The sector approach to analysis of nation-wide learning services is a means of viewing all aspects of national development from the perspective of human resources. Such an approach requires a descriptive national profile; an analysis in terms of dynamics, output, goals, and constraints; a strategy to achieve the goals; and a plan to actualize them. Various perspectives in a sector assessment of education are possible depending upon the role played by education within national priorities: social demand, national development, manpower needs, economic returns, and employment generation. Implementing a sector assessement requires consideration of key elements such as sponsorship, identification of goals and perspectives, and needs for and limitations of quantitative analysis. Recognition, definition, and consideration of opportunities within employment institutions, formal education, and nonformal education and training are also critical. Three methodological approaches widely recognized and implemented relative to national perspective -- manpower surveys, returns to investment in education, and tracer studies -- give an idea of the possibilities and liabilities available in sector analysis. (JH)