JT O’Donnell is the founder of CAREEREALISM.com, a site for career news and perspective for job seekers and young careerists, ages 18-40. Adding to the list of career services, O’Donnell devised The Twitter Advice Project or T.A.P., which would be a series of experts tweeting advice in response to questions posed by readers. All advice would appear in the @CAREEREALISM Twitter feed and users could easily see all the answers to specific questions.
“Can't be done,” said the experts. JT, as she is known, went ahead anyway and – it works.
I'm not sure how well it will work for UK users but some advice is globally applicable, some you have to do a bit of language translation (a resumé is a CV for example) and some is pure American.
Saturday, 26 September 2009
Monitoring and Evaluating the Performance of the Labour Market in Scotland
Working Paper 18 from the Centre for Public Policy for Regions by John Sutherland
Abstract
Given the Scottish Government’s decision to benchmark the performance of the labour market as one of the seven targets identified in its “Economic Strategy”, this paper examines how the performance of the labour market might best be monitored and evaluated. It recommends that, with some caution with regard to the need for frequent disaggregation. four indicators are used:
Finally, the paper employs two of these labour market performance indicators (the activity rate and the unemployment rate) to examine the Scottish Government’s “cohesion” aspiration.
PDF 35pp
Abstract
Given the Scottish Government’s decision to benchmark the performance of the labour market as one of the seven targets identified in its “Economic Strategy”, this paper examines how the performance of the labour market might best be monitored and evaluated. It recommends that, with some caution with regard to the need for frequent disaggregation. four indicators are used:
- the activity (or participation) rate;
- the employment rate;
- the unemployment rate; and
- the inactivity rate.
Finally, the paper employs two of these labour market performance indicators (the activity rate and the unemployment rate) to examine the Scottish Government’s “cohesion” aspiration.
PDF 35pp
Benefit Simplification
A publication from the Centre for Policy Studies (August 2009) which I would argue is essential reading for anyone involved in careers guidance or job-search or people advice or .... You name it you'll probably find it useful. Not a short read at 81pp but my skim through it tells me that it will be worth the effort.
Free PDF here or purchase hard copy for £10.
Oh that “they” would. No more trudging from Jobcentre to council office to HMRC to DWP and back round the loop again – whether actually or virtually – and getting different answers from each point of call. Personal experience tells me that it has, over the years, cost me a lot of money!
Free PDF here or purchase hard copy for £10.
Oh that “they” would. No more trudging from Jobcentre to council office to HMRC to DWP and back round the loop again – whether actually or virtually – and getting different answers from each point of call. Personal experience tells me that it has, over the years, cost me a lot of money!
Friday, 25 September 2009
The effective use of technology in personal knowledge management: ...
A framework of skills, tools and user context
an article by by Raj Agnihotri and Marvin D Troutt published in Online Information Review Volume 33 Issue 2 (2009)
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this paper is to further explore the emerging concept of personal knowledge management (PKM) and to bring researchers’ attention to this notion. Specifically, this paper aims to address issues related to the effective utilisation of technology in PKM practices.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical framework incorporating PKM skills, technology tools, user context and skills-tools fit is proposed. Arguments are built on the task-technology fit theory, which explores the link between technology tools and task characteristics (PKM skills).
Findings
The impact of effective PKM will depend increasingly on skills-tools fit.
Practical implications
The success of technology utilisation resides not simply in whether individuals use technology, but if this usage actually improves effectiveness. For their own benefit, individuals should consider and assess the technology tools in the context of how they will be aligned with specific PKM skills.
Originality/value
Proposing a conceptual framework of PKM, this paper suggests that the core focus is individual inquest, that is, the effort to discover, share, learn and explore through combinations of technology and information skills. The importance of the user's context in the PKM process is also discussed.
an article by by Raj Agnihotri and Marvin D Troutt published in Online Information Review Volume 33 Issue 2 (2009)
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this paper is to further explore the emerging concept of personal knowledge management (PKM) and to bring researchers’ attention to this notion. Specifically, this paper aims to address issues related to the effective utilisation of technology in PKM practices.
Design/methodology/approach
A theoretical framework incorporating PKM skills, technology tools, user context and skills-tools fit is proposed. Arguments are built on the task-technology fit theory, which explores the link between technology tools and task characteristics (PKM skills).
Findings
The impact of effective PKM will depend increasingly on skills-tools fit.
Practical implications
The success of technology utilisation resides not simply in whether individuals use technology, but if this usage actually improves effectiveness. For their own benefit, individuals should consider and assess the technology tools in the context of how they will be aligned with specific PKM skills.
