Reports, Publications

INTEGRATION OF TOURISM EDUCATION AND THE BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

A study of the mismatch between academic curricula and industry needs was conducted by CAPS in collaboration with the USAID-funded Community Connections (CC) program. The purpose of the study conducted through interviews with tourism educational program representatives from 10 universities and 3 colleges was to analyze and evaluate curricula in Armenian educational institutions offering tourism programs.

The report proves that there is an increasing demand among learners to combine the education process with employment activities. The Tourism Education Research report offers a series of recommendations to help address the skills and knowledge gaps that had been identified. It offers specific ways to strengthen educational institutions’ competitiveness by making modifications in the educational curricula and course offerings

Summary

Report (Arm.)

Armenian Information Technology Sector: Industry Report

Published: March 2009  Source: EIF, MoE, CAPS Projet

The Report is based on our surveys of the sector conducted in 2004 through 2009. It covers key aspects of the industry including history, revenues, productivity, workforce, educational sector, policy developments, and others. The goal of this Report is to help better understand Armenian IT sector, recognize its main needs, as well as gain insights on possible solutions to its key problems.

NATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS REPORT 2009  

Published: September 2009 | Source: Economy and Values Research Center, 2009

According to the Global Competitiveness Report, Armenia’s economy has moved to a new development stage, where the improvement of economic efficiency and innovation capacities are important preconditions for further development. The establishment of a competitive and innovative economy is one of the Armenian government’s priorities. Crafting a viable strategy for innovation system development is another on the government agenda. Therefore, the second National Competitiveness Report aims to serve as an informational and analytical basis, and contribute to the process of establishing and choosing a strategy for national innovation system development.

Report (Eng.)

Comprehensive Development Plan: Jermuk as a Destination Spa & Winter Tourism Center

Published: December 2008 | Source: CAPS Project

Volume 1 – Core Strategy

Volume 1 – Core Strategy
Annex 4 – Evidence Basis Report

Volume 2 – Action Plan

Volume 3 – Development Process Guidelines

Volume 4 – Development Control Guidelines

ASSESSMENT OF SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE NEEDS FOR PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY

An assessment of skills and knowledge needs was conducted by CAPS among pharmaceuticals firms and academic institutions of the Republic of Armenia in 2008. The purpose of the assessment was to identify gaps between what skills and knowledge exist and are required within the pharmaceuticals sector. The assessment sought to identify the skills, knowledge and competencies as well as training needs of the pharmaceuticals workforce.

The Skills and Knowledge Needs Assessment consisted of the following tasks:

1. Classify the main positions (jobs) offered by pharmaceutical enterprises in Armenia;
2. Conduct the skills and knowledge needs assessment, including the qualitative assessment of the managers of pharmaceutical enterprises and representatives of educational institutions, as well as polling (self-regulated survey) of employees of pharmaceutical enterprises in Armenia;
3. Analyze the data collected.

The survey component of the assessment consists of a qualitative survey of the managers of pharmaceutical enterprises, the same assessment for representatives of educational institutions, and self-regulated survey/polling of employees of those enterprises.

Summary

Report (Eng.) - Part I, Part II, Part III

ANALYSIS OF ARMENIA’S TRAVEL AND TOURISM COMPETITIVENESS, 2009

The World Economic Forum (WEF) issued, at the beginning of March 2009, their third World Travel and Tourism (T&T) Competitiveness Report. The report ranks the competitiveness of tourism industries in 133 countries around the world. Between 2008 and 2009, Armenia dropped its ranking by 2 places from 89th to 91st position. This report provides details of Armenia’s rankings for 2007, 2008 and 2009. It also analyzes Armenia’s major competitive disadvantages.

Report (Eng.)

NATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS REPORT ARMENIA

Published: July 2008 | Source: EVRC, CAPS Project

The report benchmarks Armenia’s competitiveness by comparing Armenia’s economic and business performance against those of other countries.  The Report uses many sources of information and indicators, and selects several specific countries as particularly relevant to Armenia for comparison.  It draws heavily on the results of the recently-released Global Competitiveness Report (GCR), which is published annually by the World Economic Forum.  The GCR uses statistical data and interviews with key business leaders to assess the state of the competitiveness of 131 different countries.  

