All publications

This project investigates the uptake of e-learning in two countries (Australia and Korea) which… Show more

This project investigates the uptake of e-learning in two countries (Australia and Korea) which have experienced a rapid expansion of the use of information technology in education and training. A key finding is that although e-learning can increase flexibility and cost efficiencies in the delivery of training, it cannot on its own guarantee successful learning outcomes for students. The way in Show less

This report aims to provide a clearer understanding of how and why enterprises use nationally… Show more

This report aims to provide a clearer understanding of how and why enterprises use nationally recognised type of training. It finds that an enterprise's decision to engage in recognised training is not made lightly and decisions are made afresh each time a new training need arises. Successfully embedding training in enterprises involves a three-phase process - engagement, extension and integration Show less

Seasonal work is crucial for the many rural regions reliant on seasonal industries such as… Show more

Seasonal work is crucial for the many rural regions reliant on seasonal industries such as agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and tourism. This report examines the diverse nature of the seasonal workforce in two locations and the approaches used in their training. The report finds that the seasonal workforce is diverse and has varied training needs. Like others marginally attached to the workforce Show less

Financing vocational education and training, as part of Australia's commitment to lifelong… Show more

Financing vocational education and training, as part of Australia's commitment to lifelong learning, will become a greater challenge as increased spending on other public services, such as health and welfare caused by an ageing population, constrains government education expenditure. This report examines a range of mechanisms to encourage individual contributions to and participation in Show less

Innovation, from high profile scientific discoveries to lower profile changes in processes or… Show more

Innovation, from high profile scientific discoveries to lower profile changes in processes or practices, is crucial to Australia's economic development. However, its impact on the wider community is usually relatively small. Promotion of innovation across all sectors is required to produce the biggest changes. This report focuses on the roles of the vocational education and training (VET) sectors Show less

Vocational education and training (VET) policy is increasingly focused on the importance of quality … Show more

Vocational education and training (VET) policy is increasingly focused on the importance of quality in each VET institution's capacity to deliver effective programs. This report addresses institutional-level monitoring and evaluation of performance and provides a comprehensive model which institutes can use for this purpose. The model draws on background theory and practice and identifies a range Show less

Lifelong learning means different things to different people. This paper takes a pragmatic approach … Show more

Lifelong learning means different things to different people. This paper takes a pragmatic approach and examines adult engagement with various aspects of Australia's education and training system and the policy framework that underpins the system. It is argued that Australia's policy framework for lifelong learning is relatively weak because the educational framework is very open and does not Show less

Reforms to Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector over the past few years have… Show more

Reforms to Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector over the past few years have brought about significant changes to the work of VET staff and the focus of their roles. This publication summarises recent research into the changing roles of VET leaders, managers, teaching and support staff, and the way they work. The role of senior managers is increasingly focused on the Show less

Multinational corporations are significant in the global economy, and increasingly important to… Show more

Multinational corporations are significant in the global economy, and increasingly important to national economies. Based on a literature review and 12 case studies of multinational corporations operating in Australia, the study finds the quality of the domestic VET-skilled workforce is ranked equal third in importance, out of fifteen factors, when deciding to invest in Australia. To make the VET Show less

This paper was presented to the Australasian Evaluation Society International Conference, in… Show more

This paper was presented to the Australasian Evaluation Society International Conference, in Auckland, New Zealand, on 18 September 2003. It highlights the success of the National Vocational Education and Training Research and Evaluation (NVETRE) program in contributing to policy and planning in Australia. Show less

Small businesses, like larger enterprises, need the capacity to respond to the changing demands and … Show more

Small businesses, like larger enterprises, need the capacity to respond to the changing demands and requirements of the economy. This report identifies opportunities for Australia's vocational education and training (VET) system to work collaboratively with local associations, organisations and networks to meet the educational needs of small business. It confirms small business operators learn Show less

This paper was presented to the IIEP/UNESCO-KRIVET International Policy Seminar on 'Making Lifelong … Show more

This paper was presented to the IIEP/UNESCO-KRIVET International Policy Seminar on 'Making Lifelong Learning a Reality' in Seoul, Republic of Korea, in June 2003. Show less

This report examines training practices that demonstrated positive benefits over a period of time… Show more

This report examines training practices that demonstrated positive benefits over a period of time in large Australian firms. It primarily focusses on the integration of teaching and learning within the firm, factors which influence firms to train workers, the use of accredited training and training packages, the development of career structures within firms, the impact of globalisation on Show less

Graded assessment in Australian vocational education and training has developed a range of… Show more

Graded assessment in Australian vocational education and training has developed a range of practices.This study examines the current practice for graded assessment and identifies policy issues that need to be addressed. Areas studied include validity, reliability and consistency, associated costs, and cross-sectoral concerns. Show less

This study of training and learning services for small business gives an impressionistic snapshot… Show more

This study of training and learning services for small business gives an impressionistic snapshot of the current system, its products and strategies, also the results of recent initiatives and the promotion of training and learning for small business in Australia. Show less

This paper was presented to the KRIVET International conference on VET, in Seoul, Republic of… Show more

This paper was presented to the KRIVET International conference on VET, in Seoul, Republic of Korea, during October 2002. Show less

During the past decade both Australia and China have implemented reforms to their educational… Show more

During the past decade both Australia and China have implemented reforms to their educational systems to develop labour force skills for the new globalised markets. This report describes the major features of the vocational education and training sectors in China and Australia, and their strategies and reforms, with emphasis on links between secondary and post-secondary vocational education and Show less

A comparison of nine vocational education and training (VET) systems from countries across Europe,… Show more

A comparison of nine vocational education and training (VET) systems from countries across Europe, East Asia, and North and South America. This study examines the variables that best define and influence the character, behaviour and apparent success of VET systems and the impact of change on these variables. Show less

This publication provides a summary of recent research into issues affecting the demand of skills… Show more

This publication provides a summary of recent research into issues affecting the demand of skills in Australia and the implications of current trends in training and education on future skill supply. It also summarises the impact of Australia's ageing population on future levels of participation and presents a synopsis of Australia's position internationally. Finally, implications for the future Show less

This publication provides information of recent research into issues affecting the demand for… Show more

This publication provides information of recent research into issues affecting the demand for skills in Australia and the implications of current trends in training and education on future skill supply. It also summarises the impact of Australia's ageing population on future levels of participation and presents a synopsis of Australia's position internationally. Finally, implications for the Show less