Tools for Development

Tools for development is an area of DANTEI in constant revision.  As tools are developed and brought to our attention they will be added to this section.  The tools are meant to be shortcuts from lessons learned in past projects.  Tools can and will include links to websites, documents, downloadable software files and other resources.

Current Areas of Application:

To submit a tool for use please email to dantei@gwu.edu.  Tools can be links to websites, documents or software applications.  Please email any files or documents as an attachment  and include a brief description and introduction of the tool being submitted.  If the file is over 5 MB please do not attach to the email; other arrangements will be made.

Competitiveness

Clustering Knowledge Service:
www.competitiveness.org/knowledge/

There exists an increasing need for knowledge in the cluster community. Despite a growing number of quality resources that are available including the Internet and published references, an optimum resource has never been established for members of the TCI community. This knowledge gap is worldwide, concerning information about other clustering development initiatives and policies carried out in global regions.

The Clustering Knowledge Service (CKS) initiative is designed to gather exactly this type of invaluable knowledge. Detailed information about developed clustering practices all over the world will be accessible to every TCI member and other cluster practitioners via a common repository. By facilitating such a tool, TCI has taken the next step in fostering knowledge throughout the cluster practitioners network.

The Cluster Knowledge Portal is divided into two sections: a Cluster Initiatives Database and a Virtual Library containing information about clustering and regional development topics. - Furthermore, TCI will soon be launching on-demand research services; searching, selecting and summarizing information on specific topics of interest for TCI members.

Back to top of page

Development Assistance

Development Advisors Network (DAN):
www.devadvisers.net/consult/prelogin

The Development Advisors Network (DAN) is a web-based Extranet built specially for consultants and other professionals engaged in the international development cooperation field. It provides its members an extensive range of productivity tools, for individuals as well as in a group context, enabling them to do much of their business from any PC in the world and to keep up with opportunities while away from the home office.

Back to top of page

Ecotourism

Tour Operators Initiative:
www.toinitiative.org/

Most tour operators recognize that a clean and safe environment is critical to their success. Fewer have the management tools or experience to design and conduct tours that minimize their negative environmental, social and economic impacts while optimizing their benefits. To develop and implement these tools in their own operations, and encourage other tour operators to do the same, a group of tour operators from different parts of the world have joined forces to create the Tour Operators' Initiative for Sustainable Tourism Development.
The Initiative is voluntary, non-profit, and open to all tour operators, regardless of their size and geographical location.

With this Initiative, tour operators are moving towards sustainable tourism by committing themselves to the concepts of sustainable development as the core of their business activity and to work together through common activities to promote and disseminate methods and practices compatible with sustainable development.

The Initiative has been developed by tour operators for tour operators with the support of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the World Tourism Organization (WTO/OMT), who are also full members of the Initiative.

Back to top of page

Program Evaluation

Innovation Network:
www.innonet.org/

Back to top of page

Small Business Development

SME Toolkit:
www.smetoolkit.com/

The SME Toolkit offers software, business forms, training, and more to help small businesses in emerging markets grow and succeed.  It’s free and easy to use. Just search or browse the categories for the information you need. 

A project of the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, the SME Toolkit offers free business management information and training for small businesses / small and medium enterprises (SMEs) on accounting and finance, business planning, human resources (HR), marketing and sales, operations, and information technology (IT). The SME Toolkit offers a wide range of how-to articles, business forms, free business software, online training, self-assessment exercises, quizzes, and resources to help entrepreneurs, business owners, and managers in emerging markets and developing countries start, finance, formalize, and grow their businesses.

Back to top of page

Quick MBA:
www.quickmba.com/

The Quick MBA is an online knowledge resource for business administration.  The goal is to help quickly find needed business knowledge.  Topics are presented as frameworks and summaries in business subjects such as Accounting, Business Law, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Management, Marketing, Operations, Statistics, and Strategy.  The Quick MBA is operated by the Internet Center for Management and Business Administration and is available for use by anyone.

Back to top of page