What Is Urban? Comparing a Satellite View with the Demographic and Health Surveys

Appraisal of urbanization trends is limited by the lack of a globally consistent definition of what is meant by urban. This article seeks to identify and explain differences in the definition of “urbanness” as used in two largely distinct research communities. We compare the Global Rural–Urban Mapping Project (GRUMP), which defines urban areas based primarily on satellite imagery of nighttime lights, to the urban classification found in Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS), which relies on the urban definitions of individual countries' national statistical offices. We analyze the distribution of DHS clusters falling within and outside of GRUMP urban extents and examine select characteristics of these clusters (notably, household electrification). Our results show a high degree of agreement between the two data sources on what areas are considered urban; furthermore, when used together, GRUMP and DHS data reveal urban characteristics that are not evident when one data source is used independently. GRUMP urban extents are overwhelmingly medium and large highly electrified localities. DHS clusters that are classified as non‐urban but that fall within GRUMP extents tend to be peri‐urban areas.     

Model Migration Schedules: Three Alternative Linear Parameter Estimation Methods

ABSTRACT

Observed schedules of migration rates exhibit strong regularities in age patterns. These regularities may be captured and represented by a mathematical expression known as the multiexponential model migration schedule. Fitting this function to empirical data requires non-linear regression methods and often some experimentation with alternative initial estimates of the parameters. Simpler, linear methods of estimation are adequate for most applications. These may be carried out with hand calculators or simple spreadsheet-based calculations on the computer. Such methods are studied and appear to perform satisfactorily.     

Belonging at work

As a developing and most populous nation in the world, the People's Republic of China (P.R. China) faces unique challenges and opportunities in developing its tremendous human resources. Since its policy of ‘reform and open-door’ was initiated in the late 1970s, China has moved steadily towards establishing a nationwide policy of developing human capital and adopting practical measures of implementation. The paper identifies key themes of developing human capital at different levels: in government, business and families. The paper also discusses unique historical, social, political and cultural influences on the determination of such national policies and strategies. Different approaches to developing human capital are discussed for different sectors: state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and private-owned business.     

Using evidence-based practices to enhance transfer of training: assessing the effectiveness of goal setting and behavioural observation scales

Using evidence-based practices we designed goal setting interventions, used in conjunction with behavioural observation scales (BOS), to facilitate transfer from a 2-day performance coaching programme. A total of 210 managers from public sector organisations took part in the study. Transfer was assessed using self-administered surveys and subordinate feedback (in the form of BOS). Transfer was high across all measures; however, our experimental design did not detect any positive effects for learning or behavioural outcome goals relative to being urged to Do Your Best (DYB). Results suggest that providing managers with BOS that outline the key skills covered in the training programme, having them set goals or urging them to do their best to use these skills back at work, and having workplace colleagues assess their performance at work using these BOS, may be sufficient to bring about transfer.     

Corporate eLearning: Human resource development implications for large and small organizations

Abstract

This paper compares and contrasts the current attitudes towards, awareness of and take-up of eLearning in large and small organizations and outlines the implications for human resource development (HRD) professionals. An in-depth study was conducted in Ireland with a number of large multinational organizations and a number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the engineering, electronics, aerospace, pharmaceutical and medical device sectors. The study focused on awareness, perceptions, technology support infrastructure, current and planned involvement, most frequent and most preferred methods of delivery, benefits, barriers, the motivational factors and overall attitudes to eLearning. The comparison describes a number of similarities and a number of differences both within the large organization sector and within the SME sector and between the two sectors. Finally, the implications for HRD professionals are discussed.     

A Comparison of the Lifetime Economic Prospects of Women Informal Carers and Non‐carers,Australia, 2007

Informal care provided at home to family members with a disability is a major part of the disability and aged care system in Australia. Using data from the 2007 Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey, this study provides an updated comparison of the financial wellbeing, or lack thereof, over the working life of women primary carers and non‐carers. This study focuses on selected groups of primary carers and non‐carers disaggregated by partnership status, level of education and self‐assessed health status. While women primary carers tend to be more financially disadvantaged than non‐carers, having a post‐school education and being in good health contribute positively to bridge the gaps.     

“Back There We Had Nothing to Eat”: The Case of Transnational Food Insecurity

This article discusses migrant food insecurity in the United States from the perspective of Mexican and Central American migrant women. Many describe migrating because they had nothing to eat in their countries of origin. Migration is thus framed as a necessary strategy for overcoming food insecurity. I argue that these women's perspectives are unique in the migration literature because food security comprises a gendered labour from which men are frequently spared. Unfortunately, food insecurity still prevails in these women's households in the US. Assuming a “double‐duty” workday of earning wages and overseeing care within households, these women experience the added burden of ensuring food security of households “back there.” Thus, I argue that the food practices of Mexican and Central American migrant women provide a unique lens through which to understand the increased feminization of transnational migration from Latin America to other regions of the world.