SOCRATES/ERASMUS INTENSIVE PROGRAMMES (IP) Pirkanmaa Polytechnic University of Applied Sciences

1. SOCRATES/ERASMUS INTENSIVE PROGRAMMES (IP) Pirkanmaa Polytechnic University of Applied Sciences Business School, Virrat Presented by Pirkko Varis Head of Marketing Studies Coordinator for International Affairs Email: pirkko.varis@piramk.fi

2. INTENSIVE PROGRAMMES • Pirkanmaa Polytechnic – University of Applied Sciences is a coordinator of 3 Socrates/Erasmus programmes and a partner in 5 Socrates/Erasmus programmes coordinated by other institutions in year 2006 • 3-5 IPs/year coordinated by Pirkanmaa Polytechnic – University of Applied Sciences

3. IP PROGRAMMES BUSINESS SCHOOL VIRRAT • INTERNET MARKETING, IT MANAGEMENT FOR ENTERPRISES AND E-BUSINESS • in the spring 2005 and 2006 • 60-80 participants from 14 partner institutions, representing 10 countries • MANAGEMENT OF E-BUSINESS, INTERNET & IT IN MARKETING OPERATIONS • in the spring 2002, 2003 and 2004 • 60-80 participants from 13 partner institutions, representing 9 countries

4. Objectives • To give students the opportunity to work in multidisciplinary and multicultural groups to solve real-life problems of SMEs • Business, Marketing and IT students and staff members meet with each other, work together and create new ideas • Latest knowledge on development in this field to students • To learn the subject in a different way • Integrated part of the curriculum in institutions (for example 3-5 ECTS credits) • part of internationalisation strategy and European Policy Statement of institutions – a real opportunity

5. Activities • Presentations on the topic by • Experts • Student groups • Workshop presentations • Workshops • Company visits • Other activities related to the IP 

6. Participation • 60-80 participants, of which more than 60 from abroad • Corvinus University of Budapest, Hungary • Dennis Gabor College, Budapest, Hungary • FHTW Berlin, Germany • FH Dortmund, Germany • FH Nordhausen, Germany • International Business School at Vilnius University, Lithuania • Kaunas University of Technology (from 2003-)

7. IPAG Business School, Nice, France (2002 and from 2004) • IMC FH KREMS, Austria (from 2003-) • IT Tralee, Ireland • T.E.I. of Larissa, Greece • Hogeschool Windesheim, University of Professional Education, Zwolle, the Netherlands • University of Salford, UK

8. Advantages • Students move and work together, not just staff members • Students learn to work and solve real-life problems in multicultural and multidisciplinary groups • IT, Business and Marketing people representing many cultures work together – as a result new ideas and understanding of other way of thinking • In workshops very good results can be achieved • Staff and student meetings - as a result you can have ideas for new projects, you can share good practice, it is easier to co-operate in the future • It is possible to plan workshops with companies • Student presentations in front of an international audience – a good practice for working life

9. Problems to be solved – and possibilities • Amendments in practical arrangements usually 1 month - 1 week prior to the IP – the need for flexibility • SMEs react slowly, although commitment is there • Cultural misunderstandings possible– a part of this kind of an IP • Difficulties to receive invoices and receipts • Financial and other resources • Ttravel, accommodation and subsistence costs, other costs • There is a need to market in the institutions the usefulness of this kind of a real co-operation in curriculum development

10. Resources – personnel • workload of the co-ordinator • partner contribution – full academic and other commitment is needed • academic content is the core of the IP – the knowledge of partners and their expertise is essential • development of staff members • personal commitment • atmosphere is important

11. PROCESS - PREPARATION • Innovative idea • Decision on the coordinator and partners • Commitment and motivation • Contribution and responsibilities of partners • Workload, resources • Workplan and schedule

12. Beneficiaries • Outcomes • Rules and instructions of the programme • Letter of intent • IP application

13. Questions: • Whose goals? • Why the IP? • What do we gain through the IP? • Is the IP part of the curriculum? • Is there additional value? • Is the IP an integral part of EPS?

14. PROCESS - APPROVAL 1. Contact with the partners after the approval of the application • All information, including financial information • Confirmation of the schedule • Expense estimation • Meetings, if organised

15. 2. Contact with the partners 3-4 months before the implementation Practical issues concerning the implementation and responsibilities, detailed schedule

16. PROCESS - IMPLEMENTATION Practical arrangements • Contact with partners, companies and other organisations • Workshop details and contribution • Payments, receipts and documentation • Use of money: if any changes, ask for permission from the EU Commission • Last minute partner changes: reasons in writing, contact the EU Commission!

17. Evaluation and academic acknowledgement of the IP • Reports • ECTS credits • Other methods Dissemination

18. Conclusion • the need for the IP in terms of curriculum development and objectives • the commitment • resources • partner selection • communication, intercultural communication