European learning in smaller companies (ELISC) (online training in SMEs)

Oberski, I., Osborne, M. , Noya, C., Korhonen, K. and Herrera, F. (1999) European learning in smaller companies (ELISC) (online training in SMEs). Continuing Professional Development, 2(4), pp. 122-125.

Abstract

Discusses the 'European Learning in Smaller Companies' (ELISC) project which is in the process of piloting, developing and evaluating the Certificate in SME Management, a work-based scheme designed by the Department of Entrepreneurship at the University of Stirling and delivered through the Internet to the project partners (Finland, Spain, Italy and Scotland) which focuses specifically on the educational needs of managers in small-to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Describes the two software applications used in the pilot project, FirstClass - used mainly for project co-ordination - and WebCT - an Electronic Learning Platform through which the course was delivered. Reports the results of an evaluation exercise conducted after completion of the first unit (the Marketing unit) which consisted of pre- and post-unit questionnaires, informal conversations with a small number of participants and discussion between the project partners; states that lack of time was a major limitation with participants tending to study in their own time rather than during working hours thus highlighting the need for a flexible approach to the timing of delivery and assessment; but emphasizes that the case material itself was highly rated both for its content and relevance.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Osborne, Professor Michael
• Authors: Oberski, I., Osborne, M., Noya, C., Korhonen, K., and Herrera, F.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > School of Education > Social Justice Place and Lifelong Education; College of Social Sciences > School of Education > People, Place & Social Change
• Journal Name: Continuing Professional Development
• ISSN: 1460-7468