Report (Eng.)

Armenian Information Technology Sector: Industry Report

The report is based on Enterprise Incubator Foundation surveys of the sector conducted in 2004 through 2008. It covers key aspects of the industry including history, revenues, productivity, workforce, educational sector, policy developments, and others. Appendices section contains information about Armenia, timeline of key historical dates, and FDI success story, detailed statistics, as well as definitions, key assumptions, and estimation methods. The report has been prepared based on numerous interviews with managerial and professional staff of IT companies, faculty and students of educational institutions, representatives of development organizations, NGOs, training centers, and others. The goal of this report is to help better understand Armenian IT sector, recognize its main needs, as well as gain insights on possible solutions to its key problems. It was developed and published in close collaboration and with support of the RA Ministry of Economy and the CAPS project. 

Report (Eng.)

Armenian Information Technology Sector: Guide to Armenian IT companies

Published: September 2008 | Source: EIF, MoE, CAPS Project

The aim of the Guide is to give an easy access to the information on existing companies operating in Armenia’s IT sector. In addition to the information on IT enterprises, the Guide provides major facts about Armenia and its IT sector in general. For easy reference, the listing of companies is grouped both alphabetically and according to their major areas of specialization. The profile of each company includes its contact information, background, and products and services offered by the firm. The Guide was developed and published in close collaboration and with support of the RA Ministry of Economy and the CAPS project. 

Report (Eng.)

Armenian Engineering Workforce Survey

Published: September, 2008 | Source: CAPS Project

CAPS recently commissioned the Ameria Consulting company to conduct an Armenian engineering workforce assessment. The assessment was based on the results of firm-level interviews carried out during the period from January-March 2008 with a sample of 82 Armenian engineering companies. The purpose of the assessment was to investigate the current status of the engineering workforce in Armenia and, in particular, the potential for expanding local capacity to provide engineering design services to international clients. The assessment looked at the types of companies and institutes that are currently providing various types of engineering services, the number of engineers they employ, salary rates for engineers with different specializations and levels of experience, hiring practices, and areas in which skill shortages exist.

The survey revealed that there were 1969 engineers employed in the 82 companies that were surveyed, or an average of 24 positions per company. The majority of surveyed companies – 89%, have fewer than 50 engineering positions. About half of these positions are occupied by engineers with 10 and more years of experience. Approximately one quarter of the firms in the sample indicated that at the time they were interviewed they had vacancies in their engineering positions that they were seeking to fill. Altogether there were 190 available engineering vacancies at the surveyed companies, or an average of 9 vacancies per company. The most frequent needs were for electrical and mechanical engineers, with mechanical engineers as the number one priority.

Report (Eng.)

Tourism, Pharmaceutical and Banking Investment Opportunities in Armenia

Published: September, 2008 | Source: CAPS Project

CAPS, with support from the Armenian Development Agency (ADA), Armenian Tourism Development Agency (ATDA) and the USAID-funded Financial Sector Deepening Project, have devised and published Tourism, Pharmaceutical and Banking Investment Handbooks for the ‘Doing Business’ Forum held on 16th September, 2008 in Long Beach, California. The handbooks were distributed to the participants at the forum.

The overall objective of the Handbooks is to provide detailed information on Armenia’s tourism, pharmaceutical and banking industries development and background to the country’s investment and business environment.

Armenian Tourism Investment Handbook

Armenian Pharmaceuticals Investment Handbook

Armenian Banking Investment Handbook

Analysis of Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Rankings and Armenia’s Significant Competitive Disadvantages

Published: May 2008 | Source: CAPS Project 

The World Economic Forum (WEF) issued, at the end of March 2008, their second World Travel and Tourism (T&T) Competitiveness Index. The Index measures the competitiveness of tourism industries in 130 countries around the world. The overall index is comprised of three subindices and beneath this, a series of pillars that utilize a number of industry indicators. Between 2007 and 2008, Armenia dropped in its ranking by 15 places from 74th to 89th position.

