Abstract
The workforce in the United States will be influenced by demographic trend in the next 10 to 15 years to come. Sound formulation of policies in regard to labor will need a concise understanding of how this force will advance and affect the magnitude and composition of labor, texture of workplace and reimbursement structures given by employers. This paper is divided into two parts; the first part identifies one trend as presented by Karoly and Panis and how this trend will shape the world of work in the next decade.
The introduction of e-government has revolutionalised organizations to restructure its organizations; this has lead to emergence of public and private e-commerce. The second part of the paper compares public and private e-government/ecommerce. It further selects a state, one websites and explores how e-commerce is practiced. And finally the paper concludes by providing an overview of the paper.
Demographic trend
Democratic trend will be a major determining factor among other trends in affecting the labor force in the next decade (Karoly & Panis, 2004, p.1). This is due to a variety of factors:
Uneven demographic patterns
Shift in demographic will influence the extent and concerto of the workforce. The magnitude and composition of people in addition to labor trend involvement rate verify the figure and structure of the population who want to toil. Demographic bound has been a factor in influencing the utilization trend of the people hence blend of goods and services fashioned and the labor needed to produce these products (Karoly & Panis, 2004, p.14). These factors are continuing to evolve and moreover, perpetuating recent forces that suggest alteration from the past.
Workforce Composition
The effects of workforce composition will continue to alter. This will majorly reflect “demographic changes” that has been witnessed for quite some time. The United States population and workforce is affected by old age, although older population brings vigor to the labor force than younger population but to a larger extend they are not actively part of workforce and are mainly beneficiaries of programs such as Medicare and social security. The older people therefore inflict bigger support costs per working individual (Karoly & Panis, 2004, p.15).
Importance of Skilled workers
The need for skilled workers will be the main goal for future workforce. The skills that potential workers will encompass in a new assignment will be a necessity. The intense and rapid track of technological transformation is anticipated to thrust the need of extremely trained workers who can keep and expand technologies and encompass them to production of new goods and services. Consequently, evolution to “knowledge based economy” will prolong to fuel a necessity for the need of well trained and educated workers (Karoly & Panis, 2004, p.6).
The United States places a greater emphasis in molding and developing highly trained workforce, a key constituent of United States comparative merit to the contemporary global economy. Advent of global competition and advent of new technologies are receipts favoring well trained workforce hence contributing to “knowledge work”
Information Technology and E-government/E-commerce
Public and Private E-Government/ E-Commerce Comparison
Public e-commerce/e-government involves bureaucratic measures because of the institutions associated with it unlike private e-commerce. Secondly, public e-government encompasses social responsibility i.e. it embraces policy in regard to what is to be achieved for example it can focus on “environmental issues”, innovation and aiming at policies which can meet social goals.
Pubic e-government tends to incorporate intensive security measures in their websites for example the IRS federal government website. Private e-commerce does not really have stronger security measures as such e.g. Amazon. Moreover, public e-government appears almost similar to design layout and structure. Unlike the private
E- Commerce
Florida DMV
Florida DMV is one of the State website that embraces e-commerce. It is an e-commerce that authorizes the comparative listing between the States in regard to commercial vehicles i.e. If a truck or any other heavy commercial vehicle is operated in different states, the proprietor must yearly gives a report in regard to mileage driven in each individual state and tax paid in accordance with the mileage driven (Jones, 2008). Florida DMV website is well organized in the home page. It consists of sections such as drivers’ license, vehicle tags and titles, Florida highway patrol; contact us, forms and office locations.
This layout makes it easier for a user to navigate and find a location which is applicable to him or her. In addition, the website contains questions and answers for frequently asked questions which make it better for any user who has a question to readily find an answer. However, Florida DMV website lacks; a live support in case a user has an issue to be solved and complaints section. The links are complete, not broken and opens fully when clicked. The website layout is a bit complex for a new user to navigate though.
IRS
Is a federal e-commerce website accountable for tax collection and tax act enforcement in the United State. IRS federal e-commerce website is structured in a way that facilitates easier navigation. The links are not broken hence fully opens when you click on the link. It also contains a “help” section where users can click when they are stuck. It also has contact section. However, the site does not have live person support and complains section (IRS, 2009).
Amazon
Amazon is one of the largest American web base online e-commerce market place. It specializes in online retailing. Amazon has an extensive and well layout of its e-commerce website (Amazon, 2010). It has systematic links for navigation when clicked they lead the user to desired location. Its homepage consists of shopping departments ranging from; books kindle, digital downloads, electronics to industrial and automotive gadgets among other departments.
However, the Amazon website lacks live person support feature and contact section which is necessary to help users who are stuck and do not know what to do next.
Conclusion
Demographic factor will necessitate new era in workforce revolution in the United States this will be due to population and immigration, the need of skilled workforce among other factors. Amazon, IRS and Florida DMV have embraced the e-commerce concept and have continued to benefit from it due to efficiency and organization of their e-commerce websites.
Reference List
Amazon, (2010). Amazon.com. Web.
Jones, J., (2008). Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Web.
Karoly, A. L., and Panis, W., A., C., (2004). Forces Shaping the Future Workforce and Workplace in the United States. Santa Monica: Rand Corporation Publications. IRS, (2009). IRS.Com, Web.