Message-ID: <3749624B.1F220B20@erols.com> Date: Mon, 24 May 1999 10:29:31 -0400 From: Paul Swider <mailto:prideafrica@EROLS.COM> Subject: Re: SUMMARY: SME Help via the Internet To: mailto:DEVEL-L@AMERICAN.EDU
Sorry I was unavailable to chime in on this earlier but here are my two cents now.Yes, this kind of program can be done in the manifestations below and others. It is not at all complicated, or at least it does not need to be. I know because I have done it.
While a US Peace Corps volunteer in Bulgaria, I coordinated an electronic seminar to discuss the marketing problems of one of my clients. I coordinated discussion amongst and between a marketing class at a US university, a marketing class at a Bulgarian university and my client. All the arrangements were done via email, including me finding the interested parties in the U.S. and in Bulgaria. I was not dealing with MBA students but I suspect that would only make the arrangements easier, not more difficult.
I would be happy to discuss this with Prof. Katz or anyone else who is interested. It took place a couple years ago so my memory may be a bit fuzzy but I can do my best. Please feel free to contact me directly at
Thanks, Paul Swider
Jerome Katz wrote:
> SUMMARY TO QUESTION: What kind of help might be offered to
> SMEs or their consultants via the Internet
>
> I want to thank all those who answered. I was overjoyed with
> the responses to the list and to me directly. This note summarizes
> the responses, as I promised.
>
> The help wanted fell neatly into four categories (if you're willing
> to let one category get very varied):
>
> (1) Providing outside analysis - in effect second opinions - on
> the different kinds of plans SMEs might develop, e.g. business
> plans, feasibility studies, marketing plans, etc.
>
> (2) Providing conventional library and Internet research capabilties
> to consultants who cannot use these services. For example, where
> Internet charges are billed per-minute, or long-distance, or both,
> the cost of Internet searching quickly becomes prohibitive. Also
> many consultants are working where there are minimal library resources.
>
> (3) Consulting on using the Internet for business.
>
> (4) Specialized, industry or geographically specific kinds of consulting
> requested by specific organizations.
>
> Three NGOs reponded with requests to be provided the MBA-student-delivered
> service if and when we can create it. After the response to my query, I
> feel more confident that the service can be developed. If there are other
> consultants to SMEs who think they might want the help from our service,
> please let me know and I will include you on the planning group. My email
> is mailto:katzja@slu.edu . My website is http://www.slu.edu/eweb .
>
> Once again, thanks for your help,
> Jerry Katz
>
> Jerome (Jerry) Katz, Murray Endowed Professor, Saint Louis University, 3674
> Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108 USA, mailto:katzja@slu.edu, 314-977-3864w,
> 314-275-8721h, 314-275-7513fax, www.slu.edu/eweb
-- Paul Swider PRIDE Africa mailto:prideafrica@erols.com 703-519-7778 100 N. Pitt St. Suite 202 Alexandria, Va. 22314