This report provides details of Armenia’s rankings under each of the sub indices, pillars and indicators for 2007 and 2008. The last column in the table indicates for each ranking whether an increase, decrease or significant decrease (more than 15 countries) is observed. Those indicators that are shaded represent the greatest competitive disadvantages according to the T&T Competitiveness Index methodology. Each of these is examined in the report.

Report (Eng.)

Job Descriptions for the Armenian Tourism Industry

Published: April 2008 | Source: CAPS Project 

CAPS is pleased to announce about the development of Tourism/Hospitality Job Descriptions which are currently available both in English and Armenian. The initiative was undertaken late last year and was completed and updated lately. This classification of typical jobs in the tourism and hospitality industry is intended to provide data on the specific tasks that are performed and knowledge required based on international best practice. The job descriptions are made available by CAPS for the tourism/hospitality industry use.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.) //Summary (Arm.) Report (Arm.)

Domestic Perception of Armenian Pharmaceutical Products: Market Research Report

Published: April 2008 | Source: CAPS Project 

An assessment of the domestic perception of Armenian pharmaceuticals was conducted April–July 2008. The research was initiated by the USAID-funded CAPS Project and was conducted by AM Partners Consulting Company. Consumers, clinic representatives, and pharmacy representatives were surveyed.  The assessment resulted in outputs that uncover pharmaceutical market participants’ awareness, perception, and purchasing behavior.

Report (Eng.), Report (Arm.)

Armenian International Visitor Survey

Published: March 2008 | Source: CAPS Project 

The National Statistical Service of the Republic of Armenia (NSS), the Armenian Tourism Development Agency (ATDA) and CAPS are pleased to announce the final results of their International Visitor Survey undertaken between September 2006 and August 2007. The results, from the survey of arriving foreign tourists, show that more than half claimed Armenian heritage, and that approximately half state that their main motivation for travel was to visit friends and relatives, followed by those who arrived for business and leisure. The overwhelming majority of tourists are interested in returning to Armenia and would recommend it as a destination to their friends and relatives. The survey is intended to provide data on the travel profiles, behavior, preferences, satisfaction and expenditure of foreign tourists visiting Armenia and Armenian tourists travelling overseas.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.) //Summary (Arm.) Report (Arm.)

Tourism Skills and Knowledge Needs Assessment

Published: February 2008 | Source: CAPS Project 

CAPS is pleased to announce that the Tourism Skills and Knowledge Assessment Report is currently available in English and soon to be translated into Armenian. This report is the culmination of three months work in surveying and interviewing professionals, companies, and educational institutions associated with the Tourism industry. The report features key needs and skill gaps as they exist in the Armenian Tourism workforce, then makes five recommendations for root cause solutions. The English version you can find by clicking on the link below and the Armenian translation will be posted before the end of February 2008. A second feature of this report is 26 general job descriptions representing some of the most prevalent in the Armenian Tourism sector. These job descriptions will be posted during the middle of February and have been validated by local employers and associations. They are made available by CAPS for your use and companies are welcome to customize.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.) //Summary (Arm.) Report (Arm.)

Legal Framework Assessment of Armenia’s Tourism Industry

Published: December 2007 | Source: CAPS Project 

One of the major factors for increasing the competitiveness of a tourism industry is existence of a sound legal, regulatory and business environment, reasonably balancing the interests of both tourism service providers and consumers.
This research has been conducted by Strategic Development Agency NGO based on a signed agreement with Competitive Armenian Private Sector (CAPS/USAID) project in the period of January 15, 2007 - April 15, 2007.
The goal of the research was to assess the current situation and opportunities for developing tourism sector in Armenia through improvement and development of RA tourism legislation to insure sustainable development of tourism in Armenia.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.) //Summary (Arm.) Report (Arm.)

Benchmarking of Armenian it Policies from the Perspective of Increasing IT Cluster Competitiveness

Published: September 2007 | Source: CAPS Project 

The research analyzes and compares the performance of Armenian IT-related policies with the best practices of select countries identified as benchmarks. As a result of benchmarking analysis, Global SPC has formulated several new approaches to improving IT policies for consideration by the Armenian government and IT cluster advocacy groups. More concretely, this research provides specific examples and case studies from countries which have demonstrated a successful record of IT development, and offers several proposed solutions that may be adopted and implemented by Armenian stakeholders, after careful consideration of the country’s unique circumstances.

