The main objectives of the Open Source eLearning Services (OSES) initiative are to set up innovative sustainable Joint Learning Platforms (JLP) hosting among others the online Network of Vocational Open Source eLearning and Training Centres (VOSETC) for developing communities focusing on groups related to;

• Quality Management Services (QMS);
• Develop "Best Practices" Benchmarking Modules derived from regional expert input, i.e. legislators, processors, trainers, and consumers;
• Establish links between these to be assured by the development of the Network for encouraging regional development, transparency, and dissemination of information;
• Provide realistic means for the enlargement and integration process having regard to current global models of democracy and legislation.

Addressing the objectives. Due to the fact that the project involves QMS specialists from the Central Eastern European Countries and Asia together with specialists from existing EU countries, which share their experience in the fields of management consultancy, quality management, dissemination and demonstration activities, the organisation and management of various R&D and innovative projects will be a guarantee for the quality of the proposed benchmarking process activities, including:

• Select Benchmark Indicators
• Establish Benchmark Baselines
• Set Benchmark Targets
• Assign Benchmark Leaders

As the EU enlarges and integrates, data covering the developing communities will also need to be taken into consideration. The need to develop modules containing sustainable effective benchmarking information through various gathering mediums at European and world level requires a new approach, which will make the best use of available resources disseminated through the VOSETC joint learning platform.

In many areas, the lack of capacity identified above could be addressed by reducing the amount of time-consuming preparatory work required of committee members and external experts. Community risk assessments are already underpinned by networks of Member States institutes, which are established under sectoral legislation. This has greatly enhanced the work and efficiency of the relevant scientific committees. It allows an effective peer review system, and thereby provides a means of making maximum use of Member States' expertise without being prejudicial to the independence of the Committees. Networks also have great potential for the collection of data. This approach needs to be extended and consideration must be given to the better exploitation of existing networks further to similar bodies across the developing communities.

The VOSETC Platform implementation of the scheduled benchmarking sessions, training programme, short courses, long distance courses, conferences, seminars, workshops during the project are envisioned aimed at selected best practice or adaptation of the applied method. During the whole project there is constant attention for quality management in the VOSETC Platform. The same method will be adapted to check their level of quality, to control procedures and to report to third parties.

During the project the Benchmarking Best Practice will be selected independent of the applied model of quality management. Quality co-ordinators of the partners will learn how to use the instruments. In this way the VOSETC Platform are able to compare the results, discuss the differences and to improve their level of quality. Partners will establish quality co-ordinations units, which will be active to implement actions of improvement of quality management. In case partners are just starting their quality management it will be obvious that they select a model that will be tested, evaluated and adjusted by the Network. Data will be collected, analysed and the results will be reported to involved groups and persons of the VOSETC Platform.

Those interested in the VOSETC Platform may contact EMonument.