This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the link between age and proficiency in information-processing skills, based on information drawn from the Survey of Adult Skills (PIAAC). The data reveal significant age-related differences in proficiencies, strongly suggesting that proficiency tends to "naturally" decline with age. Age…

In this era of global competition, human resources will play a decisive role in the battle for efficiency and competitive advantage, where nations and organisations with superior and quality-oriented human capital will soon outperform those with inefficient and quantity-oriented labour force. Rate of human capital formation will be more important…

To develop our economies and allow the small business sector to achieve its maximum potential, it is imperative we invest in human capital. It is estimated that 97% of Irish businesses are Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), with over 95% having fewer than 50 employees. We can therefore agree that the qualification and skill mix of the…

Irish business surveys in 1993 (n=654) and 1996-97 (n=215) were used to estimate productivity effects of training. General rather than specific training had positive effects on productivity regardless of changes in work organization, firm size, or level of human capital before training. (SK)