This guide presents an analytic framework that summarizes some of the main elements and issues that need to be considered in measuring ROI. This includes establishing the scope, context and purpose for measuring ROI, adopting guiding principles, identifying costs, benefits and factors that impact on ROI, and approaches to data collection and analysis.
Research messages 2010 is a collection of summaries of research projects published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER). The summaries are clustered under five broad themes used by NCVER to organise its research and analysis: Industry and employers; Students and individuals; Teaching and learning: VET system; and VET in context. Research messages 2010 also has an overview essay that captures the themes and highlights from the research for the year.
Vocational education and training (VET) has a key role in facilitating regional economic development. One way that VET can do this is by forming partnerships with other organisations, such as other training providers, business/industry, schools and local government. This 'at a glance' publication gives an overview of recent research exploring how partnerships can address regional needs.
Innovation in business, particularly across the major industries on which Australia's economy rests, requires a skilled workforce. This book of research readings explores the role Australia's vocational education and training (VET) sector can fulfill to assist business innovation. In doing so, various chapters consider the implications of innovation for Australian workers and identify the VET sector's contribution. Other chapters, based on international comparisons, evaluate elements of the national innovation system currently missing or under-emphasised. It finds VET providers have a vital role to play in the provision of training for innovative enterprises. To do so, providers must identify their strengths and build industry partnerships in these areas, which may require working more effectively across disciplines and develop more personalised arrangements for delivery.
This issue of 'Research at a glance' summarises some of the most recent research on the impact of competency-based training (CBT) on the Australian vocational education and training (VET) system. CBT was introduced in the late 1980s as part of wider economic policy measures to improve the skill levels of the Australian workforce, enable Australian industry to be more competitive in global markets and establish new career structures for the Australian workforce. CBT has remained a key element of VET policy adopted by successive governments at federal, State and Territory levels. While early research findings suggested that the implementation of CBT in Australia was neither smooth nor rapid (R Harris et al. 1995), commitment by VET participants, particularly industry and governments, has remained strong and substantial.
Four major impediments to higher youth employment are identified in this review. These are: the inability to maintain rates of economic growth sufficient to reduce unemployment without inducing inflationary pressures; changes in the composition of demand for labour favoring more highly skilled workers; systems for delivery of vocational education and training which remain poorly adapted to users' needs; and wage structures that prevent the market for youth labour from clearing.
The review draws upon a wide range of published research relating to this area. The report makes an important contribution to the current competitive training market debate. Conclusions drawn are integral to current policy discussion.
The review of recent Australian literature makes it apparent that more research will be needed in order to obtain a more comprehensive and coherent picture of the factors which influence the training market.