Identifying and Implementing Effective Training for Hispanic Craft Workers, American Supervisors, and DOT Inspectors: Phase III of the Hispanic Workforce Research Project, May 2006

The number of Hispanic workers in the U.S. construction industry has been steadily increasing, and language and cultural barriers have sometimes arisen on the jobsite. Due in part to these barriers, the number of fatalities among Hispanics at construction sites in 2001 jumped 24%, while construction fatalities overall dropped 3%. This study, which constitutes Phase III of the Hispanic Workforce Research Project, addresses these language and cultural barriers by investigating the most effective way to deliver training material developed in Phases I and II to Hispanic workers, American supervisors, and department of transportation (DOT) inspectors. The research methodology consisted of assessing the needs and interests of potential and current course participants in terms of exploring innovative ways to deliver the training. The training courses were then adapted and delivered to fit the specific needs of each audience. During Phase III of this project, the research team delivered the courses described in the Phase I and II reports to eight highway construction companies and two DOT groups. The courses developed in Phases I and II consist of four construction-focused language training courses that can be part of an effective training program to facilitate integration among U.S. and Hispanic workers, increase productivity and motivation at the jobsite, and decrease the existing high mortality rate for Hispanic workers. Moreover, the research team developed a course for the construction season called Toolbox Integration Course for Hispanic workers and American supervisors (TICHA), which consists of nine 45-minute modules delivered to one construction company over 11 weeks in the summer of 2005.

Research Highlights, August 2006

Provide an outstanding educational program that enables our graduates to become leaders in their professions by imparting fundamental principles, skills, and tools to innovate and excel. Pursue the discovery of fundamental knowledge and its applications to position the department among the leaders in research. Respond to the needs of the State of Iowa and the nation by building a strong outreach program that serves industry and the engineering profession.

Research Highlights, August 2004

Provide an outstanding educational program that enables our graduates to become leaders in their professions by imparting fundamental principles, skills, and tools to innovate and excel. Pursue the discovery of fundamental knowledge and its applications to position the department among the leaders in research. Respond to the needs of the State of Iowa and the nation by building a strong outreach program that serves industry and the engineering profession.

Research News, Winter 2006-2007

Newsletter of Research and Technology Bureau - Highway Division

Research News, Spring 2007

Newsletter of Research and Technology Bureau - Highway Division

Annual report of the Iowa Highway Research Board Research and Development Activities FY 2006

The Highway Division of the Iowa Department of Transportation engages in research and development for two reasons: first, to find workable solutions to the many problems that require more than ordinary, routine investigation; and second, to identify and implement improved engineering and management practices. This report is submitted in compliance with Sections 310.36 and 312.3A, Code of Iowa, which direct the submission of a report of the Secondary Road Research Fund and the Street Research Fund, respectively. It is a report of the status of research and development projects, which were in progress on June 30, 2006; it is also a report on projects completed during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2005, and ending June 30, 2006.

Welfare Impacts of Cross-Country Spillovers in Agricultural Research, 2007

The welfare implications of intellectual property protection (IPP) for private sector agricultural research are analyzed, focusing on the realistic cases in which countries provide different IPP levels, technology spills over across countries, and the public sector is involved in research. A model is developed to determine who benefits from, and who should pay for, the associated research. The paper contains some interesting results on the implications of a harmonization of IPP policies through multilateral agreements or via technology that allows research firms to prevent the copying of plants and animals that express traits that have emerged from their research.