Self-learning support system
Organisational, business and employment needs are ever rapidly changing and the maritime industry is no exception. The European maritime industry is vast and needs to remain competitive in an open market. Therefore in order to address such rapid changes, individuals need to be empowered so that they may define, procure and manage their learning by first identifying their specific learning needs. Hence, in response to this, the SLIM-VRT system was designed to provide maritime individuals, organisations, and companies the capacity to learn and keep up with the speed of change. It offers self-directed and up-to-date e-learning and training which can ultimately contribute to the community's economic growth and social stability. In support of the SLIM-VRT, the ADVISOR sub-system was designed for the identification and analysis of various profiles in terms of skills, qualifications, training needs/styles and formal requirements. ADVISOR consists of two model systems. One is the training needs module which runs offline and is dependent on advanced choice models to forecast the main factors of trainee profiles. The other is the training advisor module which operates in real time and is able to rapidly estimate and tailor the parameters to each individual. ADVISOR sub-system is a sophisticated independent engine that can offer alternative education and training programmes and courses. Moreover, the quality of the models, the availability of data and its self learning ability makes it attractive to potential partners who by using it could also support its further development thereby supplying the essential historical data. It can be used by academic institutions as well as other training organisations in order to develop educational training courses tailored for specific user needs. Furthermore, consulting companies could benefit by using ADVISOR for distinguishing and canvassing trainee profiles.