The conventional approach to analysis of employment problems in the modern sector, namely comparison of workforce supply and demand, is inapplicable in the traditional sector, where a distinction needs to be made between the concepts of workforce underutilization and its availability. The author discusses these concepts and presents their policy…

This article discusses the difficulties involved in obtaining accurate labor force data for Third World women, from the point of view of interviewers, respondents, and labor statisticians or economists. Suggestions are then made regarding alternative definitions of the labor force and survey questionnaire structures in order to overcome some of…

This article introduces the main objectives of special public works program and presents the major findings of evaluations of a number of such programs implemented in developing countries with the assistance of the International Labour Organization in regard to design, organization, training activities, technical aspects, and employment and income…

Reviews some dominant trends--diversification of the levels, forms, and functions of workers' participation; the role of collective bargaining; the revival of workers' councils; structural changes; expansion of scope; means of establishing workers' participation--and discusses problems such as the role of unions and the risks of complexity and…

Summarizes the theoretical and practical issues related to the under-estimation of women's work in the labor force and national accounting statistics. Responds to the continuing criticism that women's efforts make no useful impact, unpaid work should not be treated the same as paid work, and efforts are misguided. (JOW)

The author analyzes the economics of weapons production in respect to the industries and occupations that are most dependent on defense conrating and discusses the problems that different groups of defense industry employees encounter in transferring to the civil sector. (Author/CT)

Vocational education and training are indispensable for improving labor mobility, adaptability, and productivity, thus improving companies' competitiveness and redressing labor market imbalances. To adjust to this new environment, most countries are reviewing, adapting, and redesigning their education and training systems. (JOW)

Repercussions of recent economic difficulties on job content, employment levels, structure of the work force, and industrial relations are examined. The effect of new technologies on these areas is discussed. (Author/CT)

Reviews the research on the effects of new technologies on employment, work, and society. Indicates that advanced technologies can reduce the cost and improve the quality and range of goods and services and can raise employment levels. Care must be taken to ensure that certain groups do not suffer disproportionately from labor force adjustments.…

Discusses factors contributing to structural changes in developing countries and concludes that unemployment and underemployment are best countered by generating new productive activities, developing economic linkages, and stimulating an increase in the number of workplaces. Advocates cooperation among developing nations. (JOW)

States that, in countries where industrialization is underway, governments must identify occupations for which skill training is required, monitor the relevance of training, and provide incentives to attract and retain people in important occupations. Discusses issues raised by manpower planning and development as well as measures that governments…

The flexible manufacturing system (FMS), a new way of organizing the production process by means of numerical control machines, robots, and computerized workstations, is described. The author examines some of the implications of FMS and the challenges it poses. (Author/CT)

Labor market planning techniques must take into account the dynamic nature of economies. A better approach than labor needs forecasting is use of labor market signals developed by monitoring wage and employment changes and evaluating training programs. (SK)

This article presents a brief account of some of the new directions that manpower planning has taken in recent years viewed primarily in the light of activities undertaken by the International Labour Office technical cooperation program in this field. (Author/CT)

The tasks of the European Social Fund, the European Economic Community's social policy instrument, were reviewed in l983 in the light of the worsening unemployment situation and the priority placed on employment and vocational training policies. (Author/SSH)