Investigates Japanese efforts to enter a new phase of its postwar technological period with a focus on internationalization of its economy and industry. Analyzes which technologies will dominate the early 21st century and their relationships to each other. (MVL)

Notes that criticism of the training offered by universities to future chemists is well documented. Suggests a 17-step model for the planning of a chemistry course that utilizes a competency-based training program. Explains each step and lists sample objectives. (MVL)

Liaisons with industry are instruments for increasing university participation in economic development. The question of whether such liaisons are consistent with other academic missions, especially undergraduate instruction, and particularly in high-demand technical fields, that are the focus of many business-university partnerships, is explored.…

Lists 24 frequently asked questions concerning hydrogen as a fuel with several responses given to each question. Emphasized are hydrogen production, storage, transmission, and application to various energy-consuming sectors. Summarizes current findings and research on hydrogen. An extensive bibliography is included. (ML)

Considers the concept of print books versus newer electronic formats, including CD-ROM and online versions. Topics discussed include changes in the publishing industry; a focus on content; reference books, including encyclopedias and dictionaries; children's books; multimedia publishers versus traditional book publishers; and production and…

Describes the educational Quick Response (QR) Center developed at the Fashion Institute of Technology to enable students, faculty, and industry to bridge the technology learning gap between college and the workplace. QR is a working model of a Just-in-Time computer system that enables companies to produce and deliver finished goods just in time to…

Details the development of the FISHLIT bibliographic database at the JLB Smith Institute of Ichthyology Library at Rhodes University (South Africa), and the subsequent CD-ROM publication of the database by NISC (National Information Services Corporation). Discusses the advantages of CD-ROM publication, costs and information service provision,…

Reviews the history of economics education, focusing on the efforts of the National Council on Economic Education and Junior Achievement. Discusses similarities and differences in the two organizations. Presents a list of current instructional materials for economics education. (CFR)

Educational publishers must provide easy access to the global information infrastructure for schools and offices. High-speed, low-cost, universally available electronic distribution over telephone lines is enabling publishers to go beyond the traditional, linear model of multitrack publishing. Multimedia materials offer the ability for…

Discusses the argument for private-sector involvement in the distribution of government information, using U.S. patents as an example. Highlights include industry competitiveness; jobs creation; public access; identifying users; costs; user fees; existing systems of information dissemination; and implications of the Internet and NREN (National…

Total quality management (TQM) has become a U.S. social movement. This commentary analyzes the writings of W. Edwards Deming, Joseph Juran, and Kaoru Ishikawa to assess TQM's coherence, distinctiveness, and likely perseverance. Rhetoric is winning over substance, unrelated interventions are being herded under the TQM banner, and research is not…

Describes the origins and growth of country music shows on radio stations during the 1930s. Asserts that the growth of the radio broadcast industry, particularly in the southern United States, was intertwined with country music. Discusses the role of country music and other ethnic music during the Great Depression era. (CFR)

Evaluates and compares three text-capable Windows-based multimedia CD-ROM authoring tools used by the publishing industry. Reviews product lines, hardware requirements, customer costs, screen designs, product uses, and product advantages and disadvantages. Examples of computer screen designs are displayed throughout the article, and a sidebar…

Assesses the ease of use and usefulness of network journals through a review of content, format, and policies of seven scholarly journals published primarily on the Internet. Discusses problems, advantages over print journals, and requirements for future scholarly network journals based on current technology, industry trends, and interviews with…

A survey of larger Canadian hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and recent pharmacy graduates employed in Ontario hospitals investigated the demand for a doctoral program in pharmacy in Canada, particularly at the University of Toronto. Results clearly demonstrate the need for such a program. (Author/MSE)