<< Objectives >>The project seeks to achieve the following objectives:-1)Revise the current non-accredited programme to determine which modules need to be updated and develop new content material for the proposed programme2)Programme accreditation at EQF Level 5 with 10 ECTS credits3)Marketing of the new online and accredited Effective Management of an NGO programme to recruit candidates for both intakes 4)Implementation of the two 15-week pilot intakes 5)Publish and disseminate the students’ feedback<< Implementation >>The following are the Activities to be implemented:1)Project management plan – identifying the project objectives, project deliverables, project timeframes, project budget, and project results2)Revise the current programme modules and sessions. 3)Application for programme accreditation at EQF Level 7 with 10 ECTS credits4)Development of project promotional material5)Implementation of 2 pilot intakes 6)Publishing of the project results and students’ feedback<< Results >>The Project results expected to be achieved are as follows:1.Availability of an online accredited programme targeting NGO Management at EQF Level 5 with 10 ECTS credits.2.Successful promotional strategy to recruit at least 60 students 3.Successful implementation and completion of the two pilot intakes 4.Publish and disseminate the findings and the students’ feedback to be used as part of the sustainability plan5.Contacting local and national bodies for continued implementation.

Advenio eAcademy a licensed higher educational institution (HEI) based in Malta, in collaboration with a number of Higher Educational Institutions over the period 2016-2019, designed, developed and now operates an innovative accredited on-line Masters programme in Entrepreneurship. The collaborating partners are; Szent Istvan University - Hungary, University of Bari Aldo Moro - Italy, University of Ioannina – Greece, University of Zilina - Slovakia and Poltava University of Economics and Trade - Ukraine. This Masters programme is certified by the NCFHE, National Commission for Further and Higher Education in Malta, as a 90 ECTS credits Level 7 programme awarded by Advenio eAcademy in collaboration with the Partner HEIs. The collaborating Higher Educational Institutions bring to the programme years of international experience at graduate level and include some very well-known European universities. This international involvement is what distinguishes the proposed programme most from other programmes available in the market. It provides a uniquely European open approach to learning, focusing on the on-going development of best practices in the different fields related to entrepreneurship. This programme is designed to assist practicing entrepreneurs, current managers of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, or managers working within larger organisations who want to make the transition to the SME environment either as entrepreneurs or executives within SMEs. The programme is in response to the market requirements for specialised post graduate quality courses that meet the needs of existing entrepreneurs and small business managers. The focus of this programme is to provide entrepreneurs, or aspiring entrepreneurs, with a higher level of competence to enable them to successfully launch or grow their SME operation.The consortium developed the programme in 4 different stages:Stage 1 – 6 Foundation modulesPrinciples of Management – Developed and delivered by Advenio eAcademyPrinciples of HRM – Developed and delivered by Szent Istvan UniversityPrinciples of ICT – Developed and delivered by University of IoanninaPrinciples of Financial Management – Developed and delivered by Advenio eAcademyPrinciples of Marketing & Sales – Developed and delivered by Advenio eAcademyPrinciples of Entrepreneurship – Developed and delivered by University of IoanninaStage 2 – 3 Specialist ModulesFund-raising for Start-ups and Growth of SMEs – Developed and delivered by Poltava University of Economics and TradeCreativity & Innovation Management for SMEs – Developed and delivered by University of BariDigital Marketing & Social Media for SMEs – Developed and delivered by University of ZilinaStage 3 – InternshipThe Internship Programme provides an opportunity to combine theoretical education with applied work experience. During the internship, the intern will be expected to carry out a number of work packages. These will be assigned in each of the nine courses which students must complete. Stage 4 – Investor ready Business Plan ProjectThis research-based project compels students to investigate and plan for a new business launch or the growth of an existing business through new product or new market development.The pilot intake for the certified programme started with 15 students. However, due to other studies and work commitment 3 students had to withdraw from the programme. An additional, 4 students did not complete the full programme but received an Award in Entrepreneurship or Post-Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship depending on the ECTS credits obtained. The full Masters programme was completed by 8 students. All students praised the innovativeness of this programme in terms of faculty, content, and delivery.

Entrepreneurship is a powerful driver of economic growth and job creation as it creates new companies and jobs, opens up new markets, and nurtures new skills and capabilities. The level of entrepreneurship and its nature varies widely between the Member States, and the reasons for low enthusiasm for an entrepreneurial career are therefore diverse. Some Member States with higher levels of entrepreneurship are less successful than others at helping new and small enterprises to grow. A report by the European Commission (Entrepreneurship 2020 Action Plan) highlights that generally, would-be entrepreneurs in Europe find themselves in a tough environment as current education might not offer the right foundation for an entrepreneurial career.Recognition of Prior Learning and Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (VPL) is the process where credit is sought for learning which has not previously been assessed and awarded credit by an academic institution or professional organisation. It is learning which has taken place through a range of personal experiences often including unstructured informal and formal learning experiences. In many fields, the skills, knowledge and abilities that are acquired through this type of learning can be just as relevant as those gained by students following formal accredited educational programmes. VPL is a way to provide evidence and gain credit for relevant experiential learning. This is particularly relevant in the field of entrepreneurship. An applicant with years of entrepreneurial experience could probably follow a Masters programme in Entrepreneurship more easily that an applicant who is in possession of a first degree but without any exposure to business-related subjects. The scope of the project is to leverage the infrastructure and competencies of the partners in e-learning and the collective expertise and resources of the partners in creating a programme which would encourage entrepreneurs to pursue studies at Level 7. The programme would provide a structured manner in which VPL and RPL frameworks can be integrated with innovative online coursework including game-based learning to enable participants to earn the required 180 ECTS credits at Level 6.This project will include the recruitment of suitable candidates to the proposed RPL&VPL4Entrep Pilot Programme which will be run over a twelve-month period. Their progress on this programme will be carefully analysed to check for any system modifications which may be required to ensure the effectiveness of the RPL&VPL4Entrep Programme. A three month period for post programme evaluations and reporting is included as an integral part of the implementation process.In view of the current Covid-19 crisis, the project is timely since it focuses on the online provision of the complete review, evaluation and delivery of related course content. The legacy of Covid-19 will certainly be a greater appreciation of the value of online services and this project will provide an online solution to experienced entrepreneurs to get recognition for their academic and experiential entrepreneurial accomplishments. The Covid-19 crisis has put unprecedented stresses and strains on the European Union and global trade in general. Already, unemployment estimates by EU entities show higher numbers than experienced in the 2008 financial crisis. There is going to be a need for entrepreneurs to re-build a decimated SME sector and this project will help prepare these entrepreneurs for this challenge by aligning their competences and qualifications.