:: The European Logistics Association and Research ::Introduction As a Not for Profit international Association of European professional bodies, all of whom seek to improve logistic practice in Europe, ELA maintains a strong interest in high quality independent research to support improvements in this area. Whilst having a particular interest in those projects initiated or supported by the European Commission, all relevant research of proven quality can add value to ELA’s work and the quality of logistics in Europe. Under these circumstances, ELA is often asked to participate in, or endorse, or lend support to a variety of research projects. But, ELA’s resources are necessarily limited, and not all projects can necessarily qualify. This webpage lays out the broad principles for ELA’s support for research and provides advice on how to engage with the Association in this field (Do you want to bookmark this page? ). Principles ELA’s Position – where is the Association coming from when assessing projects? ELA is a unique Europe wide federation of national professional bodies in the field of logistics. It is independent of partisan interest of all kinds, has a unique network for communication, and has a particular interest in the pursuit of the highest professional standards amongst logisticians in Europe. ELA places a very high value on its independent position and will not associate with activity that compromises this. ELA has a unique network through its Member Associations and can contribute directly to research projects. Whilst ELA can sometimes contribute directly to a project as a member of a consortium undertaking a research project, more usually it can assist in the publication and communication of the results of projects. It can also give endorsement to projects. This latter process does not in any sense second guess the assessment of projects carried out by the EC or other authorities. It is solely an endorsement from ELA’s perspective in those areas of its competence. ELA will always give priority to the research work undertaken by its Member Associations, either when they are carrying this out directly or as part of a consortium, within the framework of ELA’s basic criteria for quality. The assessment of projects of this kind is at no cost to Member Associations: an administrative charge is raised for all other assessments. ELA maintains a Research and Development Committee (Link) which includes the assessment of projects as one of its tasks. This group reviews a particular proposal and makes recommendations as to how ELA might be involved to the ELA Board (Link) through the ELA Board Executive Committee (Link). The decision on ELA’s engagement with any project lies with the ELA Board. Although this process takes a little time, it is invariably followed in the interests of ensuring that only the most deserving research receives the benefit of ELA’s necessarily scarce resources. Basic Criteria What does ELA look for when deciding to join, support or endorse a project? Amongst other things, ELA will examine these aspects before deciding to participate in/endorse/support a project, or otherwise:
If ELA participates in a project, it does so under the specific contractual provisions of the particular project in question. If ELA lends its practical support to a project, it does so within the framework of a formal agreement with the leaders of the project. ELA will not accept liability for the outcome of such a project. If ELA endorses a project or tender for a project, such endorsement implies neither any warranty as to the quality of the project or proposal no any liability for ELA as to the outcome of the project or proposal In the event that ELA does not participate in/endorse/support a project or proposal, ELA withholds the right not to enter into discussion as to the reasons for its decision. That said, ELA will always try to respond constructively and suggest where improvements to projects and proposals might be made to improve value. A Practical Guide What to do if you want ELA to join, support or endorse your project or proposal? The basic procedures here apply equally to ELA’s Member Associations and to those who are not members. But, in the interest of clarity, they are written particularly with non Members in mind to avoid misunderstanding and possible disappointment. ELA suggests five steps, before contacting ELA:
This done, then contact the ELA Head Office to submit your case: The European Logistic Association The ELA Head Office will acknowledge your submission and provide advice on the way ahead as appropriate. |