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Please find below details of ELITE 1998 Conference. Please do not
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CALL FOR PAPERS
Leonardo da Vinci Programme
International Conference:
Economic Learning in Training for Enterprises
ELITE 1998
Plymouth, United Kingdom, 25-26 November 1998
Small and Medium sized enterprises are the most important type of
company in the world. They are often the driving force behind the
development of new products and services, and are responsible for opening
up valuable markets both at home and abroad. In order to improve the
survival and growth rates amongst SMEs, owners, managers and employees
need to be equipped with the skills and experience which will support
business success, whether it is in its infancy or whether it is looking
to consolidate and grow. Many businesses carry out training on an ad hoc
basis, if at all. However, training is seen more and more as an
investment rather than a cost. In order to encourage SMEs to commit
themselves to investing in training, it is necessary to demonstrate the
extent to which investment in continuing training is of benefit to the
business. There are also difficulties with traditional methods of
training used in SMEs, and new methods are increasingly being used and
experimented with.
ELITE: Economic Learning in Training for Enterprises
The results of the Leonardo da Vinci programme's 1996 call for proposals
to implement a European vocational training policy highlight the
importance attached by programme participants from the different European
countries to the acquisition of skills and the development of
occupational profiles related to job integration, preservation and
mobility.
ELITE is a project developed by a partnership of public and private
agencies in 5 EU Member states, which have identified a need to assess
the economic impact of different types/systems of training undertaken
within SMEs.
It seeks to determine the optimum mix of distance training and human
support, and to examine whether different forms of delivery are more
appropriate for different training needs, and is addressing seven key
objectives:
1. To identify, summarise and provide a typology of recent major
research studies in EU countries on models which attempt to measure the
cost benefits of training within SMEs.
2. To identify, develop and evaluate tools and procedures utilised
by SMEs to quantify the economic benefit of training utilising existing
and emerging form so open and flexible learning including delivery using
telematics.
3. To compare and analyse the costs, roles, skills and benefits of
tutorial and company mentor support within existing and emerging forms of
open and flexible learning.
4. To analyse the survey data to determine the most cost effective
training methods for the delivery of different training programmes.
5. To analyse the survey data from each partner country to produce
interim reports, a project summary, case studies of innovative practice
and a final report in order to compare approaches and develop a joint
model.
6. To run national events and a European conference to inform a
wider audience and influence the development of good practice in the
delivery of training to SMEs.
7. To inform SMEs, employer bodies, government agencies and training
providers of project findings through the publication of papers in
appropriate industrial, profession, and educational journals and use of
the Internet.
The multi-partnership includes universities, Chambers of Commerce, SMEs,
and government agencies:
Helsinki University of Technology; Lifelong Learning Institute, Finland
It is the oldest university of technology in Finland, with 6 faculties.
The Lifelong Learning Institute is one of ten member institutions.
DIPOLI is one of the largest providers of continuing education in Europe
with 100 employees and nearly 2000 visiting teachers per year.
International networking is an essential part of the organisation's
activities. Dipoli has co-ordinated several COMETT and TEMPUS programmes
in which European wide training programmes heave been implemented. The
organisation has special expertise in training, for example, Europor
professional development programme and lifelong learning for in-company
competence development.
Higher Professional and Vocational Education South Netherlands, HOZN,
Netherlands
This is a legal holding which consists of three institutions with
altogether 7 polytechnics in the cities of Tilburg, Eindoven,
s'-Hertogenbosch, Roermond and Sittard. The ELITE projects main contact
is within the HKLT, Hogeschool Katholieke Leergangen Tilburg, a teacher
and professional training polytechnic. The organisation has a
considerable track record in participating and developing programmes for
SMEs and brings to the project excellent links.
Escola Superior de Gestao, Hoteleria e Turismo, Universidad de Algarve,
Portugal
ESGHT is an "ecole superieure" in the tourism and management sector, a
school of the University of the Algarve. The school has an excellent
track record of working with and for the local business sector, many of
which are SMEs vital to the regional economy, and delivers a wide range
of professional training programmes.
Universidad de Murcia, Spain
The ELITE project will be conducted by staff in the Department of
Economic Analysis, particularly interested in the development of an
economic model of training.
Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, UK
The Plymouth Chamber of Commerce is in business for business - it runs a
comprehensive programme of meetings and actively works for the business
community, by lobbying and representation at both local and national
level. Plymouth is the hub of Devon and Cornwall and has had
considerable input into the Regional Strategy for the two Counties.
College of St Mark and St John, Plymouth, UK
The University College of St Mark and St John is a Church of England
voluntary college, affiliated to the University of Exeter since 1991,
which accredits it to run undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
leading to degree awards of the University. It has well developed links
with businesses, schools and other organisations throughout the South
West, with overseas countries and international agencies.
Devon and Cornwall TEC, Exeter, UK
Devon and Cornwall TEC is a limited company which has responsibility of
managing government training programmes for the unemployed and government
enterprise programmes. DCTEC wishes to encourage the higher education
institutes to work with local SMEs and to meet the UK National Training
Targets.
University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
Representatives from the University of Exeter include Adele Dawson, who
is responsible for the University's Continuing Professional Develoment
programme, aimed at owners/managers of small businesses and working
professionals. Richard Tompkins for the School of Business and Economics
will be involved in the Cost Benefit Analysis work.
University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UK
The University of Plymouth is a major teaching, research and consultancy
orientated institution with a strong regional base and an international
profile. It is the major provider of higher education in south west
England, with some 20,000 students studying a comprehensive range of
courses by mode, level and subject. The majority of subjects are
represented, the University being organised into seven Faculties. Within
the University, the Centre for Innovation and External Developments has a
particular responsibility for promoting and providing a focus for
commercial enterprise, innovation, economic development and
entrepreneurial activities. The Centre manages a number of national and
international projects including those funded under the EU Tempus and
Leonardo da Vince programmes.
Integra Applied Intelligence Limited, Plymouth, UK
Integra is a professional services organisation based within the South
West of England, employing ten professionals and with a large portfolio
of Associates that work with us on a per contract basis. Within the
employed staff, there is a wide range of skills covering most business
functions, including organisational strategy, business planning,
financial management, quality, operations and human resource management.
The company has a large number of clients (of all sizes and from most
sectors), including manufacturing, retail, professional service and
public sector organisations. As Project Managers, they are also actively
involved in a number of European projects, including ESF and ERDF
programmes, Fourth Framework projects and Leonardo da Vinci projects.
Both suppliers and users of training are represented in the five partner
countries.
In the spirit of the Leonardo programme as the "laboratory of
innovation", the partnership believes that the project findings will be
of international significance to policy makers working with and for SMEs
as well as of immediate direct application to SMEs. The ELITE
partnership is committed to developing not only an innovative model, but
also one which stands the test of practical application.
Subject Areas for the Conference
The following subject areas define, although not exclusively, possible
topics for paper submission.
Training Strategies
Posessing the rights skills in a business is fundamental for its success,
from its conception through its development. Skills required will change
as the business develops. Owners of many start up and young businesses
lack some necessary skills, decreasing their chances of survival.
Addressing the skills gap is an essential step towards business success.
Training should have clear objectives and outcomes for the business, and
must be an integral part of the business.
Training Methods
In a newly-founded or existing SME, the practicalities and costs of
releasing employees are some of the reasons often given for the lack of
training being undertaken. Imaginative initiatives such as open and
distance learning and telematics could go some way to addressing this
issue. Open and flexible learning is not new. and there exists a
comprehensive system for accreditation of Vocational Qualificatiosn
through NVQs. However, most training and educational approaches seem to
fail SME expectations.
Cost Benefit Analysis of Training Methods
It is essential for organisations to examine the roles, cost, value and
benefits of tutorial and company mentor support within existing and
emerging forms of open and flexible learning, as well as examining the
cost, value and benefits to SMEs of undertaking training utilising
existing and emerging forms of open and flexible learning, including
delivery utilising telematics.
Evaluation
Employers tend to rely on subjective measures of evaluating the
effectiveness of employees' training, and the inability to measure
clearly the impact of training holds managers back on investing in
training. Small business owners are often willing to invest resources
only when the results can prove benefits to the business in the short to
medium term. Studies have shown that evaluation techniques need to
demonstrate more clearly the link between a skilled workforce and
business prosperity
Information on Paper Submission
Intitial indications for the presentation of abstracts to be received by
30th November 1997 would be appreciated.
