Designed to introduce the metric system to consumers, this guide, developed in Canada, offers a brief definition and history of the metric system and rationale for change. The conversion experiences of other countries are described, and questions about learning the new system and problems involved with the conversion process are also considered.…

Data from 310 Korean college students (77.5 percent), when compared to a U.S. sample, revealed that (1) overall consumer decision-making styles are similar; (2) Brand Conscious and Perfectionist styles were in the top 3 in both groups; and (3) construct validity of most scales of the Consumer Style Index was confirmed. (SK)

Women who were familiar (n=97) and unfamiliar (n=91) with nutrition labels were studied. All could locate label data; those who were unfamiliar were significantly less able to interpret the information. Both groups were similar in their assessment of the information's accuracy. (Contains 43 references.) (Author/JOW)

Presents research on changes over a two-year period in the use of new, Western financial practices by Southeast Asian refugees and in variables affecting those changes. Significant interaction effects showed that increased use of new practices was affected by age, education, work experience, and changes in English ability. (JOW)

Provides a brief history of the consumer rights movement in Japan and discusses the recent reinvigoration of the movement by the emergence of environmental issues as a global concern. (LZ)

This article explores the views of several UK officials on the concepts of performativity and the culture of performance on knowledge management. In his recorded statement in a new BBC4 series, Chancellor Gordon Brown stated that the markets provide opportunities for prosperity, but equally they are not automatically equated with the public…

This article presents the development process of a consumer-oriented, illustrative benchmarking tool enabling consumers to use the results of environmental life cycle assessment (LCA) to make informed decisions. LCA provides a wealth of information on the environmental impacts of products, but its results are very difficult to present concisely…

This guide, developed in Canada, discusses the benefits of the metric system to industry and consumers. The major rationale offered for adopting the metric system is that uniformity in standards will facilitate the increasing trend toward worldwide communication and world trade and thus benefit both producer and consumer. Possible specific changes…

In the context of increased labor market flexibility and "portfolio work," adults need knowledge of financial services and their interrelationships with insurance, taxation, and welfare systems. One approach uses the radical tradition of adult education to help people develop critical awareness and control of their financial decision…

Analysis of a consumer education curriculum identified the extent to which modules reflected the perspectives of systems theory, life cycle model, economic exchange theory, and family member involvement model. Results showed that the curriculum assumes students live in nuclear families, neglects effect of consumer decisions on the environment, and…

Foreign currency units, exchange rates, the international payments process, and spending money abroad are discussed briefly in this booklet to help teachers explain the international economy. Thirty-two countries are listed with their respective currency units, some of which are illustrated. A chart shows the average yearly exchange rates between…

Considers how New Zealand has seen a need for providing readily understandable business and government documents. Reports a psycholinguistic study testing the level of consumer comprehension of bank contracts, and the effect of using plain English to rewrite them. Finds that the most effective means of enhancing comprehension was that which…

This publication contains a series of sessions developed and used by Newcastle City Council Family Learning Service and now published to share practice. The sessions were developed specifically to support "Skills for Life" tutors to deliver the adult literacy and numeracy curricula but can also be used by other practitioners. There are…

This booklet provides consumers with an overview of information about life insurance. Chapter 1, "Why Life Insurance?" outlines the primary purposes of life insurance coverage and presents basic facts about the Canadian life insurance industry. Chapter 2, "Do I Need Life Insurance?" discusses life insurance coverage at specific…

In a New Zealand community, 200 households made commitment to recycle and 201 did not; 198 were asked to pay for recycling bins, 203 were not. A control group received only recycling information. Verbal commitment significantly increased participation. Difficulties in administering the financial incentive made it impossible to determine effect on…