Attitudes of Lithuanian citizens towards the co-creation of educational services

One of the main obstacles of welfare state development is weak citizens’ participation in public governance, and low involvement in public services provision. Co-production is proposed as a remedy, however, many foreign researchers, claim that it is too much oriented to service provider and far less to service recipient (Osborne et al., 2016; Nambishan and Nambishan, 2013). Co-production paradigm should be replaced by the “public service dominance” approach and value co-creation, where the customer (in this case, the citizen) is also the creator of service, and his/her experience is the most important factor in value creation (Farr 2016; Osborne 2018).

Thus, the project seeks to identify and explain how and what factors determine Lithuanian citizens’ attitude to participation in the co-creation of the educational services and what impact citizens’ participation has on the quality of the co-created service. It is expected that project results will provide a better explanation of value creation processes of the educational services and contribute to their improvement and accessibility.

Project research leader: prof. dr. Viltė Auruškevičienė

Project research team: dr. Žilvinas Židonis, dokt. Justina Šidlauskienė, dr. Dalius Misiūnas

Project duration: 2021 02 01 – 2022 12 31

This research was funded by a grant (No. P-GEV-21-25) from the Research Council of Lithuania.

Population in most developed countries is aging rapidly. Consequently, the participation rate of older employees in labor market increases. Globalization of markets and continual technological changes require employees to proactively engage in their work roles and career planning. At the same time, it is not unusual for organizations to
see their older workers and older job candidates as having less initiative and lacking proactivity at work. Thus, while organizations are concerned with aging workforce, national policy-makers and society at large are more concerned how these trends affect older employees, and how the situation may be turned around to create conditions for more successful aging at work.
This research is based on the theoretical presumption that early work and life experiences affect work behaviors in later years. Thus, we aim to investigate how the development of occupational socialization influences proactive behaviors at work at older ages and how it depends on country’s socio-economic context.
The goal of the proposed research is multifold. First, we aim to identify and theoretically classify different kinds of proactive behaviors, which may be related to successful aging at work. Second, we will compare the practices and work behaviors of older individuals whose early occupational socialization took place in different socioeconomics
contexts. Third, we will investigate the role of occupational socialization in shaping, promo􀆟ng, and hindering proactive work behaviors at later career stages.
The results of the proposed research will also have practical implications. It will help organizations to better manage and encourage the proactivity of older employees, in
this way, promoting their successful aging at work and active participation in the labor market.

Project research leader: dr. Bernadeta Goštautaitė.

Project research team: dr. Irina Liubertė, Margarita Pilkienė, Dovilė Petreikienė.

This research was funded by a grant (No.S-MIP-20-9) from the Research Council of Lithuania.

Project No: 01.2.1-LVPA-K-856-01-0209

Project title: “Experiment”: Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Solutions for Human Resource Search, Selection and Evaluation Platform Creation

The main goal of the project is to prepare for the creation of a human resources search, selection and evaluation platform based on artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions, which would enable to attract and connect employers and employees in accordance with competencies and work experience requirements using artificial intelligence solutions.

The developed platform includes the following innovative technological solutions (products):

• Development of a semantic CV reading algorithm using machine learning and artificial intelligence.
• A solution for reading various CV formats by merging them into a unified technological CV format, which allows to implement technological compliance with the requirements set by employers (match).
• A guide for employers and employees based on big data, machine learning and artificial intelligence solutions.

Project duration: 2020-2022

Grant amount: 446 814 Eur

Contribution to ISM: 66 796 Eur

ISM role: project partner

Principal ISM researcher: Margarita Pilkienė

Project partners: UAB “Alisa Management Laboratory”

Funding: The European Union Structural Funds and the state budget of the Republic of Lithuania were allocated for the implementation of the project. EU investment fund that finances the project: European Regional Development Fund.

Pop-Machina is a four-year project, started in 2019 and funded by the EU under the programme Horizon 2020. Horizon 2020 is the largest EU funding programme for research and innovation in history. It has three priority directions, one of which is solving challenges, which society is facing.

Pop-Machina project aims to overcome environmental challenges by bringing scientific discoveries from the laboratory to the market. The project was born out of the idea of showing that maker movements and the collaborative production model can lead countries towards a circular economy.

 For years, economic growth has been fueled by consumption, but this has come back like a boomerang: the take – produce – use – throw away principle has started to suffocate the planet with myriad of waste. Today, when the problem of climate change has turned into a climate crisis, namely application of principles of circular economy is the way out of this situation. It is the circular economy model that involves the conscious consumption, recycling and reuse of various products. Some businesses are already starting to adopt the principles of a circular economy, but a major breakthrough has be brought by citizens who change consciously their production and consumption habits. This unique project aims to achieve this.

€10 million worth Pop-Machina project involves 23 partners from 7 countries who will not only conduct research, but also innovate through pilot projects – circular fablabs will be set up in different cities across Europe. Pilot projects are planned in Belgium, Turkey, Lithuania, Greece, Spain and the Netherlands.

Researchers at ISM University of Management and Economics are conducting consumer behavior research to find out how to encourage the use of circular economy items. Researchers at ISM University of Management and Economics in Lithuania will implement the scientific innovation part in collaboration with one of the strongest research groups in behavioral modeling in Europe – KU Leuven University in Belgium, led by prof. dr. Siegfried Dewitte.

Grant amount: € 9,999,592
Contribution to ISM: € 315,000

ISM role: project partner

Principal ISM researcher: prof. dr. Justina Gineikienė

Project partners

KU Leuven, City of Leuven, CREVIS, Municipality of Thessaloniki, Municipality of Piraeus, Q-Plan International, University of Macedonia, Santander City Council, Universidad de Cantabria, Municipality of Venlo, TU Delft, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, ISTAC, Planet Turkey, KOC University, Kaunas City Municipal Administration, ISM University of Management and Economics, University of Cambridge, CERTH

Application code: 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0195

Project title: Executive and Employee Communication on Social Media: The Impact of Personal Branding on Organizational Performance

The aim of the project: Increase the research competence of dr. Dominyka Venciūtė in conducting high-level research as well as to examine the impact of executive and employee personal branding social media efforts on organizational performance.

