ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores usage and methods in international comparisons. It reviews the effects of comparative research on policy towards vocational education and training (VET) in Britain. The book argues that three desirable attributes of a VET system— transparency, coherence and stability— have consequently been lacking not only in British practice but also in policy response to comparative research. It also argues that Britain's future position, assuming the continuance of current trends and policies, should therefore be compared with Germany's situation. The book provides the National Institute team's study of vocational training and productivity in the hotel sectors of Britain and Germany. It discusses that the Japanese experience, which has provided so powerful a stimulus to the rethinking of VET practice in Western economies.
