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Full-Text Articles in Economics

Lessons Learned From A State-Funded Workplace Literacy Program, Kevin Hollenbeck, Bridget F. Timmeney Jan 2015

Lessons Learned From A State-Funded Workplace Literacy Program, Kevin Hollenbeck, Bridget F. Timmeney

Kevin Hollenbeck

Findings from an evaluation of a workplace literacy program funded by the State of Indiana are presented. Working with employers, providers were given considerable latitude to design their own training regimens. The state awarded certificates to workers who achieved certain levels of proficiency in reading, math, critical thinking, problem solving (assessed by CASAS), and computer literacy (certified by IC3). The evaluation relied on qualitative and quantitative data. Multiple site visits were undertaken and a survey of participants (n = 1,800), learning gains, and earnings histories were quantitatively analyzed. Key findings include a significant interest in college attendance by incumbent workers, …


Evidence About The Effectiveness Of Public Training Programs For Incumbent Workers, Kevin Hollenbeck, Sarah M. Klerk Jan 2015

Evidence About The Effectiveness Of Public Training Programs For Incumbent Workers, Kevin Hollenbeck, Sarah M. Klerk

Kevin Hollenbeck

No abstract provided.


The Return On Investment To Training Programs For Incumbent Workers, Kevin Hollenbeck Jan 2015

The Return On Investment To Training Programs For Incumbent Workers, Kevin Hollenbeck

Kevin Hollenbeck

No abstract provided.


Workplace Literacy Programs: Why The Mismatch Between Availability And Need?, Kevin Hollenbeck Jan 2015

Workplace Literacy Programs: Why The Mismatch Between Availability And Need?, Kevin Hollenbeck

Kevin Hollenbeck

No abstract provided.


The Economic Payoffs To Workplace Literacy, Kevin Hollenbeck Jan 2015

The Economic Payoffs To Workplace Literacy, Kevin Hollenbeck

Kevin Hollenbeck

This paper focuses on one of the potential benefits to improving the Nation's literacy the economic payoffs. A more literate workforce provides economic benefits to the members of the workforce themselves, to employers, and to society. Workers who improve their basic skills through participation in workplace literacy programs should be more productive and hence earn higher wages and have greater job security. Employers with more productive workers will be more competitive in their industries and will be more profitable. Society gains by having a more productive and stable economy, by having more individuals employed with higher earnings and thus paying …


Evaluation Of Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund, Kevin Hollenbeck Jan 2015

Evaluation Of Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund, Kevin Hollenbeck

Kevin Hollenbeck

The Massachusetts Workforce Training Fund (WTF), funded by employer contribution (surcharge) of 0.075% of its unemployment insurance taxable wage base, provides training grants and technical assistance to organizations located in the state. The purposes of these activities are to impart or upgrade knowledge and skills of Massachusetts’ workers so that they and their employing firms can compete in the world economy. This study provided 10 case studies of firms who have received a training grant. The case studies combined qualitative and quantitative data analytical techniques to provide evidence about the net impact and return on investment of the training grant …


An Introduction To Workplace Literacy Programs, Kevin Hollenbeck Jan 2015

An Introduction To Workplace Literacy Programs, Kevin Hollenbeck

Kevin Hollenbeck

No abstract provided.


Evaluation Evidence About The Effectiveness Of Public Training Programs For Incumbent Workers, Kevin Hollenbeck Jan 2015

Evaluation Evidence About The Effectiveness Of Public Training Programs For Incumbent Workers, Kevin Hollenbeck

Kevin Hollenbeck

No abstract provided.


An Assessment Of The Bc Careers Employer Resource Network: Its Contributions To The Ern Model, Kevin Hollenbeck, George A. Erickcek, Bridget Timmeney Jan 2015

An Assessment Of The Bc Careers Employer Resource Network: Its Contributions To The Ern Model, Kevin Hollenbeck, George A. Erickcek, Bridget Timmeney

Kevin Hollenbeck

No abstract provided.