Originality/value
Proposing a conceptual framework of PKM, this paper suggests that the core focus is individual inquest, that is, the effort to discover, share, learn and explore through combinations of technology and information skills. The importance of the user's context in the PKM process is also discussed.
Urban Regeneration: ...
From the Arts “Feel Good” Factor to the Cultural Economy: A Case Study of Hoxton, London
an article by A C Pratt (London School of Economics) published in Urban Studies Volume 46 Number 5-6 (2009)
Abstract
This paper seeks to examine critically the role of culture in the continued development, or regeneration, of “post-industrial” cities. First, it is critical of instrumental conceptions of culture with regard to urban regeneration. Secondly, it is critical of the adequacy of the conceptual framework of the “post-industrial city” (and the “service sector”) as a basis for the understanding and explanation of the rise of cultural industries in cities. The paper is based upon a case study of the transformation of a classic, and in policy debates a seminal, “cultural quarter”: Hoxton Square, North London. Hoxton, and many areas like it, are commonly presented as derelict parts of cities which many claim have, through a magical injection of culture, been transformed into dynamic destinations. The paper suggests a more complex and multifaceted causality based upon a robust concept of the cultural industries as industry rather than as consumption.
Hazel’s comment:
If you want to know more about Hoxton then there is a good (in my opinion) article on Wikipedia (where else?) here. Recommended as time-waster for those interested in history!
an article by A C Pratt (London School of Economics) published in Urban Studies Volume 46 Number 5-6 (2009)
Abstract
This paper seeks to examine critically the role of culture in the continued development, or regeneration, of “post-industrial” cities. First, it is critical of instrumental conceptions of culture with regard to urban regeneration. Secondly, it is critical of the adequacy of the conceptual framework of the “post-industrial city” (and the “service sector”) as a basis for the understanding and explanation of the rise of cultural industries in cities. The paper is based upon a case study of the transformation of a classic, and in policy debates a seminal, “cultural quarter”: Hoxton Square, North London. Hoxton, and many areas like it, are commonly presented as derelict parts of cities which many claim have, through a magical injection of culture, been transformed into dynamic destinations. The paper suggests a more complex and multifaceted causality based upon a robust concept of the cultural industries as industry rather than as consumption.
Hazel’s comment:
If you want to know more about Hoxton then there is a good (in my opinion) article on Wikipedia (where else?) here. Recommended as time-waster for those interested in history!
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Blogs, news and credibility
an article by by Barrie Gunter, Vincent Campbell, Maria Touri and Rachel Gibson published in Aslib Proceedings Volume 61 Issue 2 (2009)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the emergence of blogging in the news sphere. If blogs represent a genuinely new breed of news provision, then they should adhere to some of the founding principles of mainstream news and journalism. A key principle in this respect is news credibility.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a review of recent literature about news blogging and assesses whether news blogs manifest many of the core attributes of mainstream news and journalism. The review considers the attributes that have previously been identified as defining good quality news and competent journalism and then applies some of these principles to “news” blogging.
Findings
There is no doubt that blogs have emerged as news sources of increasing significance and there have been occasions when they can be influential in setting news agendas. The essential qualities of credibility and capturing public trust in the news sphere, however, often depends upon the established reputation of known news “brands”. Although some blogs have emerged as reliable information sources in some specialist areas, they have yet generally to assume the key characteristics of mainstream news that drive public trust.
Originality/value
This paper provides an up-to-date review of a topic that is rapidly developing and attempts to set out some foundations on which further analysis of news blogging can be constructed.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the emergence of blogging in the news sphere. If blogs represent a genuinely new breed of news provision, then they should adhere to some of the founding principles of mainstream news and journalism. A key principle in this respect is news credibility.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a review of recent literature about news blogging and assesses whether news blogs manifest many of the core attributes of mainstream news and journalism. The review considers the attributes that have previously been identified as defining good quality news and competent journalism and then applies some of these principles to “news” blogging.
Findings
There is no doubt that blogs have emerged as news sources of increasing significance and there have been occasions when they can be influential in setting news agendas. The essential qualities of credibility and capturing public trust in the news sphere, however, often depends upon the established reputation of known news “brands”. Although some blogs have emerged as reliable information sources in some specialist areas, they have yet generally to assume the key characteristics of mainstream news that drive public trust.
Originality/value
This paper provides an up-to-date review of a topic that is rapidly developing and attempts to set out some foundations on which further analysis of news blogging can be constructed.
Who actually offers opportunities for non-formal learning?
Companies provide the largest part of non formal learning activities in almost all countries (where final data are available).Link to the full article and to further information via elearningeuropa.info
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