Open Learning, the World of Work and Economic Development: In the Context of Globalisation

Abstract

PCF2 // Planning for competitive advantage will require designing of policies that would aim at harnessing skills, technology and learning. In the era of globalisation, economy is knowledge-intensive and induced by innovation and utilization of new technologies. Preparation of a cadre of manpower that can effectively function in the global economy is therefore critical for improving productivity of resources. // In India, the overall improvement in competence level of labour force as measured by the indicators of education and health care is very slow. The proportion of vocationally trained persons to the total working population is abysmally low, 5 per cent, whereas the corresponding ratios for developed countries varies between 60 to 80 percent1. Productivity is therefore low, as we shall discuss later. // Globalisation provides unlimited access to economic opportunities in the world. But, to reap its benefits, through the pursuance of an effective competition policy, technical and professional capacity of manpower of all types and levels ought to be enhanced, atleast to match the levels obtaining in other countries with which India have to compete in the domestic and international markets. And for this, concerted efforts would be required to design strategies for teaching and learning to cater for education and training needs of all the aspirants. Such efforts, moreover, should be commensurate with the requirements of the world of work. Besides, the perceived methods of imparting education and skills should be cost-effective. //