Massive open online courses (MOOCs) are being touted as the future of secondary education, and many proponents argue that the MOOC model may solve the U.S. shortage of technical workers. Skeptics, however, question the quality of the training provided by such online education courses. Read more

Robots are a regular fixture of manufacturing, but they’re typically run in isolation to prevent potential risks to workers, and this takes up a tremendous amount of space on an average shop floor. New safety techniques and advanced automation technology are now clearing the way for normalized human-robot interaction that would eliminate many cumbersome space and operational requirements. Read more

The small business sector has traditionally been the main driver of U.S. job creation and growth, but its impact on the employment market has declined in recent years. Here we look at the types of small businesses that are still responsible for providing a significant share of new jobs and what can be done to support them better. Read more

Although they have the potential to boost employee productivity and engagement, there are few enterprise technologies more misunderstood (and disliked) than performance management solutions. Here we look at ways to implement performance management in an effective manner. Read more

Many countries are adopting new truck designs to improve vehicle aerodynamics, which has the potential to improve road safety, cut emissions, and reduce fuel costs. Read more

Although many businesses and trade groups have long advocated changing the U.S. corporate tax system, the prospect of having a lower tax rate but losing various loopholes has made some companies nervous about reform – particularly in the manufacturing sector. Read more

E-commerce has not only transformed consumer retail, but also the industrial distribution landscape. Today, companies often expect their suppliers to provide customized online options to support and enhance their traditional service offerings. Read more