Some suggestions for training office clerical employees to help them become more productive are outlined; suggestions are based on observing problem areas that can be improved by training and treating clerical workers as important members of the team. (MF)

Techniques to enable accounting teachers to present the accounting worksheet are given, with examples of worksheet columns for income statement, balance sheet, revenue and expense, owner's equity, trial balance, and adjustments. The techniques also show the student the reasons (why) for and the mechanics (how) of the worksheet. (MF)

Four considerations for selecting a shorthand system are discussed: a system's viability in occupational situations; the ease with which it can be taught, learned, and transcribed; the appropriateness of instructional materials; and the ease with which those expert in another system can learn the new one. (AJ)

An office simulation devised at an Oregon community college is now being offered in other U.S. and Canadian colleges and high schools. Each simulation employs from 4 to 36 individuals in three areas: main office, training division, and supportive services (customers, bank, etc.). "Employees" rotate positions every three weeks. (AJ)

Answers to questions a business teacher may have about implementing model office simulation are discussed: Reasons for using simulation, how simulation fits into the curriculum, administrative support, equipment, starting the project, preventing problems through staff meetings with students. (TA)

The author describes how the office simulation class at Cleveland High School (Tennessee) is bridging the gap from the classroom to the office. (HD)

Individualized mini-courses in medical and legal transcription, which were planned, implemented, and evaluated at the University of Nebraska at Ohama, are described. (TA)

Deskilling of commercial and technical occupations in West Germany during the 1960s and 1970s was apparently a short-lived phenomenon. Since the 1970s, employers have adopted a skill-based modernization policy. Skilled administrative workers have used their qualifications as a means of influencing the process of work redesign. (SK)

Describes a student performance evaluation system designed to help students gain needed skill in self-evaluation techniques. Identifies the current research in human resource management supporting the methodology of this evaluation process. (JOW)

If white-collar workers are to complete office tasks efficiently, they must know procedures and techniques that have been offered in office procedures courses. Courses must be designed as electives for secondary students who are not planning to be office workers. (JOW)

Survey responses from 404 (of 523) office support personnel showed that most used computers 3-6 hours per day and had experienced vision or musculoskeletal problems, but most did not see a doctor, take regular breaks, do stretching exercises, or discuss problems with their supervisors. Many were not aware of ergonomic features that could help, and…

Survey of 408 office support personnel (63% response) showed their information technology skills were strong in text-intensive technologies and weak in management technologies (spreadsheet, database, electronic/voice mail). They thought the quality of their jobs was moderately high, finding tasks involving text, data, and graphics to require…

Responses from 302 Professional Secretaries International members indicated that two-year college degrees were minimum preparation for office occupations; four-year degrees were best for advancement; workshops and seminars were important for professional development; and 47% felt the status of office-support personnel was better than it had been a…

Tested futurist methods, such as those already used in businesses, can be used to apply futurist approaches in office systems and business classrooms. Methods include vision generation, trend projection, paradigm analysis, megatrend analysis, expert opinion, and consensus building. (Author/JOW)

Using the DACUM Process, teams reviewed lists of competencies developed in 1993 to revise curriculum standards for entry-level office-related positions. Competencies in organization/operations, information, technology, interpersonal skills, and resources were identified. (JOW)