Expected results: Expected results of this research are as follows: 2 publications (C level journals, ABS Category 2, e.g. International Journal of Electronic Commerce); 2 presentations at International Research Conferences (e.g. European Academy of Management); A conference on personal branding on social media, involving participants with academic as well as business background. The contribution of this research will be both scientific and practical. The research carried out in this project will expand the existing body of knowledge in the relationship between personal branding on social media and its impact on organizational performance. This research will also allow organizations to capture the value of personal branding and prioritize it in their social media marketing strategies accordingly.

Funded by: This research is funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Application code: 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-23-0149

Project title: Using deep learning to detect leadership ability at-a-distance

The aim of the project: Increase the research competence of dr. Vita Akstinaitė in conducting high-level research. The aim of the project is to develop a bias-free, automatic tool to infer leadership capability, including charisma, IQ, and personality at-a-distance.

Expected results: There are several expected results of this research project. First, the study will have a significant direct contribution to psychology and management theories. Second, the project will have a significant practical contribution to assessment, selection, and promotion processes. In particular, the study will provide important recommendations for organizations in Lithuania and other countries on reducing bias and improving hiring practices by applying novel, at-a-distance assessment techniques. Thirdly, the post-doctoral fellow Vita’s research competence will increase significantly through the research training completed at UNIL and mentoring received as part of this project. Moreover, the funding will enable her to conduct cutting edge research in Lithuania. Finally, besides developing as a researcher, the experience gained during the project would allow Vita to help other scholars develop through knowledge sharing, teaching, consultations, future Master, and PhD student supervision.

Funded by: This research is funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Application code: 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-23-0185

Project title: Evaluation of innovation management challenges to promote cooperation between scientific institutions and business and increase mutual competitiveness

The aim of the project: Increase the research competence of dr. Indrė Brazauskaitė in conducting high-level research. In addition, this project aims to bring better understanding of small and medium businesses evolution and related challenges they are experiencing, that affect innovation management processes that are related to commercial environment. Research will allow exploring this phenomenon and contribute to the synthesis of new knowledge and new tools that would contribute to the closer collaboration between scientific and business institutions. Based on Brazauskaitė I., 2019, constant observation, exploration of ever-changing business environment and adaptation to it is needed to achieve the business results and identify possible potential, as well as possible risks.

Expected results: Expected project result is synthesis of new knowledge, which relevance will contribute to both theoretical and practical use in the research area. Based on research results, new knowledge that will reflect relevant business challenges will be provided and communicated to business subjects. The following physical indicators will be achieved: i) 2 scientific publications will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals. During implementation of this physical indicator, 2 scientific internships (3 weeks and 1 week length) will be performed. This physical indicator will be implemented by providing documentation of 2 publications‘ content along with its acceptance of journal editorials; ii) research fellow will present findings of the research in 2 international academic conferences in the area of strategic management, marketing or organization management. This physical indicator will be implemented by providing documentation of participation along with scientific material that was presented. Project development and implementation, cooperation with fellowship supervisor, international internship and publications in scientific journals are planned to contribute to research fellow scientific competence building.

Funded by: This research is funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Application code: 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0020

Project title: Successful aging at work: An international comparison

The aim of the project: Increase the research competence of dr. Bernadeta Goštautaitė in conducting high-level research in the area of successful aging at work. The aim of the proposed research study is to identify why sickness absence/employability increases/decreases with age and what macro-level factors (socio-economic or cultural) may
strengthen or weaken the relationship between age and sickness/employability.

Expected results: The expected results are two research papers submitted to a high-level journal (AJG 4 and 3). The review process takes longer and cannot be predicted, thus, the manuscripts will be submitted but not (yet) published until the end of the post-doctoral project. We see the expected value in several ways. First, the study will have a direct significant contribution to the aging at work literature. Second, the research competence of the post-doctoral fellow Bernadeta will increase significantly. The project will enable her to conduct cutting edge research in Lithuania in the future. Third, as experiences suggest, the positive impact is not limited to the fellow alone. But – due to knowledge sharing, consultations, etc. –the positive impact will spread among the faculty members at her institution (ISM) as well as other research units in Lithuania, which is highly likely, as Bernadeta is an active researcher, has many research collaborations from other Lithuanian universities (see CV) and disciplines, she also teaches and co-supervisors doctoral students. Forth, the study will provide important recommendations for practitioners, which is very important for Lithuania, as its population and workforces are aging faster than in other countries and people are working far beyond their retirement age.

Funded by: This research is funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Application code: 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0194

Project title: Tax Structures and the impact of demographic change

The aim of the project: It is worthwhile to fund this project because it will provide  dr. Aras Zirgulis with the skills and experience to begin publishing in higher level academic journals. By having a deeper understanding of tax structures and demographic issues, both of which are crical for economic development in Lithuania and the rest of the EU, A. Zirgulis will be more able to add valuable insights to academic discussions and policymaking. In addion, in his role as a lecturer, he will be able to impart more experience and knowledge to upcoming generaons. With this funding, he will have the opportunity to go deeply into this subject, learn from his supervisor, and acquire vital analycal and econometric skills. This funding would free up me from his heavy teaching load and allow him to study more.

Expected results: Dr. Aras Zirgulis plans to publish the research results in a series of 3 academic papers in high ranked internaonal journals (ABS level 3 or 2). All 3 of these arcle will be submied and under review by the end of the project. The author also plans to present the results in 2 high level internaonal academic conferences (for example, ZEW Public Finance Conference). This research will act as an opening to the study of how tax structure and demographic change are related. Future policy makers could use the results as an addional tool to guide policy making, and researchers will be able to use the results for further study.

Funded by: This research is/was funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Application code: 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-19-0117

Project title: Towards an assessment model for mission-based strategic communicaon excellence

The aim of the project: To raise qualificaon of dr. Mariana Sueldo and carry out scienfic research in the field of strategic communicaon management and organizaonal excellence.

Expected results: Raised qualificaon and an elaborated assessment model of excellence in mission-based communicaon management. Disseminaon of results: 2 publicaons with IF, 2 conference papers in internaonal scienfic conferences; one fellowship research visit. Further disseminaon in Lithuania: events held in the Lithuanian Associaon of Communicaon, ISM University, seminars and training for managers of organizaons in the public and private sectors. Research results will also be applicable at internaonal level, the created assessment model of excellence in mission-based communicaon management could be object of further research as well as a tool for managerial decisions in organizaons. This project can also contribute to the revision and expansion of the pertaining contents in study programmes in HEIs so as to enhance the professional pracce of communicaon management with communicaon and organizaonal excellence insight.

