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The Chambers of Commerce of Ireland (CCI) plans to expand on its existing instructor-led training programmes for SMEs (small to medium enterprises) to develop e-commerce strategies and release an e-learning module to the programme in the first quarter of 2002. "We want to offer SMEs a more flexible way to use our training programmes. With an e-learning option, we expect the uptake of our service to be even higher," Karen Hynes, e-business director for the CCI, told ElectricNews.Net.
Currently the CCI offers two instructor-led training courses as part of its PRISM programme. One is a non-technical course to train SMEs in basic Internet skills and enable them to develop an e-commerce strategy. The more advanced course, which was launched in October, shows businesses how to manage their Web sites in-house.
Named "Chamber Campus," the e-learning course aims to deliver these training programs to SMEs on their own time and in their own location. Hynes said that in the past two years Prism's 25 trainers have provided the course to over 650 businesses. The SME sector, which the CCI said employs 50 percent of the Irish workforce, is often disadvantaged in getting access to e-business training programmes and expertise.
Hynes explained that Chamber Campus is currently in discussions with groups to secure the funding to offer the PRISM course as an e-learning program. She said that the e-learning course would operate in addition to the existing instructor-led courses and was not intended to replace them.
The CCI has recruited eight business executives to work with SMEs on a one-on-one basis. These experts will guide small business leaders and will help establish networks for businesses that are implementing an e-business strategy so they can share experiences and costs. One executive has been allotted per region where the CCI operates throughout Ireland. The eight regions are divided into North and South Dublin, the southeast, the southwest, the mid-west, the west, the border, and the midlands.
Hynes added that many SMEs outsource their IT and although the CCI wants to provide SMEs with the information to make informed decisions, it does not necessarily provide them with the products or expertise.
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment is supporting the Chamber Campus initiative.
More information is at http://www.chambersireland.ie/campus/.
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