Objectives:

• Establishment of the project bodies: Steering Committee, Project Management Committee and Quality Assurance Committee.
• Organization of kick-off and project management meetings
• Participating in grant-holders meeting.
• Development of the Project management plan.
• Day-to-day coordination activities
• Submission of interim and final reports

Description:

T1.1 - Partnership agreement preparation: Partnership agreement will be prepared by project coordinator and signed within the first six months of the project period.

T1.2 - Kick-off meeting: The kick-off meeting will be held at TTPU by M3. The Project Coordinator will present how the project will be managed. The agenda will consist of the following: introducing each project partner, establishment of the project bodies: Steering Committee, Project Management Committee, and Quality Assurance Committee; include: assigning duties to other responsible persons, defining communication channels, specifying in detail all necessary organizational and management activities, defining schedule and promotional material, organizing contacts with stakeholders.

T1.3 - Grant holders meeting: The Project Coordinator UPKM and one TTPU representative of SPHERE project will attend the initial grant holders meeting in Brussels. After the meeting coordinator will inform all partners in detail about conclusions, share materials (presentations) and prepare report on the meeting.

T1.4 - Project management plan: For the efficient management of the project, the Project management plan will be developed and adopted. It will describe how to deal with the management activities: tasks, schedules, teams, time and risk management, correspondence with partners, reporting, contingency plan, communication plan, beneficiaries, EACEA and NEO, internal monitoring and helpdesk.

T1.5 - SC and PMC meetings: Steering Committee (SC) and Project Management Committee (PMC) will have two regular meetings per year. To avoid multiple travel costs, whenever possible and the meetings of SC and PMC will be held at the same time and place, within other planned events, such as workshops and study visits and QAC meetings.

T1.6 - Project coordination: The Project coordinator, with an assistance by PMC and WPLs will perform daily activities by assigning the tasks, reviewing the results, synchronizing the activities between partner institutions and within their own institutions and planning next activities.

T1.7 - Progress and Final reports: Progress report on overall project activities during the first half of the project lifespan will be prepared and submitted at the mid time of the project life. It will include risk management plans and control mechanisms. Report on overall project activities will be submitted at the end of the project.

Objectives:

• Identification of key issues of ST in EU needed to be managed in PC.
• Identification of key issues of ST in PC and assessment of all risk management aspects for ST.
• Assessment of all risk key issues related to ST will be done.
• Analysis of existing curricula in PC HEIs and curricula best practices in EU countries in the field of ST.
• Identification of required resources for modernization of laboratory environment of PC HEIs.
• Organization of the three-day workshop on existing curriculum and innovative practices in the EU related to ST.

Description:

T2.1 - Analysis of Key Issues for ST in EU countries: Analysis of established practices in EU countries for ST will consist of: 1) overview EU policy in the field ST 2) tools, methods, standards, procedures and programs included in Programme countries in the field ST 3) concrete examples in EU countries for application of ST.

T2.2 - Analysis of Key Issues for ST in PC: Report on key issues for ST to be managed in PC will consist of: 1) overview PC policy in the field ST and connection with EU policy 2) problem identification of ST key issues in Western Balkan and Central Asia regions 3) recommendation for managing ST key issues in Western Balkan and Central Asia region. Non-academic and associated partners will suggest important key issues from the point of view of transport stakeholders and support this activity through provision of expert advices and data, during the preparation this reports.

T2.3 - Analysis of Existing Curricula Related to ST: The structure and models of the undergraduate and master curricula in the field of transport and traffic engineering (with the emphasis on the ST) will be analysed by EU HEIs and PC HEIs. The special attention will be given to the applicability in PC HEIs, EU teaching methodology, educational system, learning methods, courses, and specific competencies and learning outcomes, courses, with special focus on ST.