Funded by:This research is/was funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities”
measure.

Project title: Baltic Smart Asset Management (BSAM)

The Europe 2020 goals and beyond is to increase energy efficiency by 20 %, but also to decrease CO2 emissions. In addition, the EU, the world’s largest importer of energy (400 billion EUR that amounts to approximately 53 % of the entire need), will in the upcoming years face vast reinvestment needs in for modernisation of existing infrastructures, such as district heating (DH) grids.

Many countries are too dependent on coal and Russian gas. The Nordic countries have shown that DH systems are a tool to reduce fossil fuel dependency, moving into circular economy. The main drawback of district heating is the capital need, inefficient operation (losses), expressed in economic terms – low return on capital and a massive replacement need.

In order to solve the challenge described above, to boost district heating efficiency and reduce capital need, one of the most needed processes will be smart asset management (SAM). SAM will create environmental benefits for the Baltic Sea region as well as more affordable heat for the end customers by using existing assets and resources longer and more efficiently (fuel and energy saving).

The purpose of the project is to develop methods, transnational collaboration processes and knowledge for smart asset management. Methods developed for district heating can be spread to the utilities of drinking water and sewage pipes, gas, railways and to power distribution and bridges.

Specific objectives

• To identify barriers and success factors for the development and implementation of SAM, the digitalization of district heating distribution networks.
• To develop nationally adapted methods for condition monitoring of the district heating networks and of for learning.
• To fully utilize modern ICT tools for data driven predictive maintenance of district heating networks.

The project is part of the research in The Environmental Science and Engineering Group (ESEG) research group.

Find more information about the project: https://lnu.se/en/bsam

Project duration: 2019 06 – 2022 05

Grant amount: 1 302 500 Eur

ISM role: associated project partner

Principal ISM researcher: Audronė Nakrošienė

Project partners

Linnaeus University, Swedish Council of District Heating and Cooling, Lithuanian District Heating Association, Gdansk University of Technology, OPEC Gdynia Energy Company, Klaipeda University, Öresundskraft Energy Company

Associated partners

Swedenergy, Energiforsk, Nybro Energi, The Swedish Embassy in Warsaw, Roskilde University, ISM University

Funding: Interreg South Baltic

Projects are the dominant delivery mechanism for assets, services, and other forms of value-add. They range from relatively small short-term product improvements to the delivery of large national icons like airports or space exploration missions.

Studies show that projects grow in average size and number of contributing organizations, such as individual entrepreneurs, companies, public institutions, or NGOs. These contributing organizations often work together in some projects over time, but not in others. Hence, one can perceive them as an inter-organizational network that executes joint projects over time. However, we know little about the ways these networks are governed (steered) over time and the impact of this governance on the performance of these networks. This study addresses this knowledge gap by asking:

How are longer-term inter-organizational networks governed for a series of joint projects?

As governance approaches are idiosyncratic for their particular setting, we also aim to identify the contextual contingencies of the different network governance approaches, and ask:

Which theories, structural designs, and governance practices are used in different contexts?

The study aims to develop a framework of inter-organizational network governance practices and theories, and their situational contingencies, for improved governance of these networks.

Through that, it

• Identifies the variety of network designs and their governance approaches for long-term inter-organizational networks established for multi-project execution over time.

• Identifies the situational and contextual contingencies in the design of these networks and their governance approaches, their strengths, and weaknesses, as well as related performance implications.

• Develops a practitioner-ready framework of practices and theories, together with their contextual contingencies, to better understand, design, adjust, and govern these networks for the benefit of the organizations and their projects.

The findings will improve the understanding of the nature of network governance in the realm of cross-organizational projects, provide governance design options and their contextual contingencies for organizations, as well as identify the governance dimensions and quantify their impact on the performance of networks, allowing to fine-tune governance settings to maximize organizational performance.

The investigation is done by a team of renowned researchers from universities around the world, specialized in the governance of temporary undertakings, such as projects, and networks of projects. The study is lead by Professor Ralf Müller, from BI Norwegian Business School, Oslo, Norway as Principal Investigator and the team consists of:

• Professor Nathalie Drouin, the University of Quebec in Montreal and Executive Director of KHEOPS, Canada

• Professor Fangei Zhu and Dr. Linzhuo Wang from Dalian University of Technology, China

• Associate Professor Inga Minelgaite, from the University of Iceland

• Associate Professor Anne Live Vaagaasar, from BI Norwegian Business School

• Dr. Yongjian Ke, University of Technology Sydney, Australia

• Professor Raimonda Alonderienė, Margarita Pilkienė, Dr. Saulius Šimkonis, and Associate Professor Alfredas Chmieliauskas from ISM University of Management and Economics in Lithuania

The Project Management Institute (PMI®) has awarded its prestigious 2020 Research Grant to fund parts of this study.

The study will be conducted in three steps:

Step 1

A systematic literature review on the topics of structural designs, approaches, and practices of network governance and their contextual contingencies. This develops a theoretical understanding of the phenomenon and refines the research questions. Systematic literature reviews are especially appropriate for structuring findings by contextual differences. Hence, this step identifies “what works in which context” and allows to develop of the propositions for the subsequent qualitative study.

Step 2

Using a multiple-case research design, the country teams will conduct a series of in-depth case studies. The sampling will primarily focus on networks in the construction industry as this industry practices networking frequently. However, networks from other sectors will also be analyzed in order to identify indicators for possible sector contingencies. Variety sampling will be used for the cases, as this allows identifying generic patterns in the data, with the final number of interviews and cases being determined by theoretical saturation of the findings (thus a theoretical sampling approach within each case). A case-study protocol was developed upfront to ensure data comparability, validity, and reliability across the cases. The data are analyzed using within-case and cross-case analyses.

At this step, a set of hypotheses and their integration into a model are developed. Hence, this step will test and expand the propositions developed in step 1 and convert them into a set of testable hypotheses to be used in step 3. The goal of this test is to identify the nature, scope, and situational contingencies.

