Purpose: The purpose of this article is to analyse the conceptual approaches to competence and practice in competence management in France. Design/methodology/approach: Extensive literature review, discussion with academic experts in the French competence network of AGRH and interviews concerning developments following the 2003 national agreement…

Maintains that nations are examining the German "dual system" of vocational education as an ideal model. Asserts that German educators and policymakers are having doubts about the future perspective for this system. Discusses symptoms the dual system crisis and interprets its causes from a socio-historical point of view. (CFR)

The key issues, alternatives, and implications for developing countries to consider when designing systems to define occupational standards, related training standards, and assessments were analyzed. The analysis focused on the following issues: the rationale for development of standards; clarification of definitions, terminology, and assumptions;…