Background

Information Technology (IT) is one of the fastest-growing industries in the world and is revolutionizing the way business is being done.  The United States is an acknowledged leader in the field and is continually introducing new applications which are having a significant impact throughout the world. 

Objective

The objective of this program is to introduce IT specialists, management, and users to database-oriented applications.  The mission does not train participants in programming techniques, nor does it expect participants to have knowledge of programming languages although this would be useful.  Rather, the participant is expected to be familiar with computers in general and in their application. 

How can the CEI program help?

This economic development mission will help participants gain valuable market insights into IT applications.  There is a massive market for IT products and services, and participants will see what applications create best value for customers and the users. 

Expected program benefits

Information technology providers will be able to see the latest practices used in the U.S. and will be able to discuss their application with industry leaders.  This will enable them to improve services and products to current and future users and will enable them to become aware of the latest industry trends.  This will help participants and their companies to increase their competitiveness and productivity in a worldwide market. 

Host companies for prior missions

Prior missions studied companies such as:

  • i2 Technologies Inc. (CRM systems)

  • Systegration Inc (IT Education)

  • Impac Technology (Web based IT solutions)

  • SAP America (ERP systems)

  • Barcode Industrial Systems (Tracking systems)

  • Cincom (Database applications)

  • Accu-Med Services Inc. (Medical systems)

Topics to be covered

Topics to be covered include:

  • How to identify cost effective IT applications

  • How to organize IT development

  • Implementation techniques

  • Industry trends

  • Various relational database and applications

  • Visit existing developers and review their applications

  • Encouraging the acceptance of IT applications in the workplace

  • Applications, data storage, retrieval, data mining and data security

  • Developing user education programs

  • International trade issues arising from the use of the Internet and information technology

Where will the CEI mission travel?

The mission will visit companies specializing in the IT industry predominantly located in the Eastern and Midwestern U.S. regions.  Participants will tour developer and user facilities to learn economical processes and procedures.  It will meet with industry executives to discuss and learn successful strategies and tactics for designing and implementing IT applications. 

Benefits experienced from a Ukraine mission

New critical software solutions learned on the economic development mission are being developed to track inventory, documents, and customers.  The projected benefits and savings for new database applications based on economic development mission learnings was $3,568,276.  Much of this was on cost savings at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant, where construction of the new sarcophagus requires improved record-keeping for documents, inventory, and nuclear waste.  In addition, over 60% of the participants were promoted after their return.  These results will enhance transition employment opportunities in this “closed” town

 

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