Step 3

A worldwide web-based questionnaire will globally and quantitatively test, validate, and expand on the hypotheses developed in Step 2. The questionnaire will target project managers and managers in network governance roles, contacted through the professional organizations for project management (such as PMI, IPMA, APM, etc.) and through the researchers’ existing networks. This implies a cross-sectional snowball approach to sampling and the collection of demographic data to assess demographic differences (e.g. national cultures). The questionnaire will cover the topical areas of network governance design, practices, and performance, together with the respondent and network demographics. This step will end with theory development, where the results from the three studies (literature review, qualitative, and quantitative) will be integrated into an overall theory, using contemporary theory development techniques to derive a framework of governance approaches and their situational contingencies.

Findings and their dissemination

Workshops for participating organizations, articles in academic journals and professional magazines, as well as presentations at conferences and other events are planned to communicate and disseminate the findings. A further communication channel will be this website, which will be updated regularly to reflect the status of the project and its findings.

Source: BI Norwegian Business School website

Emerging Industry 4.0 technologies (ET), such as Robotics, Cyber Physical Systems, etc. will provide tremendous shifts with regard to working processes, e.g. increasing human-robot-interactions and similar technological advancements. However, in the debate about the possibilities of ET, their technical norms and standards, one of the most central aspects– the effects on employees, organizations, and work structures – has been often neglected. We still lack knowledge about the deeper implications of the ET: How ET will change work design in organizations? How do ET affect employees and their attitudinal and behavioural outcomes? How individual employees at different life and/or career stage may better adapt to the changes at work? How Human Resource Management may neutralize potential negative effects and demands of ET and ensure long-term employee well-being?

The objective of the research is to explore the effects of ET on work design, to identify individual factors related to adaptability to changes at work across the life-span and to disclose the role of Human Resource Management in this relationship. The research

will be based on micro- and meso-levels of analysis using longitudinal qualitative, meta-analytical, and quantitative methods. Longitudinal qualitative study will be performed in German and Lithuanian companies operating under conditions of Industry 4.0. The research has important theoretical and practical contributions. First, the project will advance the literature on HRM, work design, and individual adaptability, as it will deepen our current knowledge of HRM in the context of emerging technologies. Furthermore, it answers the call for more contextual as well as longitudinal studies in organizational research, thus, providing an important methodological contribution. Second, our findings will substantially increase the practical understanding of human resources management in the context of Industry 4.0. Our findings will help companies operating under conditions of Industry 4.0 to ensure long-term individual adaptability, well-being, and performance across the life-span of employees. This project will considerably develop research skills of Lithuanian researchers, as young researchers will work together with established international scholars and new research methods, such as quantitative meta-analysis and longitudinal cross-cultural qualitative study, will be acquired.​

Project duration: 2018 – 2021

Budget: 599 287 EUR

Research leader: Prof.dr. Ilona Bučiūnienė

Project reseach team: Patricia Allison Reay, Antonio Paulo Brandao Moniz De Jesus, Eglė Staniškienė, Bernadeta Goštautaitė, Živilė Stankevičiūtė, Irina Liubertė

Funding: This project has received funding from European Social Fund (project No. 09.3.3-LMT-K-712-01-0156) under grant agreement with the Research Council of Lithuania (LMTLT)

The current project represents the first major attempt to develop a new unifying theoretical framework providing deeper understanding of why and under what conditions nudge interventions are effective and when they can produce an opposite boomerang effect.

This project seeks to advance theoretical knowledge and understanding by integrating findings from nudge, error management, fundamental motives and motivated behavior theoretical perspectives. Covering the whole motivational spectrum between intrapersonal and intergroup domains we aim to provide one unifying model which will help develop and test new hypotheses related to nudge effectiveness. Findings of our project may have major social implications and can be applied to address actual social problems, such as reducing unhealthy lifestyles and promoting wellbeing. From a policy making perspective, we offer an overarching framework which can be directly applied in making policy decisions to implement different nudges or increase nudge interventions’ effectiveness. Identifying conditions when nudges are effective and when they may fail will provide insights into how to develop effective communication and education programs that promote health as well as give general guidelines into how to encourage people to make healthier choices.

Project duration: 2018 – 2021

Budget: 596 951,04 EUR

Research leader: Prof. dr. Justina Gineikiene

Project research team: Bob M. Fennis, Siegfried Dewitte, Dovile Barauskaite,  Martin Aubel, Elze Uzdavinyte

Funding: 2014-2020 Operational Programme for the European Union Funds Investments in Lithuania

Project No. LMT P-COV-20-77

Project title: Designing business insolvency model and its application for assessing implications of COVID-19 in Lithuania (COV-NET)

Project research leader: prof. dr. V.Darškuvienė

Project research team: Dr. Siuzana Ščerbina Dalibagienė, Dr. Dalius Misiūnas, Egidijus Kundelis, Kristina Barauskaitė-Griškevičienė

Every year, about 2000 companies in Lithuania initiate insolvency proceedings. COVID-19 pandemic will have additional negative effects on business, leading to financial distress and insolvency. The consequences of these effects can vary across economic sectors and regions.

The project aim is to develop a business insolvency research methodology that would help to examine the impact of pandemic-related crisis on corporate solvency. The research focuses on assessing the state business support measures in the short-run, and anticipate long-term implications for Lithuanian business and employment in vulnerable groups of companies, specific economic sectors and regions.

Research-based findings and recommendations should help the state to ground the support necessary for businesses when dealing with the long-term consequences of COVID-19.

Project duration: 2020 06 02 – 2020 12 31

Project budget: 94.344 EUR

Funding: the project has received grant from Lithuanian Reasearch Council for „Projects for decisions on the consequences of COVID-19“

Project No. P-REP-20-9

Project title: Industry 4.0: Addressing Challenges for Productivity, Employment and Inclusive growth

Project research leader: Dr. Maik Huettinger

Project research team: Dr. Aras Zirgulis, Dr. Jonathan Boyd, Dr. Eglė Verseckaitė, doct. Marius Kušlys

Automation technology is dramatically changing labour markets and the nature of work. While it certainly increases productivity and can raise living standards, economists are increasingly becoming alerted to its potential harms. The OECD, in its report Job Creation and Local Economic Development (2018), found that within-country regions are particularly susceptible to the risks of automation, and there is an asymmetric risk of automation at the regional and local level.

