Skill Wars defines the investment race between advanced technology versus human resources, and shows managers how to measure that investment. It introduces a Human Capital Scoreboard of seven new business management/measurement tools including a more accurate calculation of ROI (Return on Investment) for employee performance improvement programs. It also provides case studies of how quality training can deliver on more problem-solving/thinking skills. It has a foreword by Joseph Boyett, co-author of The Guru Guide and Workplace 2000.

SKILL WARS Winning the Battle for Productivity and Profit Edward E. Gordon Addresses the 'hot' topic of increasing worker skill shortages in American business Offers a Human Capital Scorecard of seven new business management/measurement tools Very important ROI (return on investment) chapter Case studies Practical application to measuring and obtaining profits Skill Wars is a "basic workplace performance primer" that presents complex issues in a simple language and format that will move both business leaders, and the American public to give their popular support. There are few viable alternatives. Gordon believes that, "Only at great peril can Americans largely continue to ignore the workplace as an important arena that help structures learning for life." CONTENTS 1. The Quality Journey Becomes a Short Trip SECTION 1: MEASURING HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT 2. Where's the Beef? The Case for Measuring Training ROI 3. Solving the ROI Mystery 4. ROI Tax and Accounting Issues SECTION II: REPORTS FROM THE FIRING LINE: IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY & PERFORMANCE 5. Profit - Culture - Thinking: An American Tale 6. The Skill Wars 7. A Message from the Competition SECTION III: DEVELOPING PEOPLE 8. Help Wanted: Creating the Next Work Force 9. A Kick in the Butt 10. Investing in Human Capital: A Blueprint for the 21st Century They're Planning To Win With Skill Wars! "Skill Wars truly drives home one of the most serious problems we face as a nation today. Where are we going to get our workforce for the 21st Century? Clearly, if we don't change our collective behavior, what is in store for us in the next century is the proverbial economic 'train wreck'. Your book is a call to arms." Ronald Gidwitz Former President & CEO Helene Curtis Industries "Whatever our product or service, a trained workforce is the key to victory. If you need convincing read Ed Gordon's Skill Wars. If you're already convinced, read it for the new tools it gives you to measure the impact of your training efforts on the bottom line." Paul J. Miller Senior Partner Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal "I regard Skill Wars as a major contribution to problems involved in education/work relationships in the emerging information society. It deserves careful study by leaders both in business and in education." Kenneth B. Hoyt, Ph.D. University Distinguished Professor Kansas State University "This book will help to fully awake all levels and sectors of our society to full depth of the educational crisis facing our nation and its corporations. The current wave of downsizing, mergers and other reconfigurations of today's corporations does nothing to alter the depth of the educational pool all must draw upon. Only fundamental steps like those discussed by Dr. Gordon. can improve this dimension of the competitive landscape." R. Ronald Shepps Chief Learning Officer BP Amoco/Lima Chemicals "It [Skill Wars] is the most comprehensive documentation of the FACT! not assumption or theory - that the investment in training and education DOES PAY!" Dr. Hans Schieser International Business Consultant Ulm, Germany "Skill Wars is a real breakthrough in workplace development...(and) should be read by all stakeholders, businesses, educators, labor and government. It's ROI is a powerful message." Don Clark President National Association For Industry-Education Cooporation

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