Report (Eng.)

Armenian Tourism Cluster Strategic Action Plan

Published: August 2007 | Source: CAPS Project 

The purpose of this cluster strategic action plan is to provide actionable guidance and direction in the development of tourism in Armenia for the next five years. It has been designed in partnership and consultation with numerous stakeholders from government, educational institutions, associations and industry. It has also taken into account earlier tourism reports from IESC (International Executive Service Corps) and Armenia 2020. Rather than being a master plan, which would outline tasks for implementation in great detail and over a long timeframe, this document serves as an industry guide with a focus on generally agreed objectives and priority actions. Unlike the Armenia 2020 Report, it focuses on a short timeframe, knowing that many factors can affect long term goals and ambitions. Short timeframes and few activities enable the industry to keep focused. Indeed there are one or two activities outlined in this report that were initially mentioned by IESC back in December 2000. They are just as relevant now as they were then. This strategic action plan addresses "what" is needed to develop the industry and "how" it will be implemented indicating, where appropriate, the assistance the CAPS project can provide.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.)

Geographic and Activity-Based Market Research for Armenia Tourism.
Vol 1. Geographic Research

Published: August 2007 | Source: CAPS Project 

Being able to source relevant and specific information on geographical and activity-based source markets can enable tourism enterprises to be far more productive and cost effective in their marketing activities. To assist Armenian tourism enterprises, CAPS contracted BSC to undertake secondary internet-based research on 17 geographical and 10 activity-based markets of relevance to Armenia.

Geographical market analysis focuses, for each market, on outbound travel patterns, internet access, internet bookings, leisure time trends, the demand and expectations of travellers, business tips, background information on the travel trade and guidance on promotional channels. Similar information is also available for the activity-based markets - market profiles, important organizations, and media channels.

The report is split into two volumes; one for geographic markets and one for activity-based. Both volumes can be downloaded in English and Armenian.

Report (Eng.) Report (Arm.)

Geographic and Activity-Based Market Research for Armenia Tourism.
Vol 2. Activity-Based Research

Published: August 2007 | Source: CAPS Project 

Being able to source relevant and specific information on geographical and activity-based source markets can enable tourism enterprises to be far more productive and cost effective in their marketing activities. To assist Armenian tourism enterprises, CAPS contracted BSC to undertake secondary internet-based research on 17 geographical and 10 activity-based markets of relevance to Armenia.

Geographical market analysis focuses, for each market, on outbound travel patterns, internet access, internet bookings, leisure time trends, the demand and expectations of travellers, business tips, background information on the travel trade and guidance on promotional channels. Similar information is also available for the activity-based markets - market profiles, important organizations, and media channels.

The report is split into two volumes; one for geographic markets and one for activity-based. Both volumes can be downloaded in English and Armenian.

Report (Eng.) Report (Arm.)

Armenian Information Technology Sector

Published: July 2007 | Source: CAPS Project, ADA , EIF

This report has been produced under a collaborative effort by the Armenian Development Agency (ADA), the Enterprise Incubator Foundation (EIF) and the Competitive Armenian Private Sector Project (CAPS), and incorporates results from industry research carried out by EIF in 2007.
Armenia is one of the leading information technology nations among the neighboring CIS and Middle East countries. The growth of the present-day IT industry in Armenia can be traced back to the Soviet era during which time Armenia was a key science, R&D, and high-tech manufacturing center of the former USSR. At the peak of its growth in 1987, the science and technology sector in Armenia employed, according to various estimates, around 100,000 specialists. Independence in 1991 opened up new opportunities for the industry and particularly for entrepreneurs and IT professionals. The focus of the industry shifted from major manufacturing operations to the software and services segment, which has witnessed substantial growth during the period from 1998-2006.

 Report (Eng.)

Benchmarking Analysis of Armenia's Tourism Industry

Published: June 2007 | Source: CAPS Project 

The global travel and tourism industry is robust, relatively stable in terms of growth and projected to grow at around 4.2% per year. This growth will result in increased income and employment in destinations, and higher levels of investment.
According to the Benchmarking Analysis of Armenia’s Tourism Industry, conducted recently by CAPS in cooperation with French University PhD students, projections for Armenia are favorable in that its tourism industry is expected to grow at 5.0% for the next ten years; 0.8% above the global average.