Unfortunately, the OECD report was unable to extend its study to Lithuanian regions. The aim of this project is to assess the risk of automation across Lithuania’s regions and propose how to best deal with these risks.

The project has three objectives:

1. To determine the risk of automation across Lithuania’s regions, and to categorise each Lithuanian region according to the OECD’s regional typology for employment creation in the face of technological disruption.
2. To identify regions and industries which are the most critical to fostering Integracinis produktyvumo augimas using the relative risks of job automation across Lithuania’s regions.
3. To create an industry 4.0 public policy framework which incorporates the needs and positions of all relevant stakeholders, including a series of recommendations on how to improve the legal climate, worker competence training, and industry digitalization, while incorporating best practices and policy prescriptions from similar cases involving similar cases to that of Lithuania at the present time.

The project is intended to support the ‘Lithuanian Industry Digitisation Roadmap’; to support the OECD’s ongoing efforts to track local economic and skill development, and will augment both the above-mentioned 2018 report, and the report Better Use of Skills in the Workplace: Why It Matters for Productivity and Local Jobs (OECD, 2017a).

 Project duration: 2020 03 02 – 2020 08 31

Project budget: 61 142 EUR

Funding: the project has received grant from Lithuanian Reasearch Council under the National Programme

Projects are the dominant delivery mechanism for assets, services, and other forms of value-add. They range from relatively small short-term product improvements to the delivery of large national icons like airports or space exploration missions.

Studies show that projects grow in average size and number of contributing organizations, such as individual entrepreneurs, companies, public institutions or NGOs. These contributing organizations often work together in some projects over time, but not in others. Hence, one can perceive them as an interorganizational network that executes joint projects over time. However, we know little about the ways these networks are governed (steered) over time and the impact of this governance on the performance of these networks. This study addresses this knowledge gap by asking:

How are longer-term interorganizational networks governed for a series of joint projects?

As governance approaches are idiosyncratic for their particular setting, we also aim to identify the contextual contingencies of the different network governance approaches, and ask:

Which theories, structural designs and governance practices are used in different contexts?

The study aims to develop a framework of interorganizational network governance practices and theories, and their situational contingencies, for improved governance of these networks.

Through that, it

• Identifies the variety of network designs and their governance approaches for long-term interorganizational networks established for multi-project execution over time.

• Identifies the situational and contextual contingencies in the design of these networks and their governance approaches, their strengths and weaknesses, as well as related performance implications.

• Develops a practitioner-ready framework of practices and theories, together with their contextual contingencies, to better understand, design, adjust, and govern these networks for the benefit of the organizations and their projects.

The findings will improve the understanding of the nature of network governance in the realm of cross-organizational projects, provide governance design options and their contextual contingencies for organizations, as well as identify the governance dimensions and quantify their impact on the performance of networks, allowing to fine-tune governance settings to maximize organizational performance.

The investigation is done by a team of renowned researchers from universities around the world, specialized in the governance of temporary undertakings, such as projects, and networks of projects. The study is lead by Professor Ralf Müller, from BI Norwegian Business School, Oslo, Norway as Principal Investigator and the team consists of:

• Professor Nathalie Drouin, University of Quebec in Montreal and Executive Director of KHEOPS, Canada

• Professor Fangei Zhu and Dr Linzhuo Wang from Dalian University of Technology, China

• Associate Professor Inga Minelgaite, from the University of Iceland

• Associate Professor Anne Live Vaagaasar, from BI Norwegian Business School

• Dr Yongjian Ke, University of Technology Sydney, Australia

• Professor Raimonda Alonderienė, Margarita Pilkienė, Dr Saulius Šimkonis, and Associate Professor Alfredas Chmieliauskas from ISM University of Management and Economics in Lithuania

The Project Management Institute (PMI®) has awarded its prestigious 2020 Research Grant to fund parts of this study.

The study will be conducted in three steps:

Step 1

A systematic literature review on the topics of structural designs, approaches and practices of network governance and their contextual contingencies. This develops a theoretical understanding of the phenomenon and refines the research questions. Systematic literature reviews are especially appropriate for structuring findings by contextual differences. Hence, this step identifies “what works in which context” and allows to develop the propositions for the subsequent qualitative study.

Step 2

Using a multiple-case research design, the country teams will conduct a series of in-depth case studies. The sampling will primarily focus on networks in the construction industry as this industry practices networking frequently. However, networks from other sectors will also be analyzed in order to identify indicators for possible sector contingencies. Variety sampling will be used for the cases, as this allows identifying generic patterns in the data, with the final number of interviews and cases being determined by theoretical saturation of the findings (thus a theoretical sampling approach within each case). A case-study protocol was developed upfront to ensure data comparability, validity and reliability across the cases. The data are analyzed using within-case and cross-case analyses.

At this step, a set of hypotheses and their integration into a model are developed. Hence, this step will test and expand the propositions developed in step 1 and convert them into a set of testable hypotheses to be used in step 3. The goal of this test is to identify the nature, scope and situational contingencies.

Step 3

A worldwide web-based questionnaire will globally and quantitatively test, validate, and expand on the hypotheses developed in Step 2. The questionnaire will target project managers and managers in network governance roles, contacted through the professional organizations for project management (such as PMI, IPMA, APM etc.) and through the researchers’ existing networks. This implies a cross-sectional snowball approach to sampling, and the collection of demographic data to assess demographic differences (e.g. national cultures). The questionnaire will cover the topical areas of network governance design, practices and performance, together with respondent and network demographics. This step will end with theory development, where the results from the three studies (literature review, qualitative, and quantitative) will be integrated to an overall theory, using contemporary theory development techniques to derive at a framework of governance approaches and their situational contingencies.

Findings and their dissemination

Workshops for participating organizations, articles in academic journals and professional magazines, as well as presentations at conferences and other events are planned to communicate and disseminate the findings. A further communication channel will be this website, which will be updated regularly to reflect the status of the project and its findings.

Source: BI Norwegian Business School website

Master study programme in Educational Leadership is intended for teachers and education managers with post-graduation and relevant work experience on which the learning process should build. It is not a teacher-education program, graduates will be prepared to  provide leadership as educators, administrators and facilitators of educational change within public and private education organizations and communities.

