It then examines results or outcomes from work-related training. Part I outlines the agenda of the book. Chapter 1 introduces the metaphor of the shadow educational system, which describes an educational…

Among the 25 refereed papers, 14 refereed poster sessions, 17 invited papers, and 14 panel/workshop sessions are the following: "Forces Driving Change in Food Safety" (Foreman); "Are Two Incomes Needed to Get Ahead Today?" (Walden); "Financial Manager Profile Scale" (Lytton, Grable); "Real World Financial…