eLearning and Online Solutions for SME Finance Best Practices

DATE: 07 August 2020

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: 21 August 2020

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CCX is seeking experienced companies who have the didactical and technical expertise to convert/transform our existing training materials related to SME Finance into eLearning content without compromising the outcome of adult learning of our in-person approach. As a result, we expect a learning design concept with a selected blended learning approach and a suggested platform that combines digital desktop and mobile channels. The deadline for submitting questions is August 14 and the deadline for proposal submission is August 21, 2020.

COMPANY BACKGROUND

ConsumerCentriX (CCX) is a consulting firm headquartered in Switzerland that focuses on translating human-centered market research and industry expertise into actionable strategic insights. We work with financial institutions, financial regulators, and service providers in emerging markets to support the un- and underserved.

SCOPE OF THE WORK

Objective

The objective of this project is to transform our existing training curricula on SME Finance best practices from a classroom focused approach into digital, online learning courses. As a result, we expect a learning platform that combines digital desktop and mobile channels with a selected blended learning approach where intermediate sessions are facilitated by human interaction, peer reviews, or similar.

Audience

Our courses are designed to train Business Bankers, Loan Officers, Credit Risk Analysts, Account Managers, Branch Managers from Microfinance Institutions, and Commercial Banks interested in serving the SME segment.

Courses and approach

Our existing face-to-face, in-person training needs to be transformed into digital/online content. Currently, our training approach has two components: 1) Group training sessions for up to 20-30 participants of similar job profiles followed by 2) On-the-job coaching sessions for smaller groups up to 4-5 participants to ensure learning by practicing with real cases in the local context.

The fundamental blocks of our SME Finance best practices course is structured into 4 modules. Content is approximately 350-400 PowerPoint slides with the theoretical content, 30 handouts to reinforce learning, 20 individual and group exercises, role-plays, tests, and quizzes adapted for in-person training. Brainstorming and experiences sharing are fundamental in our approach.

The 4 modules to be transformed as part of this RFP are:

Customer Relationship Management– Placing the customer at the center, understanding their needs, and adapting the financial and non-financial offering to customer’s needs. This module is composed of 4 delivery sessions.
Business Analysis– The 4 sessions of this module focus on teaching how to collect financial data from the business and the household and how to analyze the repayment capacity of the business owner
Risk Assessment & Credit Approval Process- This module has 3 sessions focusing on financial risk assessment based on risk appetite and credit process adapted to each financial provider.
Loan Portfolio Management and Monitoring- The 3 sessions in this module focus on tools and reports that will allow the financial institutions to have an overview of their lending portfolio, tools to quickly react in case of arrears, and to constantly foster a good relationship with their customers.

NB: In our face to face training approach, the 4 blocks are in 8 days or 48 hours. The on the job coaching last 3 full weeks.

Outcome

We are seeking proposals from experienced companies who have the didactical and technical expertise to convert/transform the existing materials into eLearning content without compromising the outcome of adult learning of our in-person approach. Modules will be supported via web and mobile devices.

Our understanding of best practice blended learning core features is:

The e-Learning solution should align with the following 3 focus areas:

Self-Paced Learning: We envision a situation where learning is self-paced, not limited in space and time. The learners would be able to charter their learning journey once the learning material is available on accessible web & mobile platforms/ digital solutions so that they can interact with it at their convenience and apply it on their day to day job.
Community Learning: This form of learning is a key feature where the reduction of face to face interaction is replaced by dynamic chat platforms which allow learners to share experiences, upload photos and videos of their knowledge application as well as troubleshoot on issues within a community of practice.
Analytics and Monitoring: The web and mobile solution should allow for intelligent analytics and customized reporting at the back end as well as the ability to push communication through email, short message service, and social media. Facilitators and instructors should be able to monitor and interact with users through tools, alerts, and reporting.

Deliverables

We expect the following deliverables as part of the proposal:

A concept to transform the current materials showing which training components should be delivered under which format. (video, webinars, animations, workshops, etc.), including the learning design approach and the creation of materials in different formats. The storyboard will be developed iteratively between CCX and the company.
Suggest the most adequate e-learning platform running in a web and mobile solution, preferably an existing platform managed by a third party that can host this training.

PROPOSAL CONTENT

Company qualifications and experience: Provide short company description and qualifications to address the scope of this assignment, including client references for past projects.
Technical approach, including the understanding of the assignment, e-learning design approach, and e-learning platform solution options.
Financial Proposal: Provide a clear cost structure for the e-learning design, cost per delivery format, and a separate budget for the suggested platform, including set up cost and maintenance costs.

TIMELINE AND SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Questions regarding this RFP may be addressed to alba.herrera@consumercentrix.ch. All questions must be received no later than August 14, 2020, 12:00 pm CET. Please include in the e-mail subject line “Questions: RFP: E-Learning_CCX”.

Submission should be addressed to alba.herrera@consumercentrix.ch. The assignment will begin on September 1st, 2020.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

All responses must be received before or on the date and time indicated above to be considered.
CCX reserves the right to accept or reject any proposal or cancel the solicitation process at any time and shall have no liability to the proposing organizations submitting proposals for such rejection or cancellation of the request for proposals.
CCX reserves the right to accept all or part of the proposal when the award is provided.
All information provided by CCX in this RFP is offered in good faith. Individual items are subject to change at any time, and all bidders will be provided with notification of any changes. CCX is not responsible or liable for any use of the information submitted by bidders or for any claims asserted therefrom.
CCX reserves the right to require any bidder to enter into a nondisclosure agreement.
The bidders are solely obligated to pay for any costs, of any kind whatsoever, which may be incurred by bidder or any third parties, in connection with the response. All responses and supporting documentation shall become the property of CCX, subject to claims of confidentiality in respect of the response and supporting documentation, which has been marked confidential by the bidder.
Bidders are required to identify and disclose any actual or potential conflict of interest.

by Ana M Singh

Request for Proposal (RFP)