Education leaders, public and private, need to understand the structures for managing the school and/or organizational environment. These structures include organizational visioning and action planning, marketing and budgeting, and the leadership skills that incorporate instructional design, leading innovative projects, navigating the complexities of human behavior and organizational outcomes from psychological and behavioral perspectives, professional development, evaluation, and an in-depth focus on data-driven decision making in organizations and educational institutions.

Thus, the Programme aims to develop high quality educational leaders who have an understanding and critical appreciation of the theories, tools and techniques of management and leadership to enable them to implement leadership mission for learning more effectively in leading organizations.

On the successful completion of the programme, students can pursue careers in leadership and management positions in education organizations, government, or continue studies on at PhD level.

The Programme has been developed and is delivered in cooperation with the international experts of the field prof. Sonia Blanford (Warwick, UK), prof. Louise Stoll (Institute of London, UK), Coleen Jackson (University of Sheffield), prof. P.Kalmi (Finland). The relevance of the Programme is substantiated by research, as ISM took an active part in consultations with School principals, teachers, Municipality’s representatives, high school professors, as well as longitudinal study performed during project.

The need and the relevance of the programme can also be demonstrated by the round of  meetings Programme students had with the Minister and the Heads of the departments of the Ministry of Education and Science, as well as agreement for cooperation with Vilnius Municipality.

More information in lithuanian you can find in here.

The aim of this research project is to conduct a systematic analysis of stakeholder engagement in the organizing and delivery of sustainable LTC and propose a model of their closer cooperation and engagement. To attain the above aim this research will encompass the analysis and synthesis of secondary and primary (online survey and focus group discussions with stakeholder representatives) data.

This research project is relevant and novel not only in its thematic but also interdisciplinary theoretical approach. To propose a model of stakeholder engagement and their closer cooperation in the organizing and delivery of sustainable long-term care of elder persons and provide recommendations to policymakers on securing effective functioning of sustainable LTC of elder persons, the theoretical framing of this research will be developed on the premises of different theories in the fields of management, economics, public and social policy, and sociology.

Project duration: 10 2017 – 11 2019

Budget: 99,991 EUR

Project leader: Prof. dr. Ruta Kazlauskaite

Project research team: Virginija Poskute, Irmina Matonyte, Lineta Ramoniene

The project aims to better understand how and why modern management ideas travel, are selected, and are contextualized in Lithuanian government institutions. Empirical research is based on the narrative analysis of changes of institutional logic, with particular emphasis on the interplay between soviet nomenclatura, post-soviet and continental Europe administrative traditions. It is expected that project results will help to better understand the peculiarities of implementing changes in the public sector organizations in Eastern European context. This knowledge can be translated into recommendations for practitioners, managers and leaders of public sector organizations who are willing to change.

The current project represents the first major attempt to develop a systematic understanding and to identify the psychological mechanisms of how people from stressful and scarce environments adapt their health-related behavior when confronted with wealthy and abundant environments. Integrating recent findings from health-related consumer behavior, social influence and psychology literatures, we propose a new theoretical framework to understand how, why, and when people who lived in stressful and scarce conditions make trade-offs in decisions related to health. Furthermore, our project is the first to suggests that growing up in an unfavorable environment can shape cognition in adaptive ways, such that the consequences for health-related decision making are sometimes detrimental and sometimes beneficial for health and wellbeing. Employing a multidisciplinary methodological toolbox, including experimental, cross-sectional, and archival studies, we provide novel insights into health consumer behavior, in addition to revisiting and extending some assumptions of the life history theory and persuasion literatures.

Furthermore, we show which policy interventions and influence tactics are most effective in consolidating and promoting healthy food choices. Exploring life history strategies and health-related behaviors in wealthy environments can alter our understanding of how people engage in health-related choices and decisions. In turn, such an understanding may have major implications and can be applied in a range of areas to solve social and policy issues. The perspective offered through the lens of life history strategies can be applied to address actual social problems, such as reducing unhealthy lifestyles and promoting wellbeing. Identifying which environmental contexts and social influence heuristics are the most effective under such conditions will provide direct implications for policy makers on how to design specific regulations and targeted public interventions, develop communication and education programs that promote health and wellbeing, as well as, provide general insights into how to encourage people to make healthier choices.

Project duration: 10 2017 – 09 2019

Budget: 100 000 EUR

Project Manager: Prof. dr. Justina Gineikienė

Project research team: Bob M. Fennis, Guido M. van Koningsbruggen, Dovile Barauskaite

Funding: Lithuanian Research Council programme “Researcher teams’ projects”

Visit to International Research Conference (Organizational Studies, Topic: Factors Influencing Research Performance)

This research visit is funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Project Goal:

The aim of this project is development of competencies of PhD student Jolanta Jaskiene through participating in international research conference EGOS 2018 (European Group for Organizational Studies).

Project Participant: Jolanta Jaskiene

Visit to International Research Conference „European Marketing Academy Conference (EMAC)” 2018

This research visit is funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Project Goal:

The aim of this project is development of competencies of PhD student Dovile Barauskaite through participating in international research conference “European Marketing Academy Conference (EMAC) 2018”,

Project Participant: Dovile Barauskaite

Phd Student Visit to International Research Conference (Organizational Management Studies)

This research visit is funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Project Goal:

The aim of this project is development of competencies of PhD student Irina Liuberte through participating in international research conference EGOS Colloquim 2018 (European Group for Organizational Studies).

Project Participant: Irina Liubertė

Visit to International Research Conference (Topic: Human Resource Management)

This research visit is funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Project Goal:

The aim of this project is development of competencies of dr. Vida Skudiene through participating in international research conference „15th International Human Resource Management Conference”.

Project Participant: dr. Vida Skudiene

Research Internship to Improve Competency at University of Groningen

This research visit is funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Project Goal:

The aim of this project is development of competencies of PhD student Dovile Barauskaite through internship at University of Groningen.

Project Participant: Dovile Barauskaite

Visit to International Research Internship (Topic: Research Performance)

This research visit is funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Project Goal:

The aim of this project is development of competencies of PhD student Jolanta Jaskiene through internship at Maynooth University, School of Business.

