MEGS-KTResearch Project

Mirna Ayoubi

Dr Paul RowleyDr Andrea Wheeler

Introduction about myself I have just completed my second year at

Loughborough University studying A rch i tectura l Engineer ing and Design Management, a course held by the civil and building school at Loughborough University

Summer 2012 – 10 Week Placement on the MEGS-KT Project

What is MEGS-KT?

Working with SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises)

Discover the gaps in their knowledge

‘Transferring’ the knowledge

Providing a Learning Framework

A JISC funded Project

Midlands Energy Graduate School-Knowledge Transfer

To construct a visual representation that

describes the social nature of the SME

community.

To Explore and evaluate the potential of specific

social network-based facilities and the role of

networks in knowledge identification and

transfer within the SME community.

Develop an exemplar for an e-learning

environment

Objectives

Which SMEs?East Midlands

• Their company should be based in the EM:• Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Lincolnshire,

Rutland, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire

Energy

Sector

• Their company should supply/install renewable technologies• Or they should generate renewable technologies• They should be important figures in terms of innovation

Domestic Sector

• Most of their jobs and projects should be for domestic and residential buildings

SME

• Their company should be made up of less than 250 people• They should make a turnover of less than 50 million euros

P.A, (EU recommendation, 2003)

Methodology

1. Precedent Study

2. Created a Database of Contacts

3. Data Collection (Online surveys, questionnaires, interviews, work-shadowing and workshops)

4. Reviewing the Prototype

Interviews

Question 1What would you say are the main difficulties

to overcome in your role at the present time?

Question 2

What are the most important work related questions in your mind right now?

Question 3What information are you lacking to

support your business growth?

Question 4Are you networked/ networking?

InsightsSMEs do not have defined roles like larger companies.SMEs have little time to research and improve their businessesNo-one understands the Green Deal (May 2012)? SMEs cannot communicate well their needs, when asked.In the current climate there is a lack of work/ of projects (architects lack projects, construction companies lack projects).Bureaucratic methods for getting accredited discourages peoples/companies from accreditation (subsequent lack of jobs, loss of tenders).Many people are interested in the DIY section of the sector.The construction industry is poor in terms of QA.With the Green Deal approaching there is a need for up-skilling the retro-fit industry.Low carbon and renewable energy technologies need to be marketed to the average client.

Each of the speakers represents a factor identified in the research, which aims both to uncover the barriers to the growth of these companies and to provide a training solution.

Robin Nicholson is an architect and has worked closely with Government and policy makers heading Think Tanks about sustainable buildings and urban infrastructure. He will be exploring the barriers to business growth from an urban and policy perspective.

Russell Smith will be telling his story about setting up his own award winning company in this field and why he had to take the approach he did to meet the needs of householders.

Terry McGiven will be talking about innovative training opportunities he has set up with European Commission funds for companies in London at the Institute for Sustainability

John Davis a highly inspirational speaker will be talking about the Green Deal.

Workshops

Potential problems

Positives Positive support from academics, professionals,

Government bodies other initiatives (Institute for Sustainability) to work with the project toward the long term sustainability of MEGS-KT.

Interest from many different sectors – including academics.

Engagement with key figures working in the field identified as “catalytic” individuals for the community.

Thank you for listening