crisis management and disaster response centre of …

PARTNERSHIP REAL-TIME INFORMATION, MANAGEMENT AND

EXCHANGE SYSTEM (ePRIME) TRAINING COURSE

Organized by Cooperation and Regional Security Division,

NATO HQ International Military Staff

27 - 29 May 2015

Sofia, Republic of Bulgaria

CRISIS MANAGEMENT AND DISASTER RESPONSE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

CRISIS MANAGEMENT AND DISASTER RESPONSE CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE 34A Totleben Blvd, Sofia 1606, Republic of Bulgaria

tel: 359 2 92 24 700, 359 2 92 24 705, fax: 359 2 92 24 755, www.cmdrcoe.org

We are pleased to welcome you at CMDR COE.

The Partnership Real-time Information, Management and Exchange system (ePRIME)

training course is designed for beginners (military officers and their civilian equivalents) with

very little or no experience with the system, but who would need to use ePRIME frequently.

What is ePRIME ?

ePRIME is an Internet-based, password protected tool, used for the development and

management of event-based NATO cooperation programmes with partners.

ePRIME includes a catalogue of cooperation events (Partnership Cooperation Menu – PCM)

updated regularly, electronic libraries for EAPC/PfP, MD and ICI Unclassified documents, as

well as search tools, e-learning resources and collaboration tools (Working Groups).

ePRIME also holds RoadMaps and the list of events that a partner has selected for

participation from the PCM.

ePRIME provides the following mechanisms in support of events in the PCM: on-line

invitation, registration and feedback by the event provider and the event participant.

PREFACE



The PCM is open to the following frameworks:

After completion of the course the participants will be able to:

improve understanding about NATO Partnership Cooperation in general;

gain thorough knowledge about the different functionalities that ePRIME has;

become familiar with various ePRIME functionalities through extensive practical

exercises;

understand better how ePRIME can support their daily work;

get familiar with the technical aspect and development in order to keep ePRIME up to

date and operational.

Language: English.

Dress code: Civilian



Here is some useful information to assist your visit.

Course venue:

.

Arriving in Sofia

A valid passport is required for entry to Bulgaria for some non-EU countries. For further

information and visa requirements, please contact the Embassy/Consulate of the

Republic of Bulgaria in your respective country. (For more details –

http://www.mfa.bg/en/pages/view/85 ).Participants from EU countries can use their ID

cards.

There are direct flights to Sofia from the most major European airports. Generally, the

international flights arrive at Terminal 2 of Sofia Airport. The drive from there to the city

centre is a short one and should not take more than 20-30 minutes.

Both Sofia`s Central Rail Station and the International Bus Station are located close to

the downtown.

POC: Course Deputy Director – COL Aleksandar GEORGIEV (BGR A), CMDR COE Analysis and Lessons Learned Section Head, email:alexandar.georgiev@ cmdrcoe.org, office number: 00359 2 92 24731

I. GENERAL INFORMATION

Shipka hotel,

34A, Totleben Blvd, Sofia 1606, Bulgaria.

http://www.mfa.bg/en/pages/view/85



If arriving by car, be aware of the numerous speed traps at the entrances to the city as

you will end up with a not insignificant spot fine.

About the Hotel

Hotel complex SHIPKA *** is situated in the center of Sofia, 5 minutes away from the

National Palace of Culture. Its location provides convenient transport connections to the

administrative and trade center of the capital.

The Hotel complex provides:

Day bar with summer garden, sports-recreational center with the most up-to-date

equipment and Congress center with 7 conference halls (capacity from 10 to 60

places).

Hotel complex “Shipka” is included in the structure of Executive agency “Military clubs

and military-recreation activities”.

Please be aware that the hotel will not accept any foreign currency or credit /

debit cards other than issued by Bulgarian Banks! You should possess Bulgarian

currency prior to pay for your stay. The easiest way is to withdraw some cash from the

nearest ATM (see picture below).



Local Transport

The taxi services in Sofia are cheap and reliable and there are a small percentage of

frauds. All taxis should be colored in yellow and operate by meter – it’s worth checking

if the meter is on. The CMDR COE strongly recommends the services of OK

Supertrans, Eurolease, Yes and Yellow333. Their cabs are recognizable by their call-

centers always well shown on vehicle’s sides. It is recommended to check the prices

before you enter the car to avoid overcharge. At the airport use the official taxi booth

inside and out of the Terminal 2. Use of unofficial taxi may result in overcharge up to 10

times the normal fare. A taxi ride to the central parts of Sofia should not be more than

20-25 BGN. The payment should be made in Bulgarian currency only. You can

exchange currency at the airport or use the ATM.

The public transport in Sofia is composed of buses, trolleybuses, tram networks and an

underground as well. The city is amply covered by an interlocking network with services

running from about 05:00 to 23:30. Single-journey ticket costs 1.00 BGN and can be

bought from street kiosks at the stops or from the driver. Ticket must be validated on

board using the metal punchers near the windows. A single-trip ticket may be issued by

on-board vending machine in trams and trolleys for each journey. The metro tickets

have the same price (1.00 BGN) but are different from those used in ground transport,

and can only be purchased from ticket counters in the underground stations

themselves.

Miscellaneous

Sofia has an area of 1310 sq. km and population of 1 177 577 inhabitants.