Project Participant: Jolanta Jaskiene

Research Internship to Improve Competency at Aalborg University, Denmark

This research visit is funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Project Goal:

The aim of this project is development of competencies of PhD student Ieva Zebryte through internship at Aalborg University, Denmark.

Project Participant: Ieva Zebryte

Visit to International Research Conference (2018 AMA Winter Academic Conference)

This research visit is funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Project Goal:

The aim of this project is development of competencies of dr. Vilte Auruskeviciene through participating in international research conference “2018 AMA Winter Academic Conference”.

Project Participant: dr. Vilte Auruskeviciene

Visit to International Research Conference (Topic: Calling and Career)

This research visit is funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Project Goal:

The aim of this project is development of competencies of dr. Bernadeta Gostautaite through participating in international research conference „Mini-conference: Special issue in Journal of Vocational Behavior on “Calling and careers: New insights and future directions”.

Project Participant: dr. Bernadeta Gostautaite

Visit to International Research Conference (Topic: Consumer Behavior)

This research visit is funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Project Goal:

The aim of this project is development of competencies of dr. Justina Gineikiene through participating in international research conference „SCP Boutique Conference on Vice and Virtue Consumption 2018″.

Project Participant: dr. Justina Gineikiene

Visit to International Research Conference (Topic: Aging & Society)

This research visit is funded by the European Social Fund under the No 09.3.3-LMT-K-712 “Development of Competences of Scientists, other Researchers and Students through Practical Research Activities” measure.

Project Goal:

The aim of this project is development of competencies of dr. Virginija Poskute through participating in international research conference „Aging & Society: Seventh Interdisciplinary Conference”.

Project Participant: dr. Virginija Poskute.

Efficiency and service quality of healthcare institutions depend on motivation and work quality (performance) of employed healthcare professionals. However, the majority of healthcare institutions in Lithuania are concerned by the demographic and social challenges of the 21st century as due to economic inequalities between European countries their medical professionals increasingly emigrate from Lithuania. The project is significant for attaining the objectives of the Welfare Society programme as the proposed research is focused on solving of complex demographic and social challenges associated with ageing issues, emigration of healthcare professionals, management of healthcare institutions and improvement of healthcare services.

In the proposed research project we investigate the problem of how to effectively manage and retain healthcare professionals in Lithuanian healthcare institutions. While doing so we aim to identify the work design as well as organizational factors that increase the motivation and performance and reduce turnover and emigration intentions of healthcare workers across the life span.

In the framework of the project we are intended to disclose the specifics of healthcare context and theoretically ground the impact of work design and organizational factors for individual work-related outcomes. Guiding by prof. F. Morgeson we will translate and validate Lithuanian Work Design Questionnaire measurement scales and empirically evaluate how work design and organizational factors affect work-related outcomes of healthcare professionals in different life span stages. Our managerial implications and practical recommendations will help healthcare institutions to develop and adapt organizational factors and work design in order to maintain high performance, motivation, and retention of healthcare professionals.

Project is supported by Lithuanian Research Council under the Lithuanian-Japanese Program for joint projects’ promotion.

Project Goal

Functional foods promise consumers improvements in targeted physiological functions, and have become a staple of the modern diet. We seek to contribute to further development of functional food research nomological network and delineate important characteristics and mechanisms determining acceptance of functional food. An investigation of these issues is important for marketers as it reveals additional factors that explain consumer behavior and assists in deciding on changes in general business strategy, marketing or production. Understanding functional food related behavior may provide insights for policy makers and advance regulatory requirements at the EU or national levels.

The aim of the project is to develop an understanding what drives the consumers’ preferences in regard to functional food. More specific research objectives are to test the cognitive mechanisms behind preferences for functional food and relation of these mechanisms to health concerns; also delineate boundary conditions, for example, by exploring the licensing or halo effects in functional and regular food preferences.

Project is implemented in collaboration with researchers from Chiba University and University of Tokyo (Japan).

COST – European Cooperation in Science and Technology. The aim of this program is to coordinate scientific research financed from national funds, to support European research cooperation in the implementation of new ideas and initiatives. COST Action is a cooperation network initiated by European and other countries’ researchers working in certain research and technology development fields. Currently around 350 COST activities are carried out.

In 2014 ISM researchers have joined one of the COST Action on Dynamics of Virtual Work, thus ISM is participating as a partner. This activity brought together researchers from 30 European universities. ISM was represented by prof. dr. Ilona Buciuniene and PhD student Audrone Nakrosiene, who were the part of „Creativity, skills, knowledge and new occupational identities” and “Innovation and the emergence of new forms of value creation and new economic activities” working groups. ISM team participated in implementation of activities, organizing research conferences, seminars, training schools, presented research works at international research conferences, PhD training schools. During the implementation of COST programme activities the network with universities, researchers as well as joint research projects have been developed.

The final International scientific conference on Dynamics of Virtual Work was organized by ISM team on September 14-16th, 2016 at ISM University of Management and Economics. Please visit for more information about the conference here.

More information about the project you can find here.

ISM researchers: Prof.dr. Ilona Buciuniene, Audrone Nakrosiene

Funding: COST – European Cooperation in Science and Technology

Strategic partnerships in the youth project „Self – Employed“ (SELF-E)

Project duration: 21 months (2015.01.01 – 2016.09.01)

Project No.: 2014-1-LT02-KA205-000432

The specific project aim – to encourage regional youth entrepreneurship skills by creating the methodology.

The objectives of the project:

• Make an investigation of the current situation of youth entrepreneurship skills in Suwalki and Marijampole regions;
• Prepare the methodology for youth of non-formal entrepreneurship development based on the results of investigation;
• Organize youth entrepreneurship camp during which the main youth of non-formal entrepreneurship development methodological guidelines will be applied;
• Improve methodology according to the practical test results;
• Arrange long-term methodology use in practice, which will be attended by 10 participants from Lithuania and Poland;
• Deliver the results of youth entrepreneurship development methodology during the international conference;
• Ensure the continuity of the project by taking care that the methodology is used at work with 14-19 year pupils in both school and non-formal educational institutions.

Target groups:

• youth of 14-19 years.

The beneficiaries are:

• organizations working with young people and non-formal education;
• educational institutions;
• enterprises.

