SLET - Support and Learning Tool for E-Tendering
By James Donlon, June 18, 2007
Project Background
SMEs often see growing internationalization of business as a risk but there are also excellent opportunities to reach new markets with goods and services through electronic tendering and procurement.
The internet has become a virtual market place and only those who are able to access key information can profit from the chance to overcome the limits of local and regional markets.
Small and medium enterprises, particularly crafts companies, need to be supported in utilising electronic tendering and procurement systems which are being used to a growing extent by public and private contractors.
This project looks at the situation and the degree of usage of electronic tendering in seven European countries; ranging from SME and other players in this field to the broader use of ICT supported business processes.
The project will undertake research in each of the seven European countries and a tailored support platform will then be developed which will provide support in handling the required technologies (e.g. digital signature) as well as providing background knowledge regarding legal and organisational framework of e-awarding of contracts.
The Product
The main product will be an online based support platform that contains e-learning material as well as a helpdesk for immediate support. The learning material will cover the process of participation in electronic tendering (e.g. tender platforms, tender assistance, digital signature and encryption, technical equipment, legal aspects in EU member countries) and will be suitable for vocational training in classroom as well as for learning on demand at the work place.
Along with the learning material additional information like case studies, good practice, frequently asked questions and further links and references will help the user find answers to questions related to the e-tendering process.
Product Benefits
ˇ A practicable guide on electronic tendering will assist SME’s step by step to the competent use of this instrument for their business.
ˇ The guide can be used by practitioners in a company to improve their competencies as well as a suitable training instrument to fill a gap in vocational training centres.
ˇ The guide will permit online consultation and learning at the workplace even when an immediate problem related to e-tendering needs to be solved.
ˇ The guide can be provided to companies by Chambers, Technology Centres and other authorities responsible for supporting SME in order to improve competitiveness and keep companies up-to-date with actual and future market requirements.
SLET is a Leonardo da Vinci Pilot Project with partners from Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Finland, Hungary, Ireland and Latvia.
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