If properly managed and empowered, internal consulting groups evaluate
engagement on projects in light of the corporation strategic and tactical objectives
ABOUT ME

I am an International Economic Development and Management Consultant specialized in providing consulting services to SMEs, NGOs and public sector. Most of the services I have provided to SMEs are in international trade with over 15 year’s experience. I have expertise and experience in providing management consulting services to small and medium enterprises in Turkey including business development, entrepreneurship, project management, clustering, enterprise management, internationalization of SMEs, international sales and marketing, developing and implementing export strategies, and carrying through foreign trade transactions. I assisted 44 SMEs located in the Aegean area and 25 SMEs located in Eastern Anatolia, 2003-2006 to start or increase their current exports under two EU Funded, IMC (WYG) implemented projects. This activity included extensive one on one and group training, consulting and counseling activities including initiating and expanding credit relations with financial institutions, preparation of business plans, strategic plans and financial statements and impact of Basel II on credit and investment resources acquisition. I have organized successful trade missions to England and Greece and have taken 20 representatives from Turkish Companies on these missions.  I traveled to England, Germany, Greece, Italy, Czech Republic, and Moldova on business trips.

My assignments involved technical assistance to the Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporters’ Union (ITKIB) on the establishment of the consultancy centre under the Textile Cluster Project (Consulting services provided included  Sales and marketing advice, export development, Intellectual property rights, and brand management , Business planning, strategic planning, H.R. management, quality management, process improvement, methods development, productivity improvement, supply chain development, entrepreneurship, health and safety, and buyers compliance), technical assistance to the Turkish Confederation of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK) on design and delivery of training and consultancy programme for pre-starters, start up and micro business owners under the “Entrepreneurship and Management Training and Consultancy to Support Women Entrepreneurship through Training Centres and Relays”, EU financed project (I trained and coached more than a 100 women to develop entrepreneurship spirit in Istanbul province), technical assistance to  The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB) on the “Development of Special Projects” cluster activities, which will be aimed at improving the competitiveness of the clusters, under the “Expansion of the European Turkish Business Centres Network (EU BCN) Project” and preparation of supply tender documents for “Development of Seed Sector” project between the 2006-2009 date of.

My most recent assignments involved assistance to the EC Delegation Cyprus, EC Delegation Turkey on delivery of consultancy services about evaluation of the EU projects.

I have a B.S in Horticulture with a major in Agricultural Biotechnology and M.Sc. in Agricultural Sciences with a specialization in Landscape Architecture and an MBA with a double major in Management and Finance.

My previous experience includes corporate project management; I coordinated 16 Expressions of Interest and 3 project proposals funded by the EU. I assisted the Technical Assistance Team during the preparation of the proposals; prepared the work plan, logical framework, budgets, revised Grant Scheme manuals, collected and reviewed CV’s of experts, and integrated them into project proposals, and checked their background and qualifications.

AREA of EXPERTISE

Economic Development: Support to Small and Medium Enterprises

International Project Management, Business Development;

EU Technical Assistance Project Tender Preparation

Project Cycle Management (PCM) concept and techniques

Agriculture

MANAGEMENT CONSULTING

I am an accomplished analyst, attentive listener, and firm but tactful communicator. I am thinker and problem solver that know how to convince SMEs that change is needed.

I am helping managers of SMEs , both industry of and the practice of, improve their performance, primarily through the analysis of existing business problems and development of plans for improvement. If managers are in trouble to identify exactly what areas of business management seem ineffective and then deciding what appropriate remedial action should be, I can be useful as a counselor and trainer in assisting you to analyze your business to diagnose problem areas and make recommendations for improvement and finally to offer assistance in implementing an recommendations.

I may also provide organizational change management assistance, development of coaching skills, technology implementation, strategy development, or operational improvement services. by bringing my own, proprietary frameworks to guide the identification of problems, and to serve as the basis for recommendations for more effective or efficient ways of performing business tasks.

I am a accomplished analyst, attentive listener, and firm but tactful communicator. I am a good thinker and problem solver that know how to convince SMEs that change is needed.