Project partners:

VšĮ „Sveikatingumo idėjos“

ISM University of Management and Economics, UAB

Panstwowa Wyzsza Szkola Zawodowa im. prof. Edwarda F. Szczepanika w Suwalkach

Park Naukowo-Technologiczny Polska-Wschod w Suwalkach sp. z o.o.

More information about the project  – www.inovatoriai.lt

The project has been funded with support from the European Commission under Erasmus+ program.

Objective of the project

Benefit for the university and community

The project is performed by the Education Supply Centre together with its partners: the School Improvement Centre and ISM University of Management and Economics.

Objective of the project

245 national, municipal and school-level education leaders will be provided non-formal studies.

Benefit:

• The possibilities to develop the leadership competence in Master’s studies and non-formal but recognized development of leadership competences by accumulative education.

• The supply of consulting services and leadership models.

• Virtual spread of leadership ideas.

• Annual national leadership forums.

• New educational literature is translated and bought; public consultations are organized.

• The drafts of specific legislation will be presented to the national level in order to reduce regulation and expand the spaces of self-dependence.

Trukmė: 2011.11.25 – 2015.06.15

Projekto suma: bendra projekto suma 11,14 mln. Lt, ISM tenkanti dalis – 2,1 mln. Lt.

Objective of the project

Benefit

Objective of the project

Ensure the quality, accessibility and compliance of the studies with international requirements by modernizing the study infrastructure of ISM. The following works shall be performed during the project:

• Audiovisual equipment of the auditoriums will be renewed; its axis will be the panel installed in the lecturer’s pulpit; the panel will enable switching the computer, the projector and sound on/off and lowering/lifting the screen by individual pushbuttons. This will enable going without remote controls that are used currently; identical control panels in all auditoriums will enable mastering the innovation quickly.

• A new information system of the studies will be installed; a business management system including management accounting and management of relations with the customers, procurements, sales, staff and salaries will be installed later. An additional service station for the new information systems will be purchased. The computers of the auditoriums and of the employees will be renewed.

• An especially modern auditorium for recording lectures and for remote teaching will be constructed (one in Vilnius and one in Kaunas).

• A document management and cooperation fully integrated with an Exchange server will be installed. It will replace storage in a common depository in ordinary catalogues and will be fully integrated with MS Office programs.

• The website serving as the gateway to all other systems will be renewed radically, integrated with social networks and adapted for various devices.

• A qualitative research tool NVIVO will be purchased for the supervision of the auxiliary technical system and backing up as well as microclimate sensors in the auditoriums will be purchased.

Benefit for the university and community

Objective of the project

Benefit

Objective of the project

Benefit

Objective of the project

Benefit

The objectives of the project are:

• To assess the actual competence of the selected trainers for using Virtual Games in Strategic Management.

• To train 25 trainers on teaching Strategic Management Games,

• To develop 8 cases ready to use in Virtual Games,

• To develop teaching notes for the games and pilot 8 games training a group of managers on Strategic Management,

• To amend the 8 games according to the feedback after the pilot training,

• To develop the textbook and an article on using ICT in teaching process,

• Disseminate results of the project in 2 international conferences.

 Results:

• Competence analysis and confirmation of Strategic Management Virtual Game topics.

• 8 developed Virtual Game cases on Strategic Management in Poland and Lithuania.

• 8 teaching notes for developed Virtual Games on Strategic Management.

• Revised 8 Virtual Game on Strategic Management.

• Revised teaching notes for Strategic Management Virtual Games.

• Feedback on developed Strategic Management Virtual Game and teaching notes.

• Article in the Baltic Journal of Management.

• Textbook on Strategic Management Virtual Game method.

Target groups:

• Direct – educators & trainers dealing with Strategic Management education.

• Indirect target group are managers.

Project partners: 

• Poznan University of Economics (Poland)

• Wielkopolska Chamber of Commerce and Industry for bridging education and business (Poland)

• ISM University of Management and Economics (Lithuania)

• Karl-Franzens-University Graz (Austria)

​

The objectives of the project are:

• To assess the actual competences of the selected trainers for case writing and teaching. To assess most needed topics for cases

• To train 30 trainers on case writing

• To develop 6 cases on Polish and Lithuanian business development identified topics (2 business development cases and 4 – cases on specific management topics)

• To train 30 trainers on case teaching

• To develop case teaching notes and pilot 6 developed cases training a group of managers on Business development

• To amend the 6 cases according to the feedback after the pilot training

• To develop the textbook on case writing and teaching based on the project experience

• To develop one article on case usage in adult education

• Disseminate results of the project in 2 international conferences

Project coordinator:

Project partners:

Project objectives:

Project results:

• Prepared SME Management Skills Benchmark Reports in all partner countries.

• Prepared  Comparative Analysis of Management Skills in SMEs: UK, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Greece and Ireland (2012).

• Perspectives 360 ‘back-office’ will be up-graded.

• Perspectives 360 database and website  adapted, contextualised and translated.

• Prepared Contextualization and translation of Core and Specific Skills, development actions, website pages and questionnaires.

• Adapted and developed  3 day Perspectives 360 Training the Trainer course.

• 5 x Perspectives 360 Facilitator Trainers trained through the delivery of one 3 day Perspectives 360 Training the Trainer course.

• Adapted and developed  a one day Perspectives 360 Facilitator training course.

• Trained Perspectives 360 Facilitators.

• Engaged 300 SME managers in lifelong learning (50 managers per country).

• Carried out survey and prepared report on the use of Perspectives 360 (both Facilitators and SME managers) and impact on the performance of managers.

• Prepared set of Perspectives 360 case studies featuring Facilitators and SME managers.

• Prepared 6 x national dissemination seminars in all partner countries.

• Created a national and European stakeholder database.

• Published articles featuring the SME management skills benchmarks and reports.

• Created Network of 6 Perspectives 360 assessment centres.

• Prepared a project information pack.

• Delivered 5 x Perspectives 360 marketing workshops to stimulate interest in becoming 360 Partners in Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Ireland and Greece.

• Carried out Perspectives 360 European National Partner on-line seminars x 2.

• Prepared Perspectives 360 Business Plans in all partner countries.

• Assessed 300 SME Managers (50 per country) using Perspectives 360.

• Delivered Feedback of Perspectives 360 assessment results to 300 SME managers (50 per country) and produced Personal Development Plans.

Target groups of the project are:

Project contractor: