In response to demographic change many countries in the European Union have reformed their pension systems. During the last two decades personal pensions have been introduced in Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and the UK. This book is a critical examination of the objectives of personal pensions in these countries and the use of tax incentives to encourage individuals to save for their retirement. It also includes discussion on personal pensions in the United States. The volume focuses on issues such as risk, administrative expense, and the role of tax allowances in encouraging personal pension provision. Based on the evidence from these countries it is concluded that expectations relating to the take up of personal pensions have not been met and that EU countries should not rely on personal pensions to improve income adequacy at the lower end of the income distribution. Academics and researchers teaching and studying employee benefits and pension costs - particularly in countries that have recently reformed their pension systems - will warmly welcome this book. Government bodies involved in pension reform and European Commission institutions concerned with the evolution and problems with pension policy within the EU will also find this book an informative and invaluable read.

Since the early 1990s the countries of the European Union and Central and Eastern Europe have been involved in the process of reforming their retirement income systems. The principal objective of these reforms is to contain the cost of pay-as-you-go public pensions in the face of ageing populations. Many of the reforms involve greater reliance on personal saving and the development of capital markets to fund private pension arrangements. The distinguished contributors from Europe and the United States demonstrate the complexity of pension provision and reform, and highlight the dangers of focusing on one particular model. They consider critical issues and debates about how to finance pensions, present evidence on the effects of pension reform on the incomes of the elderly, set out objectives to ensure intergenerational equity in public pensions, and examine different pathways to pension coverage. They also argue that recent reforms in Europe may have the effect of reducing the incomes of future pensioners while exposing them to uninsurable risks associated with private pensions. This book addresses a pervasive and increasingly important issue by identifying differences in pension systems throughout the EU and Europe as a whole, and proposing various reforms and solutions to the emerging problem of pension provision. It will prove essential reading and a valuable source of reference for academics, economists, policymakers and government agencies concerned with the evolution and reform of pensions, and with social and economic development in general.

This edited collection captures current thinking about and future practices and strategies for human resource development (HRD). It brings together contributions from a number of leading academics, practitioners and consultants who are active in the debate about the future of HRD. As the world of work grows ever more complex, diverse and ambiguous, there is growing interest in how technology, globalisation, changing workforce demographics and talent development can play a greater role in developing organisations for the future. In this context, HRD is a critical tool to address current complexity and offer solutions to organisational learning needs. Split into two volumes covering technology and innovation as well as the role of HRD in disrupting management and organisational thinking, these books provide analyses of the role of HRD in addressing the needs of the digital revolution. Volume II offers a practical assessment of how HRD can drive change at an individual and organisational level through the adoption of various best practices. It provides the reader key insights into the HRD response to current issues and whether modern organisations should change their approach to learning and development. Together the two volumes offer a highly reflective, critical and insightful assessment on the foundations of HRD in the workplace.

This book is intended for students of English literature at A-level and above; general readers interested in a complete history of literature from Middle English to the earlier twentieth century.

Factors such as globalisation, restructuring, casualization of employment and the erosion of pension rights have led to massive tensions in contemporary organizations. By exploring the boundaries of the field of Human Resource Development this book asks where is HRD in the middle of all this and presents an innovative and challenging approach to HRD theory and practice. With contributions from a number of leading international scholars, the chapters draw upon a range of epistemologies and adopt a critically reflective perspective on the field. The chapters are divided into four sections moving from a critical perspective on the definition and boundaries of the field of HRD, through a re-thinking of the human-centred nature of HRD, and the organisational context within which HRD takes place, to, finally, perspectives on the future role of HRD in the changing knowledge economy. The book's main conclusion is that HRD remains a contested concept within the more broadly contested field of organisation and management theory. Yet this is neither a drawback nor weakness on the one hand, nor an advantage or strength on the other. Both threats and opportunities present themselves for the future growth of HRD as an academic field, and as an arena of professional practice

This edited collection captures current thinking about and future practices and strategies for human resource development (HRD). It brings together contributions from a number of leading academics, practitioners and consultants who are active in the debate about the future of HRD. As the world of work grows ever more complex, diverse and ambiguous, there is growing interest in how technology, globalisation, changing workforce demographics and talent development can play a greater role in developing organisations for the future. In this context, HRD is a critical tool to address current complexity and offer solutions to organisational learning needs. Split into two volumes covering technology and innovation as well as the role of HRD in disrupting management and organisational thinking, these books provide analyses of the role of HRD in addressing the needs of the digital revolution. Volume I focuses on how technology affects organisational and individual life through innovation, creativity and learning. Contributions explore the growing trends around technology and how HRD could respond to these changes at the micro and macro levels. Together the two volumes offer a highly reflective, critical and insightful assessment on the foundations of HRD in the workplace.

The ageing, financial and labour market challenges facing the old age pension systems of the member states of the European Union are well known. Those who cast doubt on the ability of the present system of pension provision - at least to the extent that it is pay-as-you-go financed - to cope with the problems posed by these challenges are getting more vociferous. Increasingly there are calls for pay-as-you-go systems to be cut back and for funded systems to be expanded. This book contests the view that funding is the answer. It shows how adaptable the largely pay-as-you-go old age pension systems in the European Union are. Actuaries, economists, lawyers, political scientists, pension advisers, and sociologists, from nine European countries and the United States, consider four main themes: population ageing, competitiveness and retirement; pension financing and economic growth; adapting pension systems to meet change; and decision-making processes. They argue that pay-as-you-go-financed old age pension systems in the European Union have the ability to successfully adapt to economic and social change provided they do not take on too many non-insurance-related risks. Solving the problems of the labour market and controlling the direction and extent of economic development are beyond the powers of old age pension systems, regardless of how they are structured or financed. Separate budgets for separate risks is an indispensable principle if the complex processes of social protection are to be successfully managed, monitored, and made transparent. There can be no single plan for the future development of old age pension systems which would be universally valid for all the countries of the European Union. A single solution cannot take into account the special circumstances obtaining in every nation, and since respect for the special features of national systems is the basis of popular acceptance, the way forward is to reform existing systems in existing contexts.

Series Information:
Routledge Studies in Human Resource Development

This book deals with the role of the State in pension provision as an employer, regulator and provider. Part I deals with problems and reforms of public sector pension systems in OECD countries. The countries covered are Denmark, Finland, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, and the USA. Part II considers the regulation of occupational pension schemes in The Netherlands and the United Kingdom, and whether there is still a role for the State in providing earnings-related pensions in the United Kingdom. Part III presents demographic projections for the next half-century, using Ireland as an example, looks at some of the options which have been used in Finland, and proposed in the United States, to cope with population ageing, and examines issues of intergenerational equity which are posed by these options. All the chapters deal with recent reforms. The chapters are written by acknowledged experts in their field who are independent of both the pensions industry and Government. Hence the chapters provide an informed critical account of current developments in relation to the reform of occupational pension schemes in the public sector and of the debate about the State's role as a regulator of private pension schemes and a provider of pensions based on the social insurance principal. The book is important as a source of information about pension schemes in OECD countries. It shows that there is not a unique model of occupational pension provision for public sector employees and that the pension benefits which are provided in different countries are quite variable. It also shows that public sector occupational pension systems have changed and are in the process of considerable further change in a number of OECD countries.

