The first of the four papers in this symposium, "Knowledge Management and Knowledge Dissemination" (Wim J. Nijhof), presents two case studies exploring the strategies companies use in sharing and disseminating knowledge and expertise among employees. "A Theory of Knowledge Management" (Richard J. Torraco), develops a conceptual…

Australia's new national vocational education and training (VET) research and evaluation (R&E) strategy is underpinned by the goal of improving the VET systems and must accommodate the needs of all the different stakeholders in the VET sector. It focuses on research applied in nature, consolidating and advancing knowledge, and on evaluation…

A major proposition is that dual training arrangements alone do not necessarily solve quality problems in the delivery of vocational education and training (VET) nor improve VET links to the labor market. An essential strategy for Australia should be to further develop holistic training courses linked to apprenticeship models and embed both into a…

Arizona businesses are facing a dearth of skilled workers. The work force deficit is about quantity and about quality. It is both an immediate problem and a long-term problem. It is a threat to business competitiveness and Arizona's competitive advantage, and it challenges both industry and government to find solutions. Currently the State of…

The six chapters of this report provide an overview of the vocational education and training (VET) system in France. Chapter 1 contains general information, such as the political and administrative structures of the VET system, population statistics, and a profile of the French economy. Chapter 2 describes the education system and its evolution…

This study identifies community colleges that have staff development programs for part-time teachers, determines specific aspects included in these programs, and discovers which components these programs have in common. It also presents a paradigm, or suggested design, that should be contained in any effective staff development program for…

The Appalachian Regional Commission voted its commitment, including $1 million funding, to help states upgrade employment/basic skills to address current labor market needs, create new jobs in the region, and increase productivity. Also voted to support extension of the Vocational Education Act. Research priorities included modernizing vocational…

A strategic planning task force at Denver University's Penrose Library conducted needs assessment and established a staff development program to address: orienting new staff; software training; and professional and personal development. Postprogram evaluation found improved morale, communication, and recognition of different learning styles, plus…

Compares employers' stated needs for entry-level workers possessing better academic skills with their training programs and hiring practices to supposedly meet this need. Discovers a dichotomy between the stated needs and the corrective practice. Most remedial training emphasizes short-term job skills and hiring practices do not reward academic…

Reports on increased federal funding for education, training, employment, environmental, and natural resources programs for 1997. Focuses on how various types of rural areas are affected. Education programs received large increases; most programs benefit low-income students, hence rural poverty areas. Six tables and figures show funding increases…

Provides background on the development of field experience in library education, and defines "practical learning" for librarians. Field experience and internship requirements for school media certification in the United States are summarized, and the results of a national survey of library education programs to determine the nature and mechanics…

Discussion of older adults in the workforce focuses on methods for training them how to use computers. Topics discussed include changes in processing information into memory, learning skills, learning processes, the learning environment, content planning, self-pacing materials, group and cooperative learning, and the instructor's role. (five…

Presents evaluation of state-certified asbestos abatement training program to evaluate appropriateness and effectiveness of training against actual work experiences. Survey administered to trainees (n=114) indicates most (78 percent) passed retest on course content, the course received an average effectiveness rating of 92 percent, and actual work…

Discusses the status of black women, and examines what they need to do to strengthen their positions in the workplace. In the face of existing career obstacles, both individual initiatives such as securing training and finding mentors, and public policy initiatives are needed. (SLD)

New England's business, education, and political communities must work together to improve literacy, increase job-specific vocational training, support incumbent worker training, and create more avenues for job access. If labor needs are not met, some companies may leave New England. The New England Council, established in 1925 to keep jobs within…