Case studies of six interorganizational collaborations for job training and economic development found that these exemplary arrangements produced other benefits, providing flexible and adaptive capability for dealing with long-term economic development processes. A planning and development model to replicate successful linkages was developed. (SK)

Analysis of data for a set of suburbs in the Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles regions demonstrates that Blacks who leave the inner city do not relocate to those suburbs that are attracting job growth but are likely to find themselves still at a remove from better job opportunities. (DM)

Describes knowledge mapping, a tool developed to increase the objectivity and accuracy of task difficulty ratings for job design. Application in a semiconductor manufacturing environment is discussed, including identifying prerequisite knowledge for a given task; establishing training development priorities; defining knowledge levels; identifying…

Describes a five-step approach to performance management which includes (1) redefining tasks; (2) identifying skills; (3) determining what development tools are necessary; (4) prioritizing skills development; and (5) developing an action plan. Presents a hiring model that includes job analysis, job description, selection, goal setting, evaluation,…

Comments from Blustein, Eldredge, and Hesketh on research reported by Feij et al. on the role of proximal and distal context factors and the theories of organizational socialization and work adjustment. A rejoinder from Feij et al. clarifies some of the issues. (SK)

States that revitalizing inner cities requires training and jobs. Illustrates how some companies are meeting the challenge of training inner-city long-term unemployed persons. (SK)

Examines two government voluntary job creation programs: the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s and the Comprehensive Employment and Training Act in the 1970s, that have created conflicts with the logic of capitalist production for profit. Suggests principles and policies for a progressive government work program. (JOW)

A Canadian regional job creation program was found to place women in jobs that further marginalized them in the work force. The process reinforces the status quo in terms of dominant and subordinate groups in the power structure. (SK)

Study of language/literacy needs of Sydney (Australia) local government found a strong oral culture among employees but management reliance on written communication. A multifaceted approach integrating literacy with other training programs was recommended. Literacy skills were vital to the process of award restructure (job reclassification). (SK)

Includes "Chemicals: Benefits and Dangers" (Obadia); "Jobs, Development and Environment" (Bhalla); "Improving the Urban Work Environment" (Miller); "Learning to Manage Tomorrow's World"; and "Indigenous Peoples and Sustainable Development" (Doohan). (JOW)

Responses form 408 of 673 administrative support personnel at 6 financial institutions revealed a large percentage proficient only in text-related computer technology; few could use spreadsheet, database, or graphics applications. Higher skill levels correlated with perceptions of job enrichment. It appears information technology is not being used…

In King County (Washington) government agencies, jobs were developed for 55 people with severe disabilities through leadership by county officials and developmental disabilities staff. The program was cost effective and also resulted in improved wages for the workers with disabilities. (SK)

Investigates effects of skill flexibility on Israeli secondary teachers' work attitudes and job performance. Both role and functional flexibility were associated with improved teachers' work performance; role flexibility is linked to high organizational commitment and low powerlessness. Principals appreciate skill flexibility, but organizational…

Shoals Entrepreneurial Center, in two Alabama locations, supports would-be entrepreneurs with extensive planning advice, rental space, loans, business training, and back-office infrastructure. The center favors business plans with the potential to create fairly high-paying jobs, a different focus from other businesses in the region, and an…

Ten production sites in the United Kingdom, North America, Japan, and Malta tested a model of worker discretion in job tasks, based on customer preferences. Results suggest that production jobs should be designed to maximize worker judgment, knowledge, and initiative, allowing broad discretion in all tasks except those that can have a negative…