EAST-SPARK Workpackages
The EAST-SPARK project is organized in 4 workpackages, while we assure that all partners are involved in all activities.
WP1: Management and coordination
lead by: University of Vienna
This work package includes the overall management and coordination of the project. Activities will start with the organization of a virtual kick-off meeting to establish and agree on the project governance structures, define roles and responsibilities, develop a detailed schedule. We will also agree on the communication channels to be used by the partners to ensure effective communication between all team members. The focus is on providing oversight and direction to ensure the successful implementation of the whole endeavor. Financial management is part of WP1 to ensure that financial resources are used effectively, accounted for and aligned with project objectives. Good overall planning will help us to organize meetings well in advance to take advantage of early flight bookings.
WP2: Course development
lead by: MOI University and University of Vienna
This work package aims to develop and establish sustainable supervisor training at partner universities. This involves designing thematic modules such as candidate selection, expectation management, and progress monitoring, and adapting them to local contexts. The process includes creating and refining content through expert-led workshops and pilot trainings, utilizing best practices and extensive literature. Two key on-site ‚train-the-trainer‘ events will compile and optimize training materials, ensuring dynamic and effective educational experiences for academic professionals. This iterative refinement process is supported by experienced trainers like Gitte Wichmann-Hansen, Liezel Frick, and Stan Taylor to maintain alignment with project objectives.
WP3: Quality Assurance and Evaluation
lead by: Kyambogo University
This work package focuses on maintaining the quality of training courses and evaluating their effectiveness. It will include the development of evaluation guidelines and the implementation of a robust quality assurance framework that includes continuous monitoring, feedback collection and adaptation of training materials and methodologies. WP3 is therefore closely linked to WP2. However, this WP goes beyond this as it will also establish evaluation metrics to measure the impact of the courses on the participants and ensure that the project is meeting its objectives and delivering tangible results. The results of this evaluation and feedback gathering may even lead to a scientific publication, which is outside the scope of EAST-SPARK.
WP4: Dissemination and Exploitation
lead by: Daystar University
This work package is dedicated to disseminating the project’s activities and exploiting its results for maximum impact. Dissemination activities include the development of communication strategies and the organization of accompanying events such as webinars to share the project’s achievements with a wider audience in the East Africa and beyond, in particular to reach out to scientists in the region who might be interested in participating in the EAST-SPARK supervisor trainings. The work package also includes exploring opportunities for exploitation, such as forming partnerships, leveraging the project’s success for additional funding, and facilitating the integration of the project’s outputs into wider educational and research contexts. The aim is to ensure that the knowledge and practices developed through the project have a lasting and meaningful impact on the target audience and beyond.
Partner Organisations
