ASIA PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION
TRANSPORTATION WORKING GROUP

SIXTEENTH MEETING – HONG KONG, CHINA
NOVEMBER 1999

STEERING COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Progress Report on
Pilot Electronic Commerce Training in Maritime Transport

Submitted by Australia

October 1999

LEAD ECONOMY: AUSTRALIA

SIXTEENTH APEC TRANSPORTATION WORKING GROUP
MEETING – HONG KONG, CHINA - NOVEMBER 1999

AGENDA ITEM: Progress Report on Pilot Electronic Commerce Training in Maritime Transport
                                Australia

 Background

At its 15th meeting in April 1999 the TPT-WG endorsed the Australian proposal Pilot Electronic Commerce Training in Maritime Transport, subject to final funding approval by the BMC. The final approval for funding of US$ 49,150 was given in July 1999.

This project will deliver an Internet-based training program of approximately three month duration. The pilot course will involve the construction of a web site that will serve as a virtual classroom. The course will be a series of interactive lessons combined with tutorial classes and assessment sessions.

All APEC economies are invited to participate in the project. At this stage we are looking for expressions of interest by economies. The project involves no travel costs for the participants. They can learn according to their own pace and schedule without having to spend extended periods of time away from their workplace. The only requirement for participation in the course is the possession of the necessary hardware (ie. PC or Macintosh computer) with Internet access and standard browser software (ie. Netscape or Internet Explorer). Therefore we hope that a large number of economies will be able to participate in the project.

The next step in the project will be the selection of a consultant with the necessary expertise to deliver the project. Economies would than be expected to nominate local coordinators, following the successful model of Phase 1 of the program to assist the implementation of electronic commerce for commercial messages (TPT 01/99T). After participants have been identified the contractor will assess the priority electronic commerce training needs of the concerned economies and tailor the course accordingly.

In addition to addressing the most urgent electronic commerce training needs of interested economies the course would also trial the effectiveness of remote training using innovative techniques. If the course is successful the principle could be applied to training in other aspects of the transport sector.

Proposed Timetable

Nov 1999 Invitation for expressions of interest to economies at TPT-WG 16.

Mar/Apr 2000: Identification of expertise, contractor identification and other arrangements; nomination of local coordinators and participating businesses.

Jun 2000: Contractor selection.

Jul/Aug: Initial research and analysis with report and recommendations.

Sep-Dec 2000: Approval of follow-on activities and completion of the twelve-week course and web site.

Jan/Mar 2001: Conduct course, finalise report and recommendations.

Current Situation

Funding for the project from the TILF special account for 2000 is expected to become available in May or June 2000. The selection of the consultant will start before May so that work on the project can start as soon as funding is available.

Recommendation

It is recommended that the above progress report be noted and that economies advise Australia if they are interested to participate in the project.

This page was last updated on 1 Feb, 2008