A Framework For Assessing The Economic Benefits And Costs Of Workplace Literacy Training, Kevin Hollenbeck Jan 2015

A Framework For Assessing The Economic Benefits And Costs Of Workplace Literacy Training, Kevin Hollenbeck

Kevin Hollenbeck

Many individuals are grappling with the issue of whether to provide workers with training that upgrades the workers' basic academic skills. The corollary questions that flow from this issue are how to provide the training, how much training should be provided, and who should pay for the training. Workers are interested in this issue because they want to sustain productive, well-paying careers that will support adequate standards of living. Not receiving training may jeopardize their careers and earning power. Employers are interested in this issue because their economic role is to maximize corporate profits for stockholders. In most companies, worker …


Workplace Education Programs In Small- And Medium-Sized Michigan Firms, Kevin Hollenbeck, William Anderson Jan 2015

Workplace Education Programs In Small- And Medium-Sized Michigan Firms, Kevin Hollenbeck, William Anderson

Kevin Hollenbeck

This paper presents a systematic, baseline picture of workplace education programs in small and medium-sized businesses (less than 500 employees) in Michigan. Specifically, it addresses why some firms are offering and other firms are not offering workplace education programs, what are the characteristics of the programs being provided, and what are the impacts of these programs on firms and employees. The paper draws upon two data sources. Case studies of 28 Michigan businesses were undertaken between May 1991 and July 1992 and a combination mail/telephone survey of small businesses in Michigan was conducted in early 1992. The paper finds that …


The Role Of The Workforce Development System In The Economic Development Of Urban Areas, Kevin Hollenbeck Jan 2015

The Role Of The Workforce Development System In The Economic Development Of Urban Areas, Kevin Hollenbeck

Kevin Hollenbeck

No abstract provided.


Is There A Role For Public Support Of Incumbent Worker On-The-Job Training?, Kevin Hollenbeck Jan 2015

Is There A Role For Public Support Of Incumbent Worker On-The-Job Training?, Kevin Hollenbeck

Kevin Hollenbeck

States have begun to use training subsidies as a policy tool for employment retention and business competitiveness. This paper summarizes a survey of states concerning their investments in incumbent worker training. Altogether, states are investing about $550 to $800 million, which is perhaps one percent or less of total private sector training costs. The paper further discusses a study conducted for one state in which we found significant fiscal returns implying that underinvestment of public funds for incumbent worker training may be occurring. In this state, primary sector jobs were created or retained at a public cost of less than …


Lessons Learned From A Workplace Literacy Initiative, Kevin Hollenbeck, Bridget F. Timmeney Jan 2015

Lessons Learned From A Workplace Literacy Initiative, Kevin Hollenbeck, Bridget F. Timmeney

Kevin Hollenbeck

No abstract provided.


Lessons Learned From A State-Funded Workplace Literacy Program, Kevin Hollenbeck, Bridget Timmeney Feb 2009

Lessons Learned From A State-Funded Workplace Literacy Program, Kevin Hollenbeck, Bridget Timmeney

Kevin Hollenbeck

No abstract provided.


Is There A Role For Public Support Of Incumbent Worker On-The-Job Training?, Kevin Hollenbeck Dec 2007

Is There A Role For Public Support Of Incumbent Worker On-The-Job Training?, Kevin Hollenbeck

Kevin Hollenbeck

States have begun to use training subsidies as a policy tool for employment retention and business competitiveness. This paper summarizes a survey of states concerning their investments in incumbent worker training. Altogether, states are investing about $550 to $800 million, which is perhaps one percent or less of total private sector training costs. The paper further discusses a study conducted for one state in which we found significant fiscal returns implying that underinvestment of public funds for incumbent worker training may be occurring. In this state, primary sector jobs were created or retained at a public cost of less than …


Classrooms In The Workplace: Workplace Literacy Programs In Small- And Medium-Sized Firms, Kevin Hollenbeck Dec 1992

Classrooms In The Workplace: Workplace Literacy Programs In Small- And Medium-Sized Firms, Kevin Hollenbeck

Kevin Hollenbeck

Hollenbeck, using a combined qualitative/quantitative approach, estimates the linkage between workplace literacy programs and the reason for their existence - increased productivity requirements. He utilizes in-depth case studies as well as a large database to look at the costs and benefits of such programs, also the determining factors for why firms choose to implement literacy programs.