TRAINING
Training Panel

I have been providing Project Management, SME Development and Capacity Building Trainings for over 100 SMEs and institutions all over Turkey since 2003.

My trainings offer both theoretical and practical experience, interactive methods that give absolute added value to the overall teaching process, and post-training reports which propose long term progress plans particularly developed for each organization. The effectiveness of the training is measured by post-training surveys and compiled into Training Evaluation Reports.

REFERENCES
Click for more info
Project Title:
Rural Development Operational Programme IPARD
Country:
Turkey, İzmir, Konya
Origin of Funding:
İzmir, Konya Development Agency
Type of Tender:
-
Contractor:
İzmir, Konya Development Agency
Beneficiary:
İzmir, Konya Development Agency
Consortium Leader:
-
Project Value:
-
Year:
2010

My position in this project: Assessor

Description of my services:

I provide support to the Contracting Authorities (IZKA  and MEVKA- İzmir and Mevlana Development Agencies) in evaluating Call for Proposals for projects in "Rural Development)

Click for more info
Project Title:
Assistance to the EC Delegation for the tendering of the vocational training equipment to be procured for 90 prisons of Turkey
Country:
Turkey
Origin of Funding:
EU
Type of Tender:
FWC
Contractor:
EU Delegation Turkey
Beneficiary:
Ministry of Interior
Consortium Leader:
EPRD Poland
Project Value:
€ 3.24 million
Year:
2010

Description of Project:

The overall objective is to contribute to the improvement of the penitentiary system in Turkey in line with the European Prison Rules (EPR) and other international standards.

My position in this project: Team Leader

Description of my services:

I will check the technical specifications and relevant technical parts of the tender dossiers after the full tender dossiers are sent to the ECD for evaluation and approval. I will support the assessment of the appropriateness of the technical specifications in relation to the market conditions.I will also provide support to assess the accurateness of the market research. In addition during the tender submission period I will provide support regarding the answers provided to the technical aspects of the clarification requests. By the time the draft evaluation report is received from the CFCU, I will be asked to provide specific support on technical aspects of the bids in relation to the content of the evaluation report.

Click for more info
Project Title:
Human Resources Development Operational Programme IPA Componenet IV
Country:
Turkey
Origin of Funding:
EU
Type of Tender:
Grant Scheme
Contractor:
CFCU
Beneficiary:
İŞKUR
Consortium Leader:
CFCU
Project Value:
Year:
2009

Description of Project:

The purpose of this contract is to provide support to the Contracting Authority (CFCU) in evaluating Call for Proposals for projects in "Promoting Women'semployment". This grant scheme is co-funded by EU and Goverment of Republic of Turkey and İŞKUR is responsible for the technical monitoring and implementation of this grant scheme.

 

My position in this project: Assessor

Description of my services:

In particular, my assistance is required for 1. Assessment of applicant's eligibility and of administrative compliance of proposals as per criteria established in the Call for Proposals, 2 Technical Evaluation of concept notes (if applicable) and proposals according to published evaluation grids.

 

Click for more info
Project Title:
Technical Assistance to DG ELARG, Task Force Turkish Cypriot community for assessment of calls for proposals in the field of private sector development
Country:
Cyprus
Origin of Funding:
EU
Type of Tender:
FWC
Contractor:
EC
Beneficiary:
Avrupa Komisyonu, KKTC
Consortium Leader:
FEM CONSULT HOLLAND
Project Value:
2.000.000 €
Year:
September 2009 - December 2009

Description of Project:

Technical Assistance to DG ELARG, Task Force Turkish Cypriot community for assessment of calls for proposals in the field of private sector development; The purpose of this contract is to provide support to the Contracting Authority (the European Community, represented by the European Commission, DG ELARG A3, for the benefit of the Turkish Cypriot community) in evaluating Calls for proposals for projects in IT and private sector.

My position in this project: Team Leader

Description of my services:

My assistance is required for the following tasks: 1. Assessment of applicant’s eligibility and of administrative compliance of proposals as per criteria established in the Call for Proposals, 2. Technical evaluation of concept notes and proposals according to published evaluation grids, 3. Assistance in pre-contract discussions with successful applicant(s) before contract signature, 4.Other assistance on an on-call basis. 5. Team coordination and report issues.

Click for more info
Project Title:
Evaluating Call for Proposals for Izmir Development Agency
Country:
Turkey
Origin of Funding:
Prime Ministry, State Planning Organization
Type of Tender:
       
Contractor:
        
Beneficiary:
İzmir Development Agency
Consortium Leader:
       
Project Value:
15.000.000 €
Year:
2009

Description of Project:

 

My position in this project: Evaluator

Description of my services:

Evaluating Calls for proposals for projects in private sector: 1. Assessment of applicant’s eligibility and of administrative compliance of proposals as per criteria established in the Call for Proposals 2. Technical evaluation of concept notes (if applicable) and proposals according to published evaluation grids 3. Assistance in pre-contract discussions with successful applicant(s) before contract signature; 4. Comments/advice for answers to technical questions raised by potential grantees during Call for Proposals, if any 5. Recommendations/advice on technical issues subject to pre-contract discussions, if any

Click for more info
Project Title:
TA for Expansion of the European Turkish Business Centers (BCs) Network Project, Turkey, Lot 1
Country:
Turkey
Origin of Funding:
EU
Type of Tender:
Technical Assistance
Contractor:
CFCU
Beneficiary:
The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB)
Consortium Leader:
Euromed, Belgium
Project Value:
21.500.000 €
Year:
2008-2010

Description of Project:

Increase the competitiveness of Turkish SMEs by supporting and assisting their general business operations and processes.

My position in this project: Innovation (Senior) Expert, Trainer

Description of my services:

I delivered the “Development of Special Projects” cluster activities on two Business Centers, where series of initiatives will be identified in co-operation with the Business Centers, which will be aimed at improving the competitiveness of the clusters. These initiatives will be identified through desk and field research, and also through gathering inputs from the Trabzon and Adana chosen clusters via an informative, participative and interactive workshop held in the region. Recommendations will be made regarding selection of the initiative(s) which ABiGEM, with the support of the BCN Project, can assist in the implementation of. An action plan(s) developed for the selected initiative(s), together with recommendations for implementation. 1. I trained the ABiGEM Business Service Manager’s (BSMs) of  Adana and Trabzon to carry out and formulate market research data for each ABiGEM’s chosen cluster (textile sector,wooden products and dairy products) 2.   I co-coordinated and managed the activities of the business service managers (BSMs). 3.   Produce, in conjunction with the BSMs, a Market Research Report for each cluster / sector.

Images:

Click for more info
Project Title:
TA for Provision of Entrepreneurship and Management Training and Consultancy to Support Women Entrepreneurship through Training Centres and Relays
Country:
Turkey
Origin of Funding:
EU
Type of Tender:
Technical Assistance
Contractor:
CFCU
Beneficiary:
The Turkish Confederation of Craftsmen and Tradesmen (TESK)
Consortium Leader:
Ecorys Holland
Project Value:
4.500.000 €
Year:
2007-2008

Description of Project: Support the development of private enterprises (SMEs as well as micro enterprise, tradesmen and craftsmen) in Turkey whilst, at the same time, placing a particular emphasis on the role of women in the private sector development. The focus of the project’s activities is on training and consultancy to enable women entrepreneurs to have a more active and visible role in the economy and will contribute to the wealth of the country.

My position in this project: Senior Consultant / Trainer

Description of my services: I designed and delivered training and consultancy programmes for individuals during the Pre starter and start up phases. I delivered such programmes to women who would like to establish their own company and micro business owners in Istanbul at 3 selected regions. I assisted 122 women (52 women in Silivri region, 20 women in Mecidiyekoy region and 50 women in Kadıkoy region) to start up or develop their own business. This activity included extensive one and one consulting, counseling, coaching activities and group trainings. Training Subjects were, how to built self confidence, development of business idea, basic market research, planning the business, the resources and the activities. For Starters: Evaluation of the business idea, marketing and sales, production and operations, basics of business management, basic finance and resource planning, business organization, legal and administrative issues of starting a small business. For Micro Business owners: finance and accounting, sales and marketing, management and leadership, human resource management, business planning and strategy, production and quality.

