Business is concerned with profitability and productivity. Human Resources Management (HRM) deals with the optimisation of human resources (HR) in business. Human Resources Development (HRD) involves the optimisation of every individual, in terms of her/his potential. To achieve this a number of interrelated strategies are often used. The table below attempts to illustrate how some of these strategies relate to cooperative education.
A cooperative education paradigm has much in common with sound HRD. The focus of the co-op practitioner is determined in terms of her/his context. If educational-institution based, the individual is more educational-programme focused, student orientated and serving the appropriate occupational-field. If the “co-op practitioner” (HRD official) is commerce/industry based, the focus is organisational specific, staff-development orientated and liaison with relevant provider educational institution(s). If professional/vocational-association based, the focus is on that particular profession/vocation and the maintenance of standards.
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