​The Model for calculating the return on investment (ROI) of worked-based learning and apprenticeship reflects the perspective of the consortium project - “Return on Investment of Work Based Learning and Apprenticeships”, coordinated by Slovakia, with partners from Portugal, Greece, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Italy, United Kingdom and Spain. For more information about the partners in the project, read here.
 
The “RoI of WBL and apprenticeships” is based on the traditional model of calculating ROI, taking into consideration the costs and benefits of the SMEs regarding their investments in WBL and the apprenticeship courses.  
 
The list/menu of key “costs” and “benefits” proposed by the model are based on national research reports, developed for partners' countries (such as Slovakia, Portugal, Greece, Bulgaria, Italy and Spain), highlighted the SMEs' needs and their national apprenticeship system. 
​

ROI is the calculation that compares the value of outcomes (changes as a result of an activity) to the value of the resources needed to create them.
 
Presented as a ratio, the value of outcomes is divided by the value of resources required to create them. The results of the calculation demonstrate the efficiency of an investment or activity. This can support the decision-making process by highlighting if an investment provides a positive return, and if there is more than one option, it can help decide which option provides the greatest return. 
​

​In the above formula, "Value of outcomes” refers to the aggregated value of all of the included outcomes of investing in WBL.
 
As well as presenting results as ROI, the net present value of money can also be used to support the decision-making process. This is calculated by subtracting the value of the investment from the value of the outcomes.

ROI is an important determining factor as to whether or not an SME or any business is successful. It is essential for any business to understand the costs and benefits of any investment. Having a positive return on investment means that the business is making money; a negative return on investment means that SMEs are losing money. Ensuring profitability is obviously a relevant factor to maintain a sustainable business.
​
Based on this need, the “ROI of WBL and apprenticeships” project developed a model that underpins the ROI calculation. This has been designed to allow European SMEs to better appreciate the value of an investment in WBL and apprenticeships. 

IoT nuggets stand for “Internet of Things security nuggets” and it is a strategic partnership co-funded by the Erasmus plus programme of the European Commission (Bulgarian National Agency).
The project aims at developing a new methodology and framework with a model of digital competence for the Security of the Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem including security and privacy to face the challenges that cybersecurity put in place.

No one doubts that the Internet of Things (IoT) represents a massive opportunity for businesses and consumers. Most organizations are only just starting to scratch the surface of what they can achieve with IoT solutions. On the other hand, security is what really needs to be designed from the very beginning of developing IoT services and products.

The growing threat of cyberattacks has made governments and companies more aware of the need to defend the computerized control systems of utilities and other critical infrastructure.
​
The project is targeting VET providers and trainers in the ICT field, software engineers and programmers who want and need to update their competences, skills, and knowledge in cyber security of the ecosystem of IoT. And, ICT entrepreneurs who have, want, and/or would like to start a business in the IoT field.

Partners in the project are: 

• University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT), Bulgaria
• Knowledge, Innovation and Strategies Management Club, Bulgaria
• IDEC: Aintek symvouloi epicheiriseon ypsilis technologias ekpaidefsi anonymi etaireia, Greece
• The University of Deusto, Spain
• Dlearn: European Digital Learning Network, Italy
• GAIA: Asociacion de industrias de conocimiento y technologia, Spain

IoT security nuggets: 2018-1-BG01-KA202-047919 is an Erasmus + project.

For more information about the project, read here.