Contents:
1. Introduction
2. S. Tjepkema, H. ter Horst and M. Mulder Learning Organizations and HRD
2.1 Lifelong Learning, Organizational Learning and Learning-Oriented Organizations
2.2 Human Resource Development in Learning-Oriented Organizations
2.3 A European Outlook on HRD? Comparison with US and Japan
3. S. Tjepkema Methodology
3.1Case Study Design and Realization
3.2 Survey Design and Realization
4. D. Buyens and S. van Schelstraete Cases from Belgium
4.1 DVV - Insurance Company
4.2 Siemens Atea - Telecommunications Company
4.3 Alcatel Bell - Telecommunications Company
4.4 ISS - Cleaning Service Provider
4.5 Factors Influencing HRD's Role and how HRD Deals with Them
4.6 Summary and Conclusions
5. T. Vaherva and H. Woods Cases from Finland
5.1 Vaisala - Electronic Measurements Systems Manufacturing
5.2 Valmet - Paper Machinery Manufacturing
5.3 Okobank Group (Central Unit) - Financial Services
5.4 Outokumpu Zinc - Steel Production
5.5 Factors Influencing HRD's Role and how HRD Deals with Them
5.6 Summary and Conclusions
6. D. Belet Cases from France
6.1 Motorola - Semiconductors Plant
6.2 Auchan - Retail Organization
6.3 Accor Group - Hotel and Travel Service Provider
6.4 GT Group - Road Transport Firm
6.5 Factors Influencing HRD's Role and how HRD Deals with Them
6.6 Summary and Conclusions
7. K. Meinicke, R. Reinhardt, A. Buschmann and P. Pawlowsky Cases from Germany
7.1 Bosch Siemens Hausgeräte - Domestic Appliance Manufacturer
7.2 AgrEvo - Chemicals Manufacturer
7.3 Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) - Engineering Consultancy Firm
7.4 Sony Germany - Marketing, Sales and Service Organization
7.5 Factors Influencing HRD's Role and how HRD Deals with Them
7.6 Summary and Conclusions
8. M.Tomassini and A. Cavrini Cases from Italy
8.1 Barilla - Food Producer
8.2 Bayer - Chemicals Manufacturer
8.3 Lever - Cosmetics Manufacturer
8.4 Datalogic - Bar code Manufacturer
8.5 Factors Influencing HRD's Role and how HRD Deals with Them
8.6 Summary and Conclusions
9. H. ter Horst and S. Tjepkema Cases from The Netherlands
9.1 Akzo Nobel Chemicals - Chemicals Manufacturer (Salt)
9.2 Ericsson - Telecommunications Company
9.3 BAC - IT Centre of Dutch Inland Revenue Service
9.4 KIBC - Construction Company
9.5 Factors Influencing HRD's Role and how HRD Deals with Them
9.6 Summary and Conclusions
10. S. Sambrook and J. Stewart Cases from the United Kingdom
10.1 Royal Mail - Postal Services
10.2 Rolls Royce Aerospace Group - Aero Engine Manufacturing
10.3 Royal Scottish Assurance - Financial Services
10.4 Wolverhampton & Dudley Breweries - Beer Production
10.5 Factors Influencing HRD's Role and how HRD Deals with Them
10.6 Summary and Conclusions
11. S. Tjepkema Conclusions from Case Studies and Survey
11.1 Organizational Context
11.2 HRD's Envisioned Role
11.3 HRD Strategies
11.4 Influencing Factors
11.5 Summary
12. S. Sambrook and J. Stewart Reflections and Discussion
12.1 Implications
12.2 A Critical Examination of the Concepts of HRD, Learning Orientated Organizations and Lifelong Learning
12.3 Implications for Comparative and Collaborative Research
12.4 Final Thoughts

Want happier, more successful project teams?Better-run meetings will help get you there. Project leaders are "get it done" people, so we often dislike, avoid, and/or fail to properly plan meetings. This practical guide to facilitating project meetings and building cohesive teams will enable you to make your sessions more productive! You'll learn: How improving traditional PM meetings and Agile events can greatly improve continuous team building, making you a better project leader Overcoming challenges in managing conflict based on real-world stories from your fellow project leaders How to deal with 'goblins' (e.g., Billy the Bully) who often derail your meetings. Aligned with PMI's PMBOK® Guide Seventh Edition, this book will help you deliver project success in today's hybrid work environment.

Over the last two decades there has been a notable increase in the number of corporate governance codes and principles, as well as a range of improvements in structures and mechanisms. Despite this, corporate governance failed to prevent a widespread default of fiduciary duties of corporate boards and managerial responsibilities in the finance industry, which contributed to the 2007 2010 global financial crisis. This book brings together leading scholars from North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East to provide fresh and critical analytical insights on the systemic failures of corporate governance linked to the global financial crisis. Contributors draw from a range of disciplines to demonstrate the severe limitations of the dominant corporate governance framework and its associated market-oriented approach. They provide suggestions on how the governance problems could be tackled to prevent or mitigate any future financial crisis and explore new directions for post-crisis corporate governance research and reforms.

These essays explore music and its relationship to language, aesthetics, and culture in the life and work of the preeminent Modernist writer Virginia Woolf (Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, Orlando, A Room of One's Own, and other works). Approaching Woolf from musicology, literary criticism, and gender studies, the collection examines Woolf's musical background; music in Woolf's fiction and critical writings; and the importance of music in the Bloomsbury milieu and its role within the larger framework of Modernism. Making use of Woolf's diaries, letters, fiction, and the testimony of her contemporaries, these essays illuminate the rich and deeply musical nature of Woolf's works.

These essays explore music and its relationship to language, aesthetics, and culture in the life and work of the preeminent Modernist writer Virginia Woolf (Mrs. Dalloway, To the Lighthouse, Orlando, A Room of One's Own, and other works). Approaching Woolf from musicology, literary criticism, and gender studies, the collection examines Woolf's musical background; music in Woolf's fiction and critical writings; and the importance of music in the Bloomsbury milieu and its role within the larger framework of Modernism. Making use of Woolf's diaries, letters, fiction, and the testimony of her contemporaries, these essays illuminate the rich and deeply musical nature of Woolf's works.