The comparative analysis of undergraduate and master curricula in EU countries will be performed during the workshop (T2.5). The differences of analysed study programs will be defined. The workshop participants will select the key elements from the EU HEIs undergraduate and master curricula that might be implemented into the new curricula of PC HEIs. Non-academic and associated partner will have role to present the most valuable student competencies in accordance with the information obtained from Chamber of Commerce and Labour market. Report will also include a catalogue of competencies. Three-day workshop will be organized at UM in M6. The special attention will be given to the applicability in PC HEIs, teaching methodology, educational system, learning methods, courses, and specific competencies and learning outcomes, courses, with special focus on ST as well as

T2.4 - Identification of needed resources for ST laboratories: Updating and upgrading of knowledge in ST with the new technologies require distinctive modernization of relevant laboratories, new/modernized undergraduate/master study programs. For that purpose, EU HEIs and non-academic partners will specify suggestions for laboratory equipment lists in ST that they use in laboratory practices. PC partners will identify required resources and prepare lists of laboratory equipment, software and literature which will be used during the public procurement procedures.

T2.5 - Introduction with ST established practices and innovations in EU countries: Report on ST established practices and innovations in EU HEIs will include introduction with experiences and professional practices which are of great importance for overcoming the problems related to ST. Report should give ground for engagement of professionals in the field of transportation in setting educational guidelines, related educational topics as well as their future incorporation in process of education. Three-day workshop will be organized at UM in M6 with participation of both representatives of partner HEIs. During the workshop will be presented the up-to-date topics related to ST. EU partners’ ST existing situation and practices, will be analysed and presented to PC partners. PC partners will have an opportunity to gain knowledge of measures implemented in order to improve ST in EU countries.

Objectives:

• Defining the standards for undergraduate/master curricula related to ST in PC HEIs.
• Defining the aims, content and learning outcomes of courses comprising undergraduate/master curricula, as well as specific competencies and teaching methods.
• Design of new undergraduate/master curricula in the field of transport and traffic engineering with emphasis on ST aligned with EU HEIs best practices.
• Creation of Catalogue of Courses and syllabi for each undergraduate/master curriculum.
• Accreditation/reaccreditation of developed undergraduate/master curricula
• Training the teaching staff for innovative teaching methods.
• The purchase of laboratory equipment, set up of laboratory and monitoring of set up.

Description:

T3.1 - Development of catalogue of competencies: Catalogue of competencies will be prepared by each PC HEI. In order to develop undergraduate/master curriculum per HEI in PC, the aims, specific competences and learning outcomes, as well as specific competencies for those who will hold courses for undergraduate/master curriculum related to ST will be defined.

T3.2 - Development of catalogue of courses and syllabi: The courses design will be defined by each PC HEI in accordance with wanted competences of undergraduate/graduate students. SPHERE content of courses and syllabi of undergraduate/master curricula will be developed taking into account planned activities, assignments and teaching materials that support student learning, as well as indicators of quality. Developed courses content and syllabi will be revised by EU HEIs and SPHERE catalogue of courses will be prepared.

T3.3 - Establishment of ST laboratories: The first step for the establishment of the ST laboratories is to make specification of equipment on the basis of recommendations obtained by EU HEIs, in accordance with needs of PC HEIs in order to meet the goals of the project. The second step for the establishment of ST laboratories with the preparation of the tender documentation for purchasing the project equipment. Laboratory instruments needed for educational purposes will be purchased and set up. Lab manuals will be prepared and printed during the implementation phase.

T3.4 - Training of teaching staff: The goal of the trainings is to educate PC teachers about innovative teaching methods as well as to improve the professional, pedagogical and methodological knowledge, training programs for ST professionals. Four trainings will be organized at EU HEIs with participation of at least 72 PC teaching staff.

T3.5 - Accreditation/reaccreditation of curricula: New/modernized undergraduate/master curricula in the field of transport and traffic engineering with the emphasis on ST will be accredited / reaccredited by the responsible accreditation bodies in PC countries, according to the Bologna requirements and national legislations. Non-academic partner will have role to help the PC partners in accreditation process.

Objectives:

• Introduction with trainings for transportation professionals in EU HEI partners
• Realization of the study visits to EU partner institutions for transfer of knowledge and experience
• Preparation and conduction the survey for transportation stakeholders in PC
• Organization local workshops in PC with transportation stakeholders
• Selection of teaching staff for realization of the training related activities.
• Creation of training programs and preparation of trainings’ materials.

