CSRQuest Project is testing e-learning and knowledge networking infrastructure to support the efficient implementation of CSR strategies and practices

The CSRQuest project, funded by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology of Greece under the Community support framework 2000-2006, has completed the first version of CSR e-learning and knowledge networking infrastructure and is actively developing a public CSR e-library.

(PRWEB) July 26, 2004 -- The field of responsible business practice is one of the most dynamic and challenging subjects corporate leaders face today. Since the mid 90s, companies are increasingly adopting Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR, balancing the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of their operation, whilst building shareholder value.

While prominent companies, governments and international associations are forming partnerships to promote CSR and the momentum achieved is impressive, implementing CSR approaches within companies represents a significant change management challenge and possibly significant cost. While the business case may be becoming clearer, implementation of CSR requires time to reach maturity and to become part of mainstream business practice. It is widely recognised that the speed of achieving CSR mainstreaming is dependant on training, CSR leadership development and organisational capabilities to integrate CSR policies in the core operational processes.

The CSRQuest project was initiated to contribute to CSR mainstreaming. The project is aimed at supporting the efficient and effective implementation of CSR practices through e-learning and innovative CSR knowledge networking approaches. CSRQuest is funded by the General Secretariat for Research and Technology of Greece under the Community support framework 2000-2006, concerted programme for electronic learning. It started in January 2004 and will be completed in 18 months.

CSRQuest has completed version 1 of its e-learning and knowledge networking infrastructure to be used easily by individuals, small and large organisations. The characteristic feature of the e-learning services currently under testing within the consortium is the degree of flexibility offered. Typically, educational and training consultants can develop their own courses and manage their trainees whilst corporate training can be easily customised on the CSR material of the individual companies. Utilising advanced work flow and content management features any degree of customisation to address needs of trainees with different roles and skills can be arranged.

CSRQuest is developing its own CSR e-learning services underpinned by the first methodological framework focusing on CSR implementation. The baseline for this methodology is a CSR classification which is consistent with:
•existing categorisation schemes;
•CSR reporting formats and standards;
•the main benchmarking methods.

The Methodology views CSR along four dimensions:
•Policy and Strategy
•Implementation
•Communications and training
•Evaluation and reporting

The CSRQuest Methodology attempts to facilitate the integration of CSR policies and projects with business processes and to balance policies and strategies with performance and results - along with disclosure and reporting. It emphasises the learning processes that should contribute to the integration of CSR initiatives with core business processes.

CSRQuest is committed to develop a public electronic CSR library to:
•assist newcomers in the field of CSR to establish a broad understanding of the domain;
•help CSR practising employees and managers maintain an up to date view of relevant developments;
•provide specialised information both for CSR practitioners and consultants;
•facilitate debate and knowledge exchange on library articles;
•support the CSRQuest methodology and e-learning services.

For further information regarding CSRQuest please visit our website www.csrquest.net
Or contact the project co-ordinator K-NET SA: knet@k-netgroup.com

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