Training on business continuity strategies for micro SMEs in the aftermath of Covid-19

<< Background >>As observed in research, SMEs had less resilience and flexibility in dealing with the negative effects of the pandemy. Costs for prevention, as well as requested changes in work processes, such as the shift to teleworking were relatively higher for SMEs given their smaller size. Also, in many instances, there was low level of digitalisation and difficulties in accessing and adopting technologies. If production was reduced in response to the developments, the costs of underutilised labour and capital weighed greater on SMEs than larger companies. Furthermore, SMEs found it harder to obtain information e.g. on measures to halt the spread of the virus, but also on possible business strategies to lighten the shock, and government initiatives available to provide support.Our project thus aimed to provide educational materials to help micro-SMEs to identify and develop the new competitive skills, new organisational forms, new business process designs, new organisational systems, new functional skills and new human resources profile that businesses will need in the pandemic and the post-pandemic period, combined with good and best (video) practices. By doing this, micro-SMEs' ability to cope with post-pandemic challenges increased.<< Objectives >>- Improving the ability of micro-SMEs to analyse the nature of the changing ecosystem during and after the pandemic post-pandemic and to develop the new managerial and organisational insight to find new ways to serve their customers and communities.- Supplementing the educational programmes which train the potential entrepreneurs and managers for SMEs with the curriculum developed by the project partners that includes the new ways of doing business in the post pandemic period.- Contributing to shaping the education and incentive policies of public institutions responsible for the development and competitiveness of micro-SMEs, by producing relevant educational material.<< Implementation >>One of the primary activities was the development and delivery of a comprehensive ECVET compliant curriculum and course material training toolkit. This involved creating educational content that addresses the challenges and opportunities for micro companies. The toolkit was designed to be accessible in all partner languages as well as English, ensuring that it could effectively reach and benefit a diverse international audience.Another significant activity was the establishment of a video-supported case database within an integrated digital environment. This included the creation of an online Learning Management System (LMS) at https://www.pandeconomics.eu/elearning/?lang=en, along with synchronised iOS/Android mobile apps. The integration of a micro-credential certification workflow added a layer of recognition and validation to the learning experience. This approach aimed to enhance the engagement and understanding of the Coronomics content.Additionally, the project involved the production of Coronomics white papers, providing in-depth insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by micro companies. These white papers were developed in all partner languages, as well as English, to facilitate broad dissemination and knowledge-sharing among project participants and stakeholders.To support the learning process and document individual progress, the project implemented the Coronomics learner logbook. This logbook was made available in all partner languages and English, serving as a tool for learners to track their achievements and reflect on their learning experiences.All above outcomes were successfully piloted in all partner countries and reported on, and allowed for optimisation and finalisation of all aforementioned project results. A pivotal activity in the project timeline was the organisation of the final multiplier event held in Svishtov, Bulgaria. This event served as a platform to showcase project outcomes, including presentations and videos. The event aimed to bring together stakeholders, disseminate project results, and foster discussions around the Coronomics initiative. The information related to this event is available on the project website at https://www.pandeconomics.eu/2023/10/10/final-multiplier-event-presentations-and-videos/.To promote the project and its results while attending relevant events/conferences/workshops, multilingual eFlyers were created and distributed in all partner languages and English. These promotional materials played a crucial role in raising awareness and attracting interest in the Coronomics project.Finally, to ensure accessibility and transparency, a WCAG2.1 compliant multilingual responsive website was developed. This website not only hosted all the project results but also provided a centralised platform for stakeholders to access information related to the Coronomics project in all partner languages and English. The website can be found at https://www.pandeconomics.eu/project-results/.<< Results >>- PR1: Coronomics ECVET compliant curriculum and course material training toolkit in all partner languages + English- PR2: Video supported case database upon an integrated digital environment (online LMS at https://www.pandeconomics.eu/elearning/?lang=en, and synchronised iOS/Android mobile apps, integrating also micro-credential certification workflow), where the 50 case studies videos have been integrated with the learning content, as well as captured in livebooks (https://www.pandeconomics.eu/livebook/en/index.html) in all partner languages, and the interviews have been provided via the LMS in all partner languages + English- PR3: Coronomics white papers on challenges and opportunities for micro companies in all partner languages + English- PR4: Coronomics learner logbook in all partner languages + English- final multiplier event in Svishtov, Bulgaria (https://www.pandeconomics.eu/2023/10/10/final-multiplier-event-presentations-and-videos/)- multilingual eFlyers in all partner languages + English- WCAG2.1 compliant multilingual responsive website that also hosts all above results at https://www.pandeconomics.eu/project-results/ in all partner languages + English