Recognizing a significant need to continually update the current body of knowledge on management development with the latest innovations in high quality research and practice in various parts of the globe, this book provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date work on the state of research and practice in management development. Hill and Stewart provide examples of both management development research and practice to inform and stimulate future research and to encourage the use of research-based practice in organizations. In particular, the book: Explores and assesses the various and varying meanings attached to the term 'management development' and its use Provides a range of examples of research and practice to inform and support the teaching of management development as a subject Provides a resource to HR practitioners and line managers to develop research-based and critically analyzed management development interventions. Drawing on the expertise of a wide array of contributors, the term 'management development' is explored and critically analyzed both conceptually and practically. This impressive volume is essential reading for students and academics across a range of subdisciplines including human recources development, human resources management and leadership.

Across Europe and the world, countries are attempting to develop their health and social policies and practices to address the global challenge of increasing demand and pressurized supply, created by ageing populations, emerging technologies and finite resources (financial and human). This text provides examples of attempts to develop HRD practices in health and social care contexts within France, Ireland, The Netherlands, Romania, Russia, the UK and the USA. Thus, the book is European and international in both scope and appeal.

In its description and analysis of the current context of research and practice of HRD in small organizations, this collection of essays provides a comprehensive and critical evaluation of current approaches. This evaluation leads to an exploration of a number and range of HRD methods as they are applied in the small organization context and provides a range of examples of research and practice which will inform and support the teaching of HRD.

Recognizing a significant need to continually update the current body of knowledge on management development with the latest innovations in high quality research and practice in various parts of the globe, this book provides the most comprehensive and up-to-date work on the state of research and practice in management development.

Hill and Stewart provide examples of both management development research and practice to inform and stimulate future research and to encourage the use of research-based practice in organizations. In particular, the book:

• Explores and assesses the various and varying meanings attached to the term ???management development??? and its use
• Provides a range of examples of research and practice to inform and support the teaching of management development as a subject
• Provides a resource to HR practitioners and line managers to develop research-based and critically analyzed management development interventions.

Drawing on the expertise of a wide array of contributors, the term ???management development??? is explored and critically analyzed both conceptually and practically. This impressive volume is essential reading for students and academics across a range of subdisciplines including human recources development, human resources management and leadership.

In its description and analysis of the current context of research and practice of HRD in small organizations, this collection of essays provides a comprehensive and critical evaluation of current approaches to HRD in small organizations. This evaluation leads to an exploration of a number and range of HRD methods as they are applied in the small organization context and provides a range of examples of research and practice which will inform and support the teaching of HRD.

This edited volume contains original chapters by some of the leading researchers and writers in HRD. It provides a definitive work on the design and conduct of research in HRD and identifies and examines the possibilities and limitations of particular methods and techniques. Emerging debates on the purpose, nature and practice and theoretical base of HRD are examined. Each chapter is structured with:
*Statement of aims
*Description of theoretical and empirical context^
*Identification and examination of methodological issues
*Description and evaluation of research design
*Critical analysis and evaluation
*Key learning points

An edited volume containing original chapters by some of the leading researchers and writers in HRD. It provides a definitive work on the design and conduct of research in HRD and identifies and examines the possibilities and limitations of particular methods and techniques. Emerging debates on the purpose, nature, practice and theoretical base of HRD are examined. Each chapter is structured with:
*statement of aims
*description of theoretical and empirical context
*identification and examination of methodological issues
*description and evaluation of research design
*critical analysis and evaluation
*key learning points.

One of three books developed to cover the entire intermediate level CIPD qualification. This title focuses on optional HRM units. The other titles consist of Studying Human Resource Management and Managing People and Organisations.

This edited collection captures current thinking about and future practices and strategies for human resource development (HRD). It brings together contributions from a number of leading academics, practitioners and consultants who are active in the debate about the future of HRD. As the world of work grows ever more complex, diverse and ambiguous, there is growing interest in how technology, globalisation, changing workforce demographics and talent development can play a greater role in developing organisations for the future. In this context, HRD is a critical tool to address current complexity and offer solutions to organisational learning needs. Split into two volumes covering technology and innovation as well as the role of HRD in disrupting management and organisational thinking, these books provide analyses of the role of HRD in addressing the needs of the digital revolution. Volume II offers a practical assessment of how HRD can drive change at an individual and organisational level through the adoption of various best practices. It provides the reader key insights into the HRD response to current issues and whether modern organisations should change their approach to learning and development. Together the two volumes offer a highly reflective, critical and insightful assessment on the foundations of HRD in the workplace.