However, despite high level tourist arrivals growth in the past few years, compared to similar countries within and around the region, Armenia continues to under-perform in arrivals; in absolute terms as well as per capita and relative to its territorial size. According to the report Armenia is second from bottom with less than $100 per person in terms of tourism income per capita and in 10th position in terms of the percentage of the population employed in the industry, just ahead of Ukraine and Azerbaijan.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.) //Summary (Arm.) Report (Arm.)

Tourism Market Research on the Armenian-American Diaspora Community

Published: April 2007 | Source: CAPS Project 

More than half the Armenian-American Diaspora state that they are extremely or very interested in visiting or revisiting Armenia and are likely to do so in the next five years. This fact, and other interesting and useful information on people of Armenian descent living in the United States, was revealed in a statistical survey conducted through the CAPS Project in cooperation with the Armenian Tourism Development Agency. Armenia’s tourism industry must ensure that they take advantage of Diaspora travel interest and proactively encourage the Diasporan community to visit or revisit the country. The high proportion of Armenian-American Diaspora who want to visit or revisit Armenia reveals that this is one of Armenia’s most important market segments. Assuming there are 1.4 million Armenian-Americans living in the US (an estimate given on the armeniadiaspora.com website) then the potential market is approximately 728,000. The interest expressed does not reduce the need for high profile promotion – indeed it implies that targeted promotion to the Armenian-American Diaspora will result in cost-effective and high impact results in terms of arrivals. Specifically targeting the Diaspora, and particularly those most interested and willing to travel, is almost certainly more likely to bring about increases in arrivals than continuing to undertake global, untargeted promotion to large undefined markets.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.) //Summary (Arm.) Report (Arm.)

ASSESSMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE TRAINING NEEDS FOR ARMENIAN TOURISM COMPANIES

Published: March 2007 | Source: CAPS Project 

Competitive and flexible firms in the tourism sector are important to generate sustained growth of this important sector of the Armenian economy. Modernizing human resource management of tourism firms is one way to enhance the quality of companies and services provided to tourists. The purpose of this study was to collect information and make an assessment on the human resources management training needs in the tourism sector of the Republic of Armenia.

The survey was conducted through a custom designed questionnaire and interviews with tour operators and travel agencies, hotels, restaurants and associations. Detailed interviews were conducted with 21 entities, and complemented with analysis of the current situation in the Armenian tourism sector from other research and survey findings.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.)

Summary of World Economic Forum Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Report 2007

Published: March 2007 | Source: World Economic Forum. Summary prepared by CAPS team

The World Economic Forum released the first ever Global Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report covering 124 countries around the world. The report aims to measure the factors and policies that make it attractive to develop the Travel and Tourism (T&T sector in different countries). T&T is one of the most important international economic activities and the fastest growing economic sector, according to the UNWTO, in terms of foreign exchange, earnings and job creation. Furthermore, is the largest economic sector for many countries, and is an important driver for growth, prosperity and poverty reduction.

Armenia’s overall ranking from 124 countries is 74. It is ranked 3rd within the CIS and 14th among its ‘Competitor & Comparator’ countries. This summary of the Report was prepared by CAPS team to highlight Armenia related data.

Summary (Eng.)

ASSESSMENT OF THE POTENTIAL OF THE ARMENIAN PHARMACEUTICAL CLUSTER

Published: February 2007 | Source: CAPS Project 

The objective of this study is to provide guidance to CAPS in selecting additional industrial clusters for support and to rank the clusters in order of their attractiveness with respect to CAPS’ objectives, i.e. growth in number of jobs, productivity, revenues and exports, and potential for increased competitiveness. The task will also provide guidance to CAPS and the industries in the content of their possible partnership. Within the framework of this report a detailed evaluation of Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Cluster is provided.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.)

