STEP-UP: A Decision-Support System for Transforming the Dislocated US Defense Workforce

We developed STEP-UP, a database-intensive, decision-support system for dislocated workers. We modeled the work positions at a micro- and macro-level and created tailored profiles for individuals to reflect prior positions, training, certifications, and interests. With the profile, career counselors matched employees to labor-market positions or identified training programs in growth industries. Also, giving the prospective employers an indication of the wealth of skilled employees, STEP-UP could provide client matches for job openings. We have continued to extend the capabilities of STEP-UP and offer it as a Web-based system. We expect that more decision support systems like STEP-UP will be developed for use in human resource decision-making situations.