Tuning In to Local Labor Markets: Findings From the Sectoral Employment Impact Study, Executive Summary

This executive summary highlights the main findings and conclusions from "Tuning In to Local Labor Markets: Findings From the Sectoral Employment Impact Study" -- the first random assignment evaluation of sector-focused training efforts. We studied three nonprofit organizations -- a community-based organization focused on medical and basic office skills in Boston, a social venture focused on information technology in the Bronx, and an employer-union partnership focused on healthcare, manufacturing and construction in Milwaukee -- and found that participants in these programs worked more, had higher earnings and found better jobs (as measured by hourly wages and access to benefits) than members of the control group.The executive summary examines strategies used by the three organizations in the study, describes the people served, and outlines common elements that likely contributed to the programs success

An awkward threesome—donors, governments and non‐state providers of health in low income countries

Abstract Bilateral and multilateral donors make frequent reference to collaboration with non‐state providers (NSPs) in the health sector, and the desirability of so‐called public private partnerships. Governments of many low‐income countries are also increasingly committed to this goal in their policy statements. This article presents a range of cases from six countries of how governments, donors and NSPs interact. It describes examples of what type of engagement is taking place between governments and NSPs, highlights some common themes and reflects on common motivations for collaboration and constraints to it. Examples are examined under the original study design headings of dialogue, regulation, facilitation and contracting. These categories were not easy to sustain. Much government support to NSPs was characterised by donor involvement, fostering a ‘pilot project’ style of approach. In other cases, it was not so much a case of governments pursuing a specific intervention to support or regulate NSPs, as NGOs taking an initiative to fill a gap in government provision. The article highlights the main gap in interaction with NSPs as a comprehensive framework for regulating services provided by small scale, for profit NSPs. This is a serious shortcoming given that they deliver the bulk of basic health care in most of the countries examined. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd

Challenges for health care development in Croatia [Izazovi razvoja zdravstvenog sustava Republike Hrvatske]

The main aim of the research done in this paper was to establish key challenges and perspectives for health care development in the Republic of Croatia in the next two decades. Empirical research was conducted in the form of semi-structured interviews involving 49 subjects, representatives of health care professionals from both, public and private sectors, health insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, drug wholesalers, and non-governmental organisations (patient associations). The results have shown that key challenges and problems of Croatian health care can be divided into three groups: functioning of health care systems, health care personnel, and external factors. Research has shown that key challenges related to the functioning of health care are inefficiency, financial unviability, inadequate infrastructure, and the lack of system transparency. Poor governance is another limiting factor. With regard to health care personnel, they face the problems of low salaries, which then lead to migration challenges and a potential shortage of health care personnel. The following external factors are deemed to be among the most significant challenges: ageing population, bad living habits, and an increase in the number of chronic diseases. However, problems caused by the global financial crisis and consequential macroeconomic situation must not be neglected. Guidelines for responding to challenges identified in this research are the backbone for developing a strategy for health care development in the Republic of Croatia. Long-term vision, strategy, policies, and a regulatory framework are all necessary preconditions for an efficient health care system and more quality health services

Tuning In to Local Labor Markets: Findings From the Sectoral Employment Impact Study

Over the past two decades, an innovative approach to workforce development known as sectoral employment has emerged, resulting in the creation of industry-specific training programs that prepare unemployed and underskilled workers for skilled positions and connect them with employers seeking to fill such vacancies. In 2003, with funding from the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, P/PV launched the "Sectoral Employment Impact Study" to rigorously assess whether mature, nonprofit-led sector-focused programs could increase the earnings of disadvantaged workers and job seekers. P/PV selected three organizations to participate in the study -- a community-based organization focused on medical and basic office skills in Boston, a social venture focused on information technology in the Bronx, and an employer-union partnership focused on healthcare, manufacturing and construction in Milwaukee. The study's findings show that program participants earned about $4,500 -- 18 percent -- more than the control group over the course of the study and$4,000 -- 29 percent -- more in the second year alone. Study participants were also more likely to find employment, work more consistently, work in jobs that paid higher wages, and work in jobs that offered benefits. Furthermore, there were earnings gains for each subgroup analyzed, including African Americans, Latinos, immigrants, formerly incarcerated individuals and young adults. Tuning In to Local Labor Markets also examines the strategies employed by the three organizations that took part in the study, as well as the common elements that appeared to be critical to their success. Implications for practice, policy and future research are explored; a forthcoming piece will provide detailed recommendations for policymakers

Multinationals and Unionism in Indonesia

This paper presents a critical analysis of the factors shaping the interaction between multinationals and trade unions in Indonesia, focusing on the recent period of democratization following the downfall of the Suharto regime. It has been suggested that union growth risks undermining Indonesia’s competitive advantages (cheap labour) and could encourage the exit of multinationals to cheaper competitors. In order to test this proposition, two case studies were conducted: one in the automotive industry and the other in the banking industry.The paper first provides an overview of multinational activity and FDI in Indonesia, and their interaction with a nascent union movement. This is followed by presenting the findings of interviews conducted at the multinational enterprises with managers and union officials; to provide empirical insights into the bargaining process. The final part of the paper provides a preliminary assessment of the impact of union behaviour on MNC profitability and competitiveness in Indonesia. In contrast to traditional views of unions as impeding MNC profitability and “encouraging” exit, the paper finds that unions and MNCs can engage in constructive partnerships, but that pressures and contradictions in the relationship remain

The lived experience of the older registered nurse working at the bedside in the critical care unit

This study focuses on the lived experience of the older RN, an area lacking research. The purpose of the study was to discover why the older RN remains working at the bedside in the critical care unit. The purpose of the study was to explore the experiences of older nurses involved in direct patient care in the critical care unit. Traditionally hospitals have invested their efforts into recruiting rather than retaining RNs. What is not known is how to retain the older RN involved in direct patient care in the critical care unit. The research questions asked 1) How older nurses describe their work lives while working at the bedside in critical care. 2) What are the intrinsic motivators for older RNs employed in critical care? 3) What are specific challenges for older RNs working in the critical care unit? A purposive sample of 11 RNs over the age of 50 employed full time at the bedside in the critical care unit were recruited. Preliminary analysis has indicated categories including: a rewarding career; conflict of interest; my self-image; and altruism is its own reward. Findings from this study are important for the profession of nursing to develop practices and policies, which may help to retain older RNs working at the bedside in the critical care unit. Findings from this research study may lead to larger studies with the goal of developing retention strategies specific to older workers