SMEs Human resource attraction, retention and performance enhancement network Erasmus Project

Project Title

SMEs Human resource attraction, retention and performance enhancement network

Project Key Action

This project related with these key action: Cooperation for innovation and the exchange of good practices

Project Action Type

This project related with this action type : Strategic Partnerships for higher education

Project Call Year

This project’s Call Year is 2016

Project Topics

This project is related with these Project Topics: Labour market issues incl. career guidance / youth unemployment; Enterprise, industry and SMEs (incl. entrepreneurship); Regional dimension and cooperation

Project Summary

The SHARPEN project was developed to improve and promote Human Resource Management (HRM) both in higher education and in practice in regional SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises). SHARPEN stands for ‘SMEs HRM Attraction, Retention and Performance Enhancement Network’. It was funded by Erasmus Strategic Partnerships for Higher Education over three years during 2016-19. Five tertiary education institutions partnered on the SHARPEN: Kajaanin Ammattikorkeakoulu Oy (KAMK), Finland; Technická univerzita v Liberci (TUL), Czech Republic; Zwickau Westachsische-Hochschule (ZUAS), Germany; University of Huddersfield (UoH), United Kingdom; Socialiniu Mokslu Kolegija Klaipeda (SMK), Lithuania. All team members from the partner institutions are professionals with expertise in HRM and managing SMEs, and extensive experience in teaching, research and management practice.
The objectives of the project were to apply people management knowledge, experiences and competencies of all the partner universities in collaboration with SMEs and professionals to develop outputs using technology, innovative methods, and creative approaches to generate practical impact through unique local and international networks. SMEs are seen in many regions as anchors of the economy and important drivers in job creation and well-being. The combination of knowledge and experience of academics, businesses, professional organisations and working with students was very beneficial and innovative. The results of these co-creation and co-production activities are reflected in all the project outputs.

The main outputs (results) comprise an innovative learning module related to human resource management in regional SMEs, a handbook for SMEs, and research publication drawing on primary data collected across all five regions. The research publications include “People management challenges for SMEs in five European regions: Spotlighting the (in)visible and the (in)formal and embedding SME HR issues firmly in the business and knowledge environment” prepared with all project members from a five-country survey focusing on HRM processes and key challenges. These insights led to key themes being identified which were discussed in two further outcomes generated: an SME Handbook and selected topics in the learning module. The main results of this publication were also cross-referenced in other outputs.

The Handbook “A Good Practice Guide to Managing Human Resources in Regional SMEs” is a unique publication wherein nine chapters and more than 200 pages, topics are covered such as strategic workforce planning and resourcing, recruitment, employer branding, corporate social responsibility, workforce integration, development and retention etc. Each chapter of the book consists of a theoretical overview emphasising particular features of SMEs, short case studies, a practical toolkit and a checklist, questions for reflections and a glossary that are important for readers and their feedback.

During the SHARPEN project, the design and delivery of the English-language learning module HRM in SMEs were phased into three stages: theoretical and methodological training of students, a one-week intensive study programme annually and application of the knowledge in the third phase into case studies and practical tools. As an output, eight chapters of the module were prepared as curricula in which an innovative approach was adopted and up-to-date information incorporated from the project. The results of the other two outputs are used here (survey findings, case studies and practical tools all related to the specific characteristics of managing people in regional SMEs). All three outputs are available for free public access and use from the SHARPEN website sharpen.ef.tul.cz.

Additionally, the SHARPEN project includes insights into current and emerging labour market needs in the partner regions and research collaborations by the SHARPEN project partners with key stakeholders. The project also aimed to increase digital proficiencies, cultural and language competencies of the partner institutions, both staff and students.

SHARPEN has had a positive impact on the participating regions (regional companies, public bodies, universities and students). Regional SMEs benefit from the SHARPEN project through intensive work with individual students (75 students in three years worked on 40 case studies), numerous dissemination events as well as the SME-specific content of the handbook. The students who took part in the project gained theoretical knowledge as well as methodological skills, enhanced language and intercultural skills as well as practical entrepreneurial experiences. Longer-term benefits include direct improvement in HRM capabilities in regional SMEs, implementing new curricula into the programmes of the partner countries, the creation of networks and partnership between academics, SMEs and professional organisations which will continue beyond the end of the project.

EU Grant (Eur)

Funding of the project from EU: 224103 Eur

Project Coordinator

TECHNICKA UNIVERZITA V LIBERCI & Country: CZ

Project Partners

• KAJAANIN AMMATTIKORKEAKOULU OY
• UNIVERSITY OF HUDDERSFIELD
• WESTSACHSISCHE HOCHSCHULE ZWICKAU
• VIESOJI ISTAIGA SOCIALINIU MOKSLU KOLEGIJA