Description:

T4.1 - Survey for transportation Stakeholders in PC: Survey for transportation stakeholders will be tailored in the way to explore the current situation in ST sector. Gaps in knowledge, awareness, behavior, attitudes and communication among transportation stakeholders related to ST will be identified. AASKM will in cooperation with other PC HEIs prepare questionnaires, which will be revised by EU HEIs. Non-academic and associated partners will also take participation in creation of questionnaires and their delivery to stakeholders. At least 800 questionnaires in PC will be collected (200 Kosovo* and 600 Uzbekistan). Furthermore, local workshops will be organized at each PC to discuss needs of the transportation stakeholders, to present results of survey, to identify obstacles and weaknesses, as well as opportunities for implementation trainings for professionals in the field of transportation. 2 local workshops will be organized with at least 10 different transportation stakeholders (one per each PC – organizers AASKM/Kosovo* and TSTrU/Uzbekistan).

T4.2 - Introduction with Trainings for Professionals in the field of transportation in EU HEI partners: EU partners will prepare report regarding trainings for professionals in the field of transportation and describe them explaining their organization. This report will be used as basis for preparation of training program and material for trainings of professionals in the field of transportation PC. Study visits will be performed within the scope of teaching staff training events (T3.4), with aim to perform introduction with abovementioned training practices for professionals in EU countries.

T4.3 - Preparation of ST training materials: Training materials will be focused on future-oriented ST issues, considering the local needs and capabilities, because training and job qualification are critical success factors for a future-oriented development of sustainable transportation management. Training materials will be designed in electronic form (e-books, presentations) and also handbook (80 pages, B5 format) will be printed for participants. Training material will be prepared in accordance with EU best practices and reviewed by EU partners. Non-academic partners will support this activity through giving their contributions during the preparation of the training materials. All materials will be freely available on SPHERE website.

Objectives:

• Student enrolment.
• Implementation of developed undergraduate and master curricula.
• Implementation of ST Trainings.
• Transportation professionals trained.
• Implementation of the students' internship.

Description:

T5.1 - Student enrolment: This activity includes: call for enrolment with defined conditions for enrolment, ranking of students, registration of selected students. All PC HEIs should enrol at least 90 students in total (at least 15 per PC HEI) on new/modernized undergraduate and master studies.

T5.2 - Implementation of developed undergraduate/master curricula: Implementation of new/modernized study programs at each PC HEI partner should start from academic 2025/26 (M24) and will be continued during the life time of the project and beyond it. Based on the SPHERE catalogue of courses, each PC HEI will implement new/modernized curricula, including developed lab manuals and learning materials (presentations).

T5.3 - Implementation of ST trainings: PC HEIs will prepare programs of the trainings that will be applicable in their countries. Afterwards, each PC HEI selected teachers will conduct 2 one-day trainings with participation of representatives of transportation professionals (15 participants per training).

T5.4 - Student internships: Students from PC HEIs will attend lectures and acquire knowledge and skills abroad (student internship). The student internship between PC and EU HEIs is planned. The students of undergraduate/master studies will perform student internships in PTT, UPM and UM for 14 days. 4 students from Kosovo* 2 UPKM and 2 AASKM will attend student internship at UM, 8 students from Uzbekistan 2 TTPU and 2TSTrU, will attend student internship at UPM 2 KIUT and 2 JBNUU will attend student internship at PTT).

Objectives:

• Establishing of Quality Assurance Committee.
• Development and adoption of Quality assurance plan
• Organization of Quality Assurance Committee meetings
• Preparation Reports on internal quality control
• Implementation of external quality control
• Reports on external quality control

Description:

T6.1 - Development of Quality assurance plan: WP6 leader UPM in coordination with the QAC members and other project partners will develop and define Quality Assurance Plan and after approval use this plan as the basis for evaluation of the project outcomes.

T6.2 - Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) meetings: Six regular Quality Assurance Committee (QAC) meetings will be organised. QAC meetings will be organized at the same time as workshop meetings, training meetings and promotional meetings/ dissemination events and SC and PMC meetings in order to minimize travel costs and costs of stay.