Abstracts of 500 words (to be sent for review) in 1.5 line spacing, to
be submitted by 31st January 1998. A shortened 100 word abstract to be
published in the Conference programme will be requested if the submission
is accepted.
Papers not accepted for presentation may be considered for full
publication in the Conference proceedings.
Full papers (maximum of 4000 words) as well as a separate abstract are to
be submitted. All papers must be written in English. Electronic
submission is highly recommended and should take place as follows:
MS Word for Windows
Send by e-mail to
mireia@intelligence.co.uk
Should electronic submission be impossible, please submit 6 copies of
double-spaced full paper manuscript and abstracts to Mireia Rogers at the
address given below.
ALL submissions should include:
� The title of the submissions (in upper case letters)
� Full name(s) of the participant(s)
� Institutional Affiliation
� Mailing Address
� E-mail Address
� FAX Number
If more than one author is listed, please identify a single point of
contact
Referee Panel
Dr Chris Branford-White, University of St Mark and St John, England
Ian Hosker, University College of St Mark and St John, England
Dr Chris Bell, University of Plymouth, England
Adele Dawson, University of Exeter, England
Dr Richard Tompkins, University of Exeter, England
Anna-Kaarina Kairamo, Helsinki University of Technology, Finland
Dr Henri van den Hout, University of Tilburg, Netherlands
Harrie Verlegh, University of Tilburg, Netherlands
Drs Claudia Henriques, Universidade do Algarve, Portugal
Prof. Salvador Ruiz, Universidad de Murcia, Spain
Dr Chris Roberts, Devon and Cornwall Training and Enterprise Council,
England
Nick Roadnight, Integra Applied Intelligence Limited, England
Exhibition
An exhibition area will be available for national and international
companies and institutions.
Requests for exhibition space should be submitted by a description not
exceeding one page.
Publications
Printed conference proceedings containing full papers will be included in
the participants delegates' pack distributed at the conference. It is
also planned to publish a selection of the best presented papers in an
appropriate journal.
Details of the Conference, abstracts etc will be published on the WWW.
Concurrent satellite conferences may be organized in a number of other
countries.
Conference Venue
Plymouth is situated in the South West of England, proudly claiming that
is a world within one City. Over the years it has developed from a
series of individual towns and villages to a unified bustling city. It
manages to combine the advantages of being geographically, in the far
South West and away from congestion, with rapid access to London and
other European cities, and actively cultivates industrial and cultural
links with many parts of the globe. There is an optimism about the
place, a determination to seek and make the most of opportunities and a
vision of Plymouth as a prosperous southern City.
The city and the surrounding area have an abundance of attractions to
suit everyone. A tour programme has been arranged for delegates and
accompanying persons to enable them to see the city and surrounding area
during their stay.
PLYMOUTH PAVILIONS
Plymouth Pavilions is designed to provide the perfect atmosphere for
business functions and events, and offers a variety of leisure and sport
facilities. The multi-purpose hall accommodates 2466 seated delegates or
3000 standing spectators, but is so designed that smaller attendances
will not feel lost. Split into ground and balcony levels, seating can be
retracted to provide extra space. Associated bars and special kitchen
facilities provide the finishing touches.
All the Conference activities will take place under one roof, giving
delegates easy access to sponsors and exhibitors.
Important Dates
30th November 1997 Initial Indications of Submissions
31st January 1998 Abstract Submissions
27th February 1998 Notification of Acceptance to authors
31st May 1998 Final Programme Date
30th July 1998 Requests for exhibition space due
Further Information
Please address all enquiries, comments and suggestions to:
Mireia Rogers
Integra Applied Intelligence Limited
Lyster Court
Millfield
Plymouth PL3 1JB
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0) 1752 207007 Fax: +44 (0) 1752 207008
e-mail
mireia@intelligence.co.uk
More information regarding ELITE may be found at ELITE website:
http://www.plymouth-chamber.co.uk/ELITE