CLIMATE: Sofia is located in a valley basin scattered through the uplands, but its

elevation (about 530 metres or 1,739 feet) tends to moderate summer temperature and

relieve oppressive high humidity. Sofia is also sheltered from the northern European

winds by the mountains that surround its troughlike basin. Temperatures in Sofia

average −2 °C (28.4 °F) in January and about 20 °C (68.0 °F) in August. The city's

rainfall is near the country average (about 630 millimetres or 24.8 in per year), and the

overall climate is pleasant. Please bring suitable clothing.

LOCAL TIME: GMT+2.

CURRENCY: Bulgaria’s unit of currency is the Lev (pl. leva), code – BGN. It is in

fraction of 100 stotinki (singular: stotinka). The denomination is coin of 1 Lev and

banknotes of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 Levs. The exchange rate against the euro is fixed

at BGN 1.95583 for €1. EXCHANGE: Many international banks and Foreign-Exchange

Offices operate in Sofia. Currency exchange at the airport on arrival or departure, and

in the hotels, is also possible. Do not exchange money in the streets or outside financial

offices despite the bargain rate offered: you risk being cheated!



BANKING HOURS: From Monday to Friday 09:00 – 17:00. Most of Foreign-Exchange

Offices are open until 6 PM, and some around the clock. For more information on the

actual rates it is better to consult with the Bulgarian National Bank (BNB) website:

www.bnb.bg. Most of the banks have very friendly web portals where can find

concerning information as well as the location of their ATMs.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS: International direct-dialing access code for Bulgaria: +359,

for Sofia: +359 2. Cell phones are widely available where mobile services are provided

by three operators M-tel, Telenor and Vivacom. Another one is MaxTelecom however it

is specialized in Wi-Fi supply.

SHOPPING: One of Sofia’s favorite spots for both visitors and residents is Vitosha

Boulevard. Here thee are shops carrying world-famous brands, and since it’s a

pedestrian zone, it a very pleasant place for strolling and relaxation. In general, the

capital is a shopper’s delight, since Sofia is still one of the major crossroads on the

Balkan Peninsula for trade of all kinds.

DRINKING WATER: The tap water is safe to drink but not always pleasant in taste or

appearance. Bulgaria's vast supplies of mineral water are widely available in 0.5 litre

and 1.5 litre bottles. They are very tasty and not expensive. Stick to well-known brands

such as Gorna Banya, Devin or Bankia and check that the bottles are properly sealed.

ELECTRICITY: Main voltage 220 V/50 Hz, round two-pin plugs.

MOTORING: Drive on the right, overtake on the left, cross only when the traffic light is

green, give right of way to vehicles approaching from the right at crossroads and to

buses in urban areas, carry your International Driving Permit, ride with lights on at all

times. The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers, except pregnant women.

Speed limits are 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h outside and 130 km/h highways.

SAFETY: Sofia is relatively safe. As long as you stick to the downtown areas and the

central residential neighborhoods they are pretty safe any time of day and you should

be OK. Just try not to look like a tourist (big camera out, map in your hands, etc...); this

way you will avoid attracting attention from the wrong people. Of course, like in most

European cities there are pickpockets, but it shouldn't be a problem if you exercise

common sense. If you are using public transport, make sure you are aware of your

surroundings and keep your wallet and backpack tight (same applies for any crowded

area).

DO NOT EXCHANGE MONEY ON THE STREET!!! If you need to exchange cash, use

the exchange bureaus and ALWAYS ASK FOR A RECEIPT. Count the money in front

of the cashier and you will be fine.

EMERGENCY: CALL 112



In the event of an emergency, call 112. English-speaking operators are available at this number, which should be used for all emergency needs including police, fire, and ambulance services. The response times of ambulance are dependent upon traffic conditions and may take 35 minutes or more. In the event of a real emergency in Sofia, you may be best served by calling a taxi and asking to be taken to Pirogov Hospital. Pirigov treats adults and children and is designated for trauma and emergency cases.

Prominent hospitals and clinics include: Specialized Hospital for Emergency Medicine “Pirogov”, (or “Pirogov” only, located on the opposite side of the street in front of your hotel) 21, Totleben Blvd., phone: 915-4411, 915-4290.

Military Medical Academy 3, St. Georgi Sofiyski Blvd., phone: 922-6000; 922-5731, http://www.vma.bg

Useful web links:

http://www.discover-bulgaria.com/ http://bulgariatravel.org/en/ http://www.freesofiatour.com/ http://www.sofia.bg http://www.sofiatraffic.bg/en/ http://www.sofia-guide.com/ http://www.novinite.com/ http://www.map-guide.bg/ http://www.bgmaps.com/en http://www.meteo.bg/en/bgtoday

http://www.meteo.bg/en/bgtoday



Wednesday, 27 May 2015, first day

Time Type Min’s

Subject

09:00-09:20

20 ’ Welcoming Welcome / Opening remarks Introduction of the training team and participants Introduction of the training programme Administrative remarks

09:20-09:30

10 ‘ Course Photography

1st Module: INTRODUCTION – in plenary

09:30-09:50

P, 20’ CMDR COE – general introduction

09:50-10:20

P, 30’ Partnerships after the Wales Summit & PCM policies

10:20-10:40

20’ Break

10:40-11:10

P, 30’ General introduction to ePRIME

11:10-11:30

P, 20’