Researchers and practitioners are aware of the importance of the skills of the local workforce in attracting and developing businesses in a regional economy. There has been, however, relatively little applied research concerning the identification of labor skill gaps in rural areas. We seek to address this issue through a case study of the Upper…

This article examines collaborative initiatives individual foreign-invested enterprises (FIEs) develop with China's vocational education and training (VET) schools amid localised shortages of skilled workers. It thus focuses on employer initiatives in responding to VET system weaknesses rather than, as is common, those weaknesses. Using Suzhou…

In order to profit from the economic growth in their society farmers can (1) increase the yields of their crops and animals, (2) switch to the production of high value products for which there is an increasing demand in the market, (3) increase the labour productivity on their farm, (4) find non-farm sources of income for some or all of their…

Succession planning has become increasingly important because of the shortage of headship applicants in England, and in many other countries. Leadership development is a central part of any succession planning strategy. This article compares the findings from two longitudinal studies, in England and South Africa, where the governments are seeking…

Provides an overview and case study examining the changing roles of native and immigrant workers in New York City and the factors that affect the creation of an immigrant employment niche. The case study, which involves professional immigrants in New York City's government, explains how immigrants enter and establish these niches. (GLR)

Recent technological displacement in AT&T affected workers differentially by sex. This longitudinal analysis of changes in AT&T's organizational structure addresses the tendency of organizational research to ignore the variable of sex in the study of change. (Author/RLV)

The design, curricula, and financing of four existing medical schools' rural training track programs (University of Washington, University of Nebraska, State University of New York/Buffalo, University of Kentucky) are described. The programs are seen as having potential to decrease the shortage of physicians choosing careers in rural areas.…

Describes creative responses of six colleges and universities to the information-technology personnel shortage, salary differentials with marketplace, recruitment and retention difficulties, and the need to support institution-wide technology growth. Institutions include: Alamo Community College District (Texas); Texas A&M University; Wake…