Reference letters:
File 1
File 2

Images:

Click for more info
Project Title:
Preparation of tender documents for project TR 603.09
Country:
Turkey
Origin of Funding:
EU
Type of Tender:
FWC
Contractor:
CFCU
Beneficiary:
MARA (the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs)
Consortium Leader:
Sopex S.A Belgium
Project Value:
-
Year:
2007-2008

My position in this project: Deputy Team Leader

Description of my services: I coordinated the preparation of tender documents for project TR 603.09 "Development of Seed Sector in Turkey and alignment to the EU"; I Carried out a comprehensive needs assessment study for the construction of 2 greenhouses in line with EU standards. This tender involved the the construction of the two prefabricated greenhouses according to Practical Guide to Contract Procedures (PRAG) rules and was prepared as a lump-sum contract. I Prepared works dossier and Terms of Reference for the supervision of construction works for the above mentioned greenhouses, including Terms of Reference for development of software for databases and the technical specifications and market survey for supply of equipment for 3 laboratories, namely VRSS (Ankara), Beydere (Manisa), and Çayırova (Kocaeli).I Prepared responses to questions received from the tenderers for works, service and supply contracts.

Reference letters:
File 1

Images:

Click for more info
Project Title:
Technical Assistance to Establish Fashion and Textile Cluster
Country:
Turkey
Origin of Funding:
EU
Type of Tender:
Technical Assistance
Contractor:
CFCU
Beneficiary:
Istanbul Textile and Apparel Exporters’ Union (ITKIB)
Consortium Leader:
Ada Mümessillik (Sub-contractor: Piri Group)
Project Value:
4.000.000 €
Year:
2005-2007

Description of Project: To strengthen public and private support structures for SMEs in the T/C sector, and enable the capacity of Turkish Textile and Clothing sector to be improved with the establishment of a Cluster Coordination Agency and the following supporting institutions established: Fashion Institute,(FI) Research and Development Centre, (R&D) Consultancy Centre (CC)

My position in this project: (International) Senior Consultant

Description of my services: I assisted the beneficiary (ITKIB) on the establishment of the consultancy centre; I prepared a guide for the development of the structure of the CC including the Business Plan, service manuals, develop international cooperation and networking agreements, design an international programmes under the name of “capacity cluster, collection cluster and trade cluster” to be implemented as pilot services. I have taken 10 representatives from ITKIB members on each cluster pilot services. I led and managed the implementation of the pilot services covering development of questionnaires, diagnostics, and identification of improvement areas. I led and managed the implementation of the internationalization of pilot services including conducting workshops and provision of training programmes. Group training activities including Profitable Exporting, Export Marketing Strategies and Plans (including export finance, Eximbank Credits, Basel II rules, costing and pricing, payment terms) , Strategic Planning, Market Research I prepared a study to determine how the consultancy centre will work with the proposed Fashion Institute and R&D Centre, and what management it should have under an organization such as a Cluster Coordination Agency.

Reference letters:
File 1

Images:

Click for more info
Project Title:
Eastern Anatolian Development Project (EADP)
Country:
Turkey
Origin of Funding:
EU
Type of Tender:
Technical Assistance
Contractor:
CFCU
Beneficiary:
Prime Ministry, State Planning Organization
Consortium Leader:
IMC Consulting Limited (UK)
Project Value:
5.000.000 €
Year:
2004-2007

Description of Project: The Eastern Anatolia Development Programme (EADP), which covers four provinces of Van, Hakkari, Bitlis, Muş, is an integrated regional development programme comprising four major components covering projects in the field of agriculture and rural development, SMEs, tourism/environment, social services.

