What are the Key Practices that STEM & Manufacturing based Companies are Deploying to Drive Improvements in the Diversity of their Workforce?

Studies have shown that approximately 67% of U.S. manufacturing companies are currently facing a worker shortage. This rate is dramatically higher than that of other private firms in the U.S. (See Appendix A). Subsequently there has been a huge push to recruit and advance female employees, which have been historically underrepresented. In order to do so, it is strongly encouraged that companies follow a strategy of Attract, Develop, Engage and Retain (A.D.E.R.) and employ as many best practices as possible

Effect of nitrogen fertiliser application timing on grain yield and grain protein concentration of spring barley

peer-reviewedThere is relatively little recent information regarding the effect of timing of fertiliser N application to spring barley on grain yield and grain protein concentration (GPC) under Irish conditions. The objectives of this work were to examine the effects of a) timing of the first N application to spring barley (at sowing or at crop emergence), b) altering the proportion of the total N allocation that is applied in the first of two applications and c) delaying a portion of the total N dose until after the tillering phase on grain yield and GPC of spring barley. Twenty experiments were carried out over four seasons (2011–2014) in the south and south-east of Ireland. Results indicated that there was little consistent difference, in terms of grain yield or GPC between applying the first N at sowing compared to where the initial N application was made at crop emergence. Similarly, altering the proportion of N applied in the first application, irrespective of whether the first application was at sowing or at crop emergence, had little effect on either yield or GPC. Delaying the application of a portion (0.2) of the total N until after the tillering stage also had little consistent effect on either yield or GPC. It is concluded that where the majority of N is applied to spring barley before the end of the tillering stage, altering the timing of applications or the proportion of the total applied in each application will have limited effect on grain yield or GPC

The perceptions of recently assigned secondary religious education teachers

This article focuses on survey responses from newly appointed secondary Religious Education teachers from the first phase of a longitudinal study. The study was conducted in Catholic schools in three dioceses of Western Australia over two school years, from 1998 to 1999. The study focused on the teachers’ perceptions of implementing the Perth Archdiocesan Religious Education Units of Work. The article outlines briefly the demographic and professional backgrounds of recently appointed RE (RARE) teachers. Next, it reports upon how these teachers perceived their use of the instructional resources and teaching approach in the RE Units. The article then describes what RARE teachers believed were the key underlying principles to be followed in implementing the RE Units. Finally, a synopsis summarises the key findings to emerge from the survey responses. The responses suggest that teaching experience and ongoing formation are required for successful curriculum implementation among recently assigned RE teachers

How Do You Effectively Engage Employees During Times of Change and Uncertainty?

HR professionals today must be effective change agents in order to drive engagement in the workplace. Our research revealed two key components that lead to success in these areas, 1) leadership & communication and 2) effective change management. Within each topic, the importance of the issue will be discussed, while simultaneously addressing how companies can start to develop these capabilities. Finally, we will discuss organizational case studies of success

The ‘too many graduates’ myth: a rich and growing supply of graduates is necessary to increase economic productivity and meet the needs of wider society

Libby Hackett argues that we need to increase the capacity for higher education places in future years if we are to grow our economy and ensure a bright future for more young people

On the record: the energy industry in a time of uncertainty: a conversation with Jim Hackett

Anadarko Petroleum Corp. Chief Executive Jim Hackett, who has been chairman of the Dallas Fed's board of directors since 2007, discusses some of the key issues facing the energy industry.Energy industries ; Petroleum industry and trade ; Petroleum products - Prices ; Energy policy

Population growth in Australia

A policy that depends on the continuous consumption of non-renewable resources and an ever-increasing workforce is flawed; it is unsustainable. An different economic model is needed, one that can be maintained if Australia is to stop its spiral towards the overcrowding of its living spaces, destruction of its environment, and depletion of its resources. The Federal Government, with compliance by all State Governments, must act to limit the population of Australia. The Government has the power to control population numbers via many mechanisms, including education, the provision and withdrawal of incentives, immigration and taxation. The Government must start a robust discussion about the desired size of the Australian population, involving all sections of our society. However, asking people for their opinion without firstly informing them about the many and complicated factors involved will not provide an informed and reasoned answer. The starting point for any discussion is to present data and arguments addressing the many aspects of the subject. The impact of the various options on our way of life should be presented clearly. Conventional thought and economic models must be balanced with new thinking. An important consideration would be whether or not we would like our present standard of living to be able to continue into the future; that is, do we  desire our quality of life to be sustainable so that our children and grandchildren, et cetera, can expect similar benefits. Population size is probably the most important factor affecting our quality of life because its impacts are all pervading. The comments and lobbying of people, businesses and organizations with stakes in encouraging population growth should be recognized for what they are and weighed accordingly. We can have vision and act as intelligent beings, or we can be victims of our blinkered folly.   &nbsp