In recent years, due to economic restructuring, the problems Hong Kong has been facing are the "knowledge deficit" in the workforce and a shortage of well-educated manpower. The Hong Kong Government has implemented a number of continuing education policies with an ultimate goal to encourage and help the workforce to strengthen themselves…

This paper reports on the outcomes of a replication study of a survey of British employers that requested information on the qualifications sought when recruiting employees and on subsequent training and development. While the British survey was interested in the uptake and use of the British National Vocational Qualifications, the study reported…

The Training and Development Corporation (TDC) began the redesign of its youth development system with the belief that the center of effort would be local and success would ultimately turn on the capacity of individuals and organizations to transform themselves. TDC's first generation Career Advancement Center (CAC) prototype was in place by 1986.…

This report describes the progress made by AID (Agency for International Development) in mainstreaming attention to gender throughout its strategies and programs to increase the overall effectiveness of its development assistance. The highlights from fiscal years 1991 and 1992 illustrate both the impact achieved and the momentum gained. Divided…

A sectoral survey focused on ways in which vocational training plans are formulated and analysis of the cost effectiveness of continuing vocational training at the company level. It examined techniques applied to developing continuing vocational training and improving access. National surveys carried out for the retail trade sector revealed…

The technical and vocational education (TVE) system in Iran suffers from a lack of social status in comparison to academic education. Recent and future planning is directed toward changing the existing ratio of approximately 10:90 (TVE in comparison to academic) at the secondary level to 50:50 by the end of the second 5-year plan. The lack of…

A research study examined what competence-based management training (CBMT) is, how organizations are using it and why, and what impact it has had. It drew on evidence from a survey and case studies conducted among large employers in Britain (United Kingdom). General findings from 377 respondents indicated that the use of competencies was…

The information and service industries are and will remain the largest areas of growth/employment. Among current/projected changes in the work environment are the following: greater competition within/beyond the continental borders of the United States; increasing reliance on new equipment/processes; more/constantly changing information to be…

In large measure, the United States is a country coming from far behind regarding even serious conversations about a national education system. Three pieces of federal legislation passed in 1994 are intertwined in purpose and actions. These include: the School-to-Work Opportunities Act; the Goals 2000: Educate America Act; and within the Goals…

Prepared to assist the Board of Governors of the California Community Colleges in the development of its "New Basic Agenda" for 1996, this report discusses several major statewide trends with important implications for California's community colleges. Data are reviewed on population growth, labor market and technological changes…

This literature review is divided into two main sections. The first part identifies key dimensions of the policy debate that will condition future patterns of investment in education. The themes chosen are the impact of recession, the effects of debt and structural adjustment programs on the resources available for education; the implications of…

A survey of employer training needs in Hawaii gathered information and data on the needs and preferences of employers in Hawaii regarding government assistance with training. A survey was mailed to a stratified random sample of 5,886 establishments; 1,650 returned usable responses. It obtained information on the training needs and deficiencies of…

Evidence from academic research and management experts in the United Kingdom and elsewhere confirms that the recent focus in work organizations on cost reductions through downsizing has changed the roles and structures of many human resources (HR) units. HR units have had to prove their contribution to the organization's bottom line, raise their…

During the 1990s, school programs that more explicitly link school and work have been expanded. In order to realize the curricular and pedagogical reforms that underlie these programs, teachers need appropriate staff development. In 1996, RAND staff designed and pilot-tested a 6-week "mini-sabbatical," a prototype course to help teachers in a…

Support for American public schools is ebbing at a time when it is needed most. This booklet outlines ways in which educators can counteract the criticisms leveled at public education and communicate its successes. It examines and presents data to refute the following charges: (1) SAT scores are falling; (2) students are taking too many "dumbed…