Discusses the national economy and the need for a well-trained work force. (JOW)

Reindustrialization problems in the United States (U.S.) include unemployment, low productivity, inflation, and inadequate economic growth. To determine how to improve economic performance, a careful, rational evaluation must be made of such factors as tax policy, spirit of risk, managerial effectiveness, rates of innovation, research and…

Presents the need for a new mindset and for worker creativity and flexibility in the contemporary workplace; describes benefits of and barriers to creative education in schools, colleges, and workplaces. Suggests ways to unleash and empower the creativity of the work force. (SK)

The author studies the interaction between imperfect labor contracts and international trade in a setting in which workers have private information about their own abilities. When an individual's contribution to firm output can be measured accurately in some activities but not in others, the most able workers select occupations in which their pay…

A General Accounting Office study examined strategies used to prepare youth for employment in the United States and four competitor nations and found that other countries have higher expectations of students, invest heavily in education and training, have national training standards, and have higher literacy rates among young adults. (JOW)

Compares current U.S. productivity to productivity in two previous decades and to productivity in Japan and Germany. Suggests that productivity comes from three groups of factors: (1) human resources, (2) technology and capital investment, and (3) the external environment. Recommends that vocational educators should more aggressively sell their…

This group of articles studies the effects of microelectronics technologies on the world of work and on the social and economic life in general. These studies are related to several industrial nations and are also concerned with the international division of labor. (SSH)

Discussion of the use of technology for training focuses on experiences in Japanese companies. Highlights include computer-based training; telelearning; forces for change in training, including changes in technology, the workforce, and international changes in economic, political, and social conditions; and implications for individuals and systems…

This series of articles cites a variety of sources and synthesizes a number of studies on the effects of new technologies on the world of work and on social and economic life in general. These studies are related to several industrial nations and are also concerned with the new information-oriented society. (SSH)

Discusses factors contributing to the declining U.S. productivity growth rate and compares U.S. production to Germany and Japan. Presents model programs that have recognized the need to develop in people the desire to work, study, improve, and become more productive citizens. (LRA)

This series of articles cites a variety of sources and synthesizes a number of studies on the working conditions and the welfare of workers from several countries. (SSH)

This paper seeks to answer the following questions: What is educational planning? In what way can educational development contribute to the socioeconomic development of society? How can a plan be effectively implemented? What are the major characteristics of educational development in Japan as compared to that in other countries? The discussion of…

Four background papers prepared for an assembly on industry/education cooperation and a summary of discussions and recommendations which came out of the assembly are contained in this report. After Henry Halsted's introduction to the report and to the theme of the relationship of industry and education, Herbert E. Striner's paper, "The Joint…

This report is a primer on the multifaceted issues that state legislators are likely to confront under the rubric of human resource development. Chapter 1 proposes a philosophy: enabling every citizen to become a productive member of the 21st century economy is in a state's best interest both socially and fiscally. Chapter 2 focuses on the premium…

In many countries throughout the world, efforts to articulate the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of workers have translated into the development of organizations with the specific charter to establish industry-based skill standards with attendant new and/or expanded forms of certification of competencies. The new emphasis on skill…