My position in this project: Cross Border and Foreign Trade Consultant

Description of my services: I designed and delivered Counseling and training services to SMEs in the programme area in starting Cross Border and Foreign Trade; I identified training/consultancy needs of companies wishing to export, especially in terms of capacity building, Complete an export readiness diagnostic with SMEs wishing to start exporting. I assisted 10 SMEs in Incubation Center (Van İŞGEM) and 10 SMEs in Van center who are the member of the Chamber of Commerce to start or increase their current exports. This activity included extensive one on one consulting and counseling activities and group training including Cross Border Trade, Preparation of export documents, Identification of appropriate terms of payment, Identify terms of shipment, How to prepare the attendance to international trade fairs. I also Assisted identified stakeholders such as Professional Chambers, Chambers of Commerce, Chambers of Artisans, Management of Small Industrial Estates and Industrial Parks, Incubator Management, Provincial Industry and Commerce Directorates in understanding cross border trade, Advise PIU on problems encountered, if any, and identify further counseling/training needs.

Reference letters:
File 1
File 2

Click for more info
Project Title:
Development of European Turkish Business Centres Project
Country:
Turkey
Origin of Funding:
EU
Type of Tender:
Technical Assistance
Contractor:
CFCU
Beneficiary:
The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB)
Consortium Leader:
IMC Consulting Limited (UK)
Project Value:
16.400.000 €
Year:
2002-2006

Description of Project: Provided advisory and training activities in general business management and assistance in the internationalization efforts of SMEs, facilitating their entrance and further development on the European and Mediterranean markets. Consulting services provided included Sales and marketing advice, export development, Intellectual property rights, and brand management , Business planning, strategic planning, H.R. management, quality management, process improvement, methods development, productivity improvement, supply chain development, entrepreneurship, health and safety, and buyers compliance

My position in this project: Export Strategic Marketing Group (SMG) Manager

Description of my services: Organized and Participate in overseas events and study visits InTurkey: Responsible for the formation of the SMG, the selection of group members, providing inputs into the design of the export activities for the SMG, web page design, brochure design, organize the meetings, study visits and trainings, preparation of supporting sales info, research and contact of the buyers, logistical and administrative arrangements. In Abroad: Individual meetings with the buyers, follow up. I led and managed the implementation of the Ex-Point Programme (training and a consultancy programme) with the BC Programme Manager: Ex-Point (cluster programme) Consultant: Management and developing the export and marketing capabilities of 17 SMEs and micro enterprises in 2.5 year (also support them under subjects of general management, marketing, accounting, credit applications, give them advisory services for entrepreneurs regarding their current or potential area of business); Implementation of Export Strategic Marketing Plan (Assessments of the company’s present capability to export, identification of areas of improvement required, target market review and selection stage, product design, packaging and labeling requirements, regularity and legal barriers to market entry, pricing and discounting structure, terms of trade, distributor selection and management, after-sales support, identification potential clients in the selected product-market segment, pricing and costing advisory support, assistance with the preparation of company promotional materials, initial contact and correspondence with potential clients, organizing and participating to the international trade fairs etc. International Trade Fairs: Furnidec’2005-Greece, Cosmit 2005 Italy and Birmingham 2005 Autumn Fair in England Trainer: Identified the training needs, designed and planned the training for 40 SME’s in 6 clusters. Implemented the training with the staff of 40 SME’s over 1 year in 2005. Training Subjects: a. Preparation of technical specifications and costs, b. Preparation of export documents, c. Identification of appropriate terms of payment, d. Identify terms of shipment, e. How to prepare the attendance to international trade fairs, f. How to engage on in exports on a step by step basis, h. Explanation in detail of government programmes to encourage and subsidies specific export of goods and services, ı. Explanation of the rules and regulations established by the foreign trade secretariat Of the Turkish government. j. Strategic Planning

Reference letters:
File 1

Images:

CONTACT

Nevin BARAN

65 sok. no:16/3 06510
Emek/Cankaya/Ankara

Tel: +90312 2158711
Mobile: +90532 6515722