ASSESSMENT OF THE POTENTIAL OF THE ARMENIAN GREENHOUSE CLUSTER

Published: February 2007 | Source: CAPS Project 

The objective of this study is to provide guidance to CAPS in selecting additional industrial clusters for support and to rank the clusters in order of their attractiveness with respect to CAPS’ objectives, i.e. growth in number of jobs, productivity, revenues and exports, and potential for increased competitiveness. The task will also provide guidance to CAPS and the industries in the content of their possible partnership. Within the framework of this report a detailed evaluation of Greenhouse Agriculture Cluster is provided.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.)

ASSESSMENT OF THE POTENTIAL OF THE ARMENIAN PHARMACEUTICAL CLUSTER

Published: January 2007 | Source: CAPS Project 

The objective of this study is to provide guidance to CAPS in selecting additional industrial clusters for support and to rank the clusters in order of their attractiveness with respect to CAPS’ objectives, i.e. growth in number of jobs, productivity, revenues and exports, and potential for increased competitiveness. The task will also provide guidance to CAPS and the industries in the content of their possible partnership. Within the framework of this report a detailed evaluation of Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Cluster is provided.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.) //Summary (Arm.) Report (Arm.)

ASSESSMENT OF THE POTENTIAL OF THE ARMENIAN GREENHOUSE CLUSTER

Published: January 2007 | Source: CAPS Project 

The objective of this study is to provide guidance to CAPS in selecting additional industrial clusters for support and to rank the clusters in order of their attractiveness with respect to CAPS’ objectives, i.e. growth in number of jobs, productivity, revenues and exports, and potential for increased competitiveness. The task will also provide guidance to CAPS and the industries in the content of their possible partnership. Within the framework of this report a detailed evaluation of Greenhouse Agriculture Cluster is provided.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.) //Summary (Arm.) Report (Arm.)

OVERVIEW OF JOB CLASSIFICATIONS AND CERTIFICATIONS IN THE IT SECTOR

Published: December 2006 | Source: CAPS Project

An assessment of the labor supply in the information technology (IT) sector of the Republic of Armenia was conducted by CAPS in 2006. The report demonstrated a growing number of students and graduates, but also revealed the challenges related to the quality of education, renewing the IT curriculums, effective workforce development, motivation of labor force, and unemployment of people trained as IT specialists. The supply assessment revealed a further need for analysis of the accumulated international experience on classification and certification of IT-related skills and competencies.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.)

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGIES WORKFORCE SUPPLY ASSESSMENT

Published: September 2006 | Source: CAPS Project 

The purpose of this study was to collect information and make an assessment on the labor supply in the IT sector of the Republic of Armenia. The study constitutes a part of a larger workforce development assessment of the Armenian IT sector and as such it presently examines the workforce supply side only. It was also aimed at examining the technical skills and competencies of graduates based on the evaluation and rating by rectors, faculty deans and/or chairmen.
The survey has been conducted through a specially designed questionnaire (see Annex 1) and interviews with the higher educational institutions, both public and private, as well as training centers. The study was also based on the analysis of the current situation in the Armenian IT sector, other research and survey findings.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.)

THE IT SECTOR IN ARMENIA. BDS NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND BASELINE INDUSTRY DATA

Published: June 2006 | Source: CAPS Project 

At the outset of 2006, the CAPS program undertook comprehensive assessments of the IT, tourism and business service provider (BSP) industries as a first step toward creating specialized management training materials and seminars. Through a competitive tender process, The Economy and Values Research Center was selected to conduct face-to-face interviews with approximately 50 top managers in each of the three sectors. Interviews were conducted by economics students specially trained to administer sector specific survey questionnaires for the collection of baseline data. In addition to baseline industry information, the surveys also contained extensive questions about potential services which would assist each industry to grow and develop.
During the IT industry survey process, we identified 184 companies from among Yerevan and the marzes actively engaged in the provision of products or services normally associated with the information technology industry. We believe these 184 firms represent over 90 percent of the actual population of such companies, from which we extracted a sample of 49 – over 26 percent of the identified population overall. With over one-quarter of the IT industry sampled, the results and conclusions presented herein are, in our estimation, valid and supportable.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.)

