Best Practices: Collaborative initiatives at European level involving universities and enterprises in the domain of GI.

SuGIK – Sustainable Geographic Information Knowledge Transfer for Postgraduate Education


Description:

This three year project aims at strengthening the institution and human capital of this selected ACP higher education institutions (HEI’s) by supporting the transfer and implementation of a curriculum development model in Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIS&T) and the training of local teachers who will be educated in GIS&T state-of-the-art post-graduate courses management and implementation in order to provide target HEI’s with training, quality standards, resources and technologies for long-term enhanced cooperation in the area of GIS&T advanced education. The SuGIK project aimed at increasing the number of skilled GIS&T professionals in Cape Verde and Mozambique through the development of a best practice model consortium of EU-ACP higher education institutions.

The project enhanced the overall management, academic and technological capacity of University of Cape Verde and Catholic University of Mozambique. By providing these institutions with training, resources and technologies, the project allowed the delivery, in line with international quality standards, of three editions of a GIS&T master programme. The curriculum adaptation to local needs promoted the upgrading of students’ skills and enhanced their employability. The strategy of implementing a self-sustainable GIS&T model curriculum contributed to enhance the overall management, academic and technological capacity of both partner institutions.

The target groups of the SuGIK are the senior management and faculty staff of the Geographic Information departments of the partner institutions, graduated students in GIS relevant areas and GI target professionals in local and regional government offices in the both regions.

The final beneficiaries of the SuGIK project are: Community Based Organizations; Local authorities, Research organizations/Researchers, SME/SMI businesses which rely on the use of geographic information in a context of broader analysis, every community and population benefiting directly or indirectly from the progresses resulting from the efficient use of new GIS technologies in solving local and regional problems.

Methologies used

Throughout the course NOVA IMS teachers were responsible for the theoretical and theoretical-practical courses that are part of the curriculum, while promoting the formation of the teaching staff of the two partner institutions and their involvement in a wide number of activities, to create institutional, administrative and academic conditions necessary for the transfer and adaptation of academic and pedagogical models to local and regional needs.

The course was developed in a blended learning regime. With presential classes and utilization of e learning processes such as a Moodle Platform.

Results achieved

  • Trained qualified professionals in the field of Science and Geographic Information Systems in Cape Verde (40 students / 8 teachers) and Mozambique (60 students / 8 teachers).
  • UniCV and UCM became regional and national centers of attraction in the area of Science Geographic Information through capacity building for vocation education to the labor market.
  • Met quality standards for accreditation and certification course by national authorities and its recognition by the industry and professional organizations.
  • Created an appropriate institutional framework to pursue academic excellence in the field of Science and Geographic Information Systems – supported research, science and technology innovation.
  • Developed and strengthened the “know-how” of strategic UniCV and UCM in an area considered a priority to socio-economic development through the promotion of inter-institutional networks.

More information

SuGIK