T6.3 - Internal quality assurance control: Within the internal quality assurance QAC will prepare: 3 annually QAC reports based on partners’ annual self-assessment reports prepared by all beneficiaries; Quality report on evaluation of developed curricula prepared by PC HEIs; Quality report on conducted trainings prepared by PC HEIs.

T6.4 - External quality evaluation: External quality assessment will be provided through continuous presentation of the SPHERE activities and deliverables and through the peer review by the external expert in the mid-term and the end of the project.

T6.5 - Inter-Project Coaching: The inter-project coaching will be chance to meet and discuss the similar projects for sharing ideas, debating all project aspects and activities. The inter-project coaching activity will be held at the beginning of the second project year within the framework of training meeting at PTT, as special session within QAC meeting. The organized meeting will be used to avoid mistakes and tackle problems that are similar and to analyse similarities and differences in the projects objectives and outcomes.

Objectives:

• Creation of the Dissemination and Exploitation Plan
• Development of project website and promotional material
• Info days for student enrolment
• Promotion of student internships
• Promotion of trainings
• Creation of the Sustainability plan
• Promotion of ST in PC

Description:

T7.1 - Creation of the Dissemination and exploitation plan: Dissemination and Exploitation plan will include the following key elements: purpose, target groups, messages, methods and timing. Also, short and long-term impact indicators will be defined. It will identify and organise the activities to be performed in order to promote the exploitation of the project’s results and the widest dissemination of knowledge of the project. It will be planned in consultation with the project partners and approved by the SC.

T7.2 - Development of project website and promotional material: The project website will be developed and regularly maintained and updated throughout the lifespan of the project and beyond. Contents will be updated throughout the project's life cycle with information about events, outcomes and overall progress. The project platform as a part of the project website will serve for internal communication between partners. Profiles of the project on various social networks will be created and regularly updated. The promotional materials such as posters, roll-ups, brochures, pencils, notebook, folder and flyers will be printed and distributed to partners. It will also serve for raising awareness of HEI staff, students, citizens and stakeholders on relevance of ST. Bi-annual newsletters will be posted at the project website and send by e-mail to prescribe persons. Press release, one-way communication activity, will be used as a formal announcement of project achievements to the national and international press. Newspapers/magazines (on-line or printed mass media) will be used to publish information about realized project activities and achieved results. Produced project results and materials will address intellectual property rights, especially for usage of results after expiration of SPHERE project.

T7.3 - Info-days for Student Enrolment: Promotions will be performed in the PC HEIs. 12 Info-days will be organized, two per each PC HEI during the second year of the project. PC HEI promotional materials (leaflets and brochures) will be printed distributed in order to inform future students about modernized/newly developed undergraduate/master study programs.

T7.4 - Promotion of Student Internships: After starting implementation of developed curricula each PC HEI partner will organize one promotion event to inform enrolled students about student internships within SPHERE project. Enrolled students will have opportunity to gain knowledge related to ST abroad.

T7.5 - Roundtables with Transportation Stakeholders: Promotions will be performed among transportation stakeholders in order to introduce them with planned training activities implemented by PC HEIs staff. The promotional training materials will be delivered to all interested parties such as transport companies, Chamber of Commerce, producers of vehicles, public transport companies, environmental services etc. There will be organized at least 6 roundtables with transportation stakeholders (one per each PC HEI). Non-academic and associated partners will participate in preparation of promotional materials, selection of stakeholders, and they will also use their own dissemination events for promotion of trainings for professionals in the field of transportation.

T7.6 - Creation of Sustainability plan: Academic and financial sustainability plans will be created. The procedures and recommendations for permanent improvement of innovated and developed undergraduate/master curricula, trainings and teacher’s/trainers permanent education, analysis of exploitation expenditures and revenues and the financial scheme will be established.

T7.7 - Promotion of ST and promotion of the project results: 2 Symposiums for promotion ST will be organized by TTPU (M22) and by TUC (M30). Report from the symposium and the book of papers will be compiled. The final promotion event will be organized by JBNUU (M34)