Sanabis, July 16, 2009: Tamkeen (Labour Fund) has entrusted the Bahrain Centre for Studies & Research (BCSR) with an important fact-finding project that will measure the impact of its Enterprise Development Schemes (EDS) that provide SMEs with critical support and consultancy inputs to build on growth potential.
An agreement was signed to this effect today (EDITOR: Wednesday, 16 July 2009) by Tamkeen's Vice-President, Enterprise & Human Capital Development, Dr. Ahmed Abdul Ghani and the Secretary General of BCSR, Dr. Abdulla Al Sadiq.
The BD 59, 210 EDS Impact Assessment Project, which started rolling in June this year, is expected to last 4 months. During this time, BCSR researchers will contact and question 150 Tamkeen beneficiaries who have utilized the different components of the EDS scheme such as the Business Development Scheme co-financing option that helps SMEs to acquire updated management practices and business information systems and the Technical Assistance Programme which helps SMEs to acquire the best modern technology and upgrade production resources.
"At Tamkeen, our efforts to develop the best tools for empowering Bahraini SMEs and individuals to prosper have been rooted in meticulous research that helps us to understand what the market needs," observed Dr. Abdul Ghani, "We are committed to continuous feedback and improvement of the various Private Sector Support projects. The Findings of the EDS Impact Assessment Project will reveal areas where we should continue developing in the work and operations of small and medium enterprises as well as provide a solid ground for new product development and innovation in the near future. " concluded Dr Al Shaikh."
One of the primary goals of the research is to measure the effectiveness of the EDS schemes to the beneficiary's business development. The research will explore areas of business where EDS scheme were initially implemented and the direct and indirect impact the engagement in a particular scheme would have on the business. Within the assessment framework for beneficiaries, gauging customer satisfaction level is important as it will provide a generic indication of beneficiaries' acceptance of Tamkeen's schemes and EDS schemes in particular, Dr. Abdul Ghani added.
The Impact assessment research will measure the effectiveness of each EDS Scheme namely TAP and, BDS in terms of impact on the beneficiary's business performance / productivity / profitability post implementation of scheme and evaluate the direct and indirect impact of the scheme on the beneficiary business. It is expected to zero in on the effectiveness of the schemes and offer insights into how Tamkeen can improve effectiveness.
Tamkeen has specifically selected BCSR for the task in line with its policy of helping to strengthen local research capabilities.
"BCSR is a powerful research think tank and we are confident that it has the understanding of local corporate and socio-economic conditions to deliver an informed and insightful survey," Dr. Abdul Ghani said.
Added BCSR's Secretary General Dr. Abdulla Al Sadiq, "The Bahrain Centre for Studies and Research is honoured to be working alongside Tamkeen in its drive to increase local business and employment opportunities for sustainable economic development through The Enterprise Development Scheme. Part of BCSR's mission is to ensure that quality research increasingly informs decision making in Bahrain. Subsequently, and as the lead partner in this consortium, we have brought together expertise from Bahrain, the UK and Asia in a bid to provide Tamkeen with data of the highest integrity and standard. We are confident that this study will contribute to Tamkeen's vision of providing 'distinguished careers for prosperous living' to the citizens of Bahrain."
-Ends-Tamkeen:
Tamkeen (Labour Fund) is a semi-autonomous yet independent authority which formulates strategic and operational plans to enhance the overall prosperity of Bahrain by investing in Bahraini employability, job creation and social support. Tamkeen is funded by the fees collected by the LMRA.
Tamkeen's main objectives are to support Bahrainis to become the employees of choice, and to support high quality private sector job creation
To achieve these objectives, Tamkeen will invest in the cost and quality competitiveness of Bahrainis (e.g., reduction of cost of employing Bahrainis relative to expatriates, investment in skill and work ethic development programs of Bahrainis); in tackling employment barriers on both employer and labour market entrants' sides through a combination of financial incentives and capability building, and in supporting the private sector's adjustment to new cost structures by providing access to capital to alleviate short-term cash constraints or improve productivity, and in know-how initiatives that support improvements in productivity and decreased reliance on expatriate labour through spreading management and technical knowledge.
Up to the end of March 2009, Tamkeen is investing more than BD 70 million in more than 30 projects targeting more than 19,000 Bahrainis and 5,700 SMEs. Programmes are continuously being devised as per Tamkeen's strategy and the numbers of beneficiaries are continuously increasing.
Bahrain Centre for Studies & Research (BCSR)
The Bahrain Centre for Studies & Research (BCSR) is an independent scientific body established in 1981 by Decree-Law No. 11 for the purpose of conducting strategic and applied research and studies with the aim of keeping pace with the advancement of science in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
The policies and plans of the BCSR are entrusted to a Board of Trustees under the leadership of Dr. Mohammed J.K. Al-Ghatam, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, while the center administration is entrusted to Dr. ?Abdulla Al Sadiq, the Secretary-General.
Their main vision is to become the Think-Tank and the Number One applied studies and research centre in the Kingdom of Bahrain and their mission is mainly to serve the Bahraini community by conducting applied research, particularly of a contractual type, and to offer consultancies to leaders and decision makers in both the public and the private sectors.
BCSR collaborates with international scientific organizations and institutions by recruiting experienced consultants that provides Bahraini researchers with scientific consultancy and technical support such as:
Gallup International Associations' Pakistan Affiliate (the Pakistan Institute of Public Opinion - Gallup Pakistan): Gallup Pakistan is a leading survey research agency in the country and a specialist in independent third party evaluation and ratings operating since 1980. Their global affiliation has enables to draw on a distinguished network of research agencies spread across the world in more than 60 countries of Americas, Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia.
Gallup Pakistan's reputation for accuracy, integrity and quality has been creditably maintained and recognized in the country since its establishment. As an affiliate of Gallup International, global World standard Quality Procedures are meticulously followed by Gallup Pakistan.
Capital Business Strategies; England: CBS Ltd. exists to provide bespoke solutions to clients assisting them to make well informed decisions and achieve their objectives. CBS is a boutique company, providing management, financial, economic, property and land use planning consultancy services on commercial basis.
For more information on our programmes and initiatives, please contact:
Marketing Communications
Tamkeen (Labour Fund)
Kingdom of Bahrain
Tel: 17383335/17383327
Fax: 17382352
Email: info@tamkeen.bh
Website : www.tamkeen.bh
© Press Release 2009
