Two surveys were made to find out (1) What personal characteristics, knowledge, and skills are needed for competency in distribution-type jobs, (2) How much classroom time these topics need, and (3) Where they should be taught. One survey consisted of personal interviews with businessmen to determine the knowledge, skills, and personal…

The project developed an experimental curriculum guide for training persons at the high school and post-high school levels in food handling and distribution. Data were gathered through interviews with over 200 food industries in Connecticut. Courses and curriculums were obtained from six secondary schools and seven post-secondary schools. Some of…

Based on data collected from 79 computer installations in the metropolitan area of Atlanta, this study sought to ascertain the knowledges and skills required for a career in business electronic data processing. Specific data processing positions for which data were collected and analyzed were the clerical and professional positions which fall…

The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) evaluated the feasibility of individual learning accounts (ILAs) as an approach to workforce development. Thirteen federal agencies volunteered to participate in the initiative. Together, they conducted a total of 17 pilot tests. Some pilot tests included all employees in the agency. Others targeted…

This document contains four papers (and an introduction by William Wilhelm) on teaching "soft" skills in business education programs. "The Skill Building Challenge: Preparing a Bridge for the Workforce Skills Gap" (Sheila M. Smith) examines the following topics: the workforce skills gap; the importance of academic and…

This document contains the six papers that were presented at a business education and information systems special interest group meeting. The six papers were selected through a review process, with one paper being selected for the "outstanding paper" award. The award-winning paper is "The Importance of Desktop Computer Presentation…

The extent to which computer-aided drafting and design (CADD) was being used in local businesses in Saginaw, Michigan, was investigated. Focuses of a literature review were types of CADD systems, categories of CADD users, and the symbiotic relationship between industry and education in providing CADD training. The survey questionnaire was…

This study examined postschool vocational options for people with disabilities in New South Wales (Australia), by means of a survey and interviews with representatives of government agencies, tertiary education facilities, and unions and employer organizations. Results indicated a lack of vocational facilities for young people with severe…

This working paper examines key policy issues in the implementation of Australia's User Choice policy regarding allocating public funds for vocational education and training (VET). Part 1 explains the process used to obtain stakeholders regarding the User Choice policy, the administrative arrangements required to support it, and issues that must…

The key skills: communication, numeracy, interpersonal, information technology, learning, and problem-solving have been identified as underlying good performance in the labor market now and in the future. The factors most important to development of key skills and ways of facilitating young people's development of those skills were examined in a…

This paper describes and critiques a 1989 employer/alumni study conducted by the University of Tennessee at Knoxville (UTK) and four other state postsecondary institutions. The study was designed to: (1) develop a questionnaire to tap opinion about graduates' preparation and a method of administration that could be used by both 2- and 4-year…

A survey of 501 Wisconsin firms (260 responses) assessed the impact of changes in demand, productivity, and technology on the employment needs and training requirements of Wisconsin employers in 10 selected economic sectors. Major findings included the following: (1) Wisconsin's services sector has recently experienced major employment growth and…

More than 90 surveys conducted during the past 40 years covering a variety of disabling conditions and employers' concerns regarding workers with these conditions were reviewed. The goal of this review is to identify, develop, test, and disseminate interventions for rehabilitation practitioners to use in job development and placement. The review…

This publication contains 19 one- or two-page profiles of Illinois teachers, educational administrators, and business people who have contributed greatly to the success of their vocational education students. The profiles are written in the third person but many contain first-person accounts, along with testimony about the subjects by employers,…

This document records the oral and written testimony of several small business owners and a Nevada Department of Education official at a Congressional hearing about education and today's work force. The business owners' testimony indicated the difficulty they have finding workers who can read, write, and think, and who are willing to be trained.…