March 4, 2002 -- The March 11 deadline is approaching for proposals to deliver courses on behalf of the Automatic Meter Reading Association (AMRA), the organization has announced.
To advance AMRA's educational mission, association leaders are establishing a roster of Official AMRA Courses. To ensure these courses focus on key industry issues and mature as the AMR and utility environments evolve, AMRA invites all qualified industry participants to submit proposals for courses they can deliver on behalf of AMRA.
The AMRA Education Committee will review proposals and select instructors based on qualifications, course topics and supporting materials. Instructors will retain a working relationship with AMRA for one year, delivering courses up to four times between September 2002 and August 2003. Courses may be presented at the AMRA International Symposium, other AMRA events and in conjunction with related industry meetings.
AMRA will issue the Request for Proposal to Develop and Deliver Official AMRA Courses annually. Instructors who wish to continue presenting Official AMRA Courses may reapply in 2003.
Course Specifications
• Courses are three to four hours in length.
• Course instructors are responsible for providing course titles, descriptions and other information necessary for promotional materials.
• Official AMRA instructors must prepare slides, handouts and other supporting materials in advance for review by the Education Committee. Committee members may request modifications to ensure objectivity.
• Instructors must be willing to volunteer time to participate in Education Committee conference calls, and provide the necessary documentation and information to complete the AMRA CEU process (see Submission Process, below).
Course Topics
Though AMRA will consider any relevant course proposal, the Education Committee is focusing on several specific topics:
• AMR Systems Overview -- Technologies, capabilities, suppliers, cost analysis, benefits, etc.
• Advanced AMR Issues -- C&I strategies and value-added services for all types of customers.
• Communications Options -- Tutorial about all types of AMR communication systems and technologies.
• AMR Standards -- Existing and evolving standards for AMR and related technologies.
• Business Models -- Developing realistic and comprehensive cost-justification models for AMR and related technologies.
• Business and Market Requirements -- Using AMR to meet regulatory requirements, support performance-based rates, develop tiered pricing, and achieve other advanced business strategies.
• Developing an AMR RFP -- Communicating effectively, specifying equipment, formulating a deployment plan and meeting corporate objectives.
Submission Process
Course proposals must include several elements:
• Course topic
• Course title
• Course outline
• Professional background
• Experience delivering this and other industry courses, including number of contact hours
• Intended presentation format
• Expected compensation and benefits
• Certifications, student evaluations and other feedback
• Proof of ownership of course content
• Documentation necessary for CEU process:
a) Specific and defined learning outcomes expected of course attendees
b) Assessment procedures and methods to measure achievement of learning outcomes (e.g., end-of-course quiz)
c) Sample materials of subject matter, content and instructional methods
d) Instructor qualifications, education, experience, and expertise in subject content and instructional methods
AMRA's Education Committee will evaluate submissions and work with AMRA's Program Committee to make final selections. Respondents who also serve on the Education Committee or Program Committee will not be involved with reviewing or selecting courses and instructors.
Proposals must arrive at AMRA headquarters by March 11, 2002. Send to:
AMRA
60 Revere Drive, Suite 500
Northbrook, IL 60062
USA
ATTN: AMRA Courses
Fax: 847/480-9282
Email: [email protected]
Financial Arrangement
Official AMRA instructors will receive fees based on fixed and variable components. Instructors will receive a fixed stipend per course delivered, plus a share of any net revenue (i.e., gross revenue less expenses) derived from delivering the courses. Specific instructor stipends may vary depending on circumstances. AMRA will determine net revenue.