THE TOURISM SECTOR IN ARMENIA. BDS NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND BASELINE INDUSTRY DATA

Published: June 2006 | Source: CAPS Project 

At the outset of 2006, the CAPS program undertook comprehensive assessments of the tourism, IT and business service provider (BSP) industries as a first step toward creating specialized management training materials and seminars. Through a competitive tender process, The Economy and Values Research Center was selected to conduct face-to-face interviews with approximately 50 top managers in each of the three sectors. Interviews were conducted by economics students specially trained to administer sector specific survey questionnaires for the collection of baseline data. In addition to baseline industry information, the surveys also contained extensive questions about potential services which would assist each industry to grow and develop.
During the tourism industry survey process, we identified 3837 companies from among Yerevan and the marzes actively engaged in the provision of tourism services. These were further divided into sub-sectors encompassing hotels, B&Bs, tour operators, food and beverages, cultural attractions and transportation (including airlines and taxis).

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.)

ARMENIAN BUSINESS SERVICE PROVIDERS. AN OVERVIEW OF THE INDUSTRY

Published: April 2006 | Source: CAPS Project 

At the outset of 2006, the CAPS program undertook comprehensive assessments of the ICT, tourism and business service provider (BSP) industries as a first step toward creating specialized management training materials and seminars. Through a competitive tender process, we selected The Economy and Values Research Center to conduct face-to-face interviews with approximately 50 top managers in each of the three sectors. Interviews were conducted by trained interviewers, all of whom were advanced economics students. Their task was to determine, in detail, technical assistance needs and collect baseline monitoring and evaluation data for each industry.
For BSPs, we identified 77 companies actively engaged in the provision of management consulting services within Yerevan and the marzes of Armenia. We believe these 77 firms represent over 90 percent of the actual population of such companies, from which we extracted a sample of 49 - over 60 percent of the identified population of management consulting firms overall. With such a high percentage of the population of consulting firms sampled, the results and conclusions presented herein are, in our estimation, valid and supportable.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.) //Summary (Arm.) Report (Arm.)

Doing Business in 2006: Creating Jobs

Published: January 2006 | Source: Doing Business Web Site

Doing Business in 2006: Creating Jobs is the third in a series of annual reports investigating the regulations that enhance business activity and those that constrain it. New quantitative indicators on business regulations and their enforcement can be compared across 155 countries - from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe - and over time. Doing Business in 2004: Understanding Regulation presented indicators in 5 topics: starting a business, hiring and fi ring workers, enforcing contracts, getting credit and closing a business. Doing Business in 2005: Removing Obstacles to Growth updated these measures and added another two sets: registering property and protecting investors. Doing Business in 2006 again updates all previous measures and adds three more sets: dealing with licenses, paying taxes and trading across borders, to create a total of 10 areas measured. The indicators are used to analyze economic outcomes and identify what reforms have worked, where, and why.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.)

Armenia Competitiveness Assessment

Published: June 2004 | Source: USAID, Armenia

Through the Management Systems International - Nathan Associates GBTI consortium, J.E. Austin Associates and Nathan Associates were requested to implement a Country Competitiveness Assessment in Armenia. This report presents the findings, analyses, and recommendations of the Country Assessment Team.
Since 1997-1998, J.E. Austin Associates (JAA) has developed and implemented a Country Competitiveness Analysis methodology for emerging and developing economies.1 The methodology has since been implemented in more than twenty countries.

Summary (Eng.) Report (Eng.)

Building the Microeconomic Foundations of Prosperity: Findings from the Business Competitiveness Index. - Michael E. Porter, Harvard University

Published: January 2004 | Source: World Economic Forum

Competitiveness has become a central preoccupation of both advanced and developing countries in an increasingly open and integrated world economy. Despite its acknowledged importance, the concept of competitiveness is often misunderstood. Here, we define competitiveness concretely, show its relationship to a nation’s standard of living, and outline a conceptual framework for understanding its causes.
The Business Competitiveness Index (BCI), based on this conceptual framework, provides a data-rich approach to measuring and analyzing the fundamental competitiveness of a large number of countries in a comparative context. This year’s BCI includes 101 countries, up from 80 last year. Our aim is to rank country competitiveness across countries, identify individual countries’ competitive strengths and weaknesses, reveal the trends in competitiveness in the global economy, and extend our basic knowledge about the sources of competitiveness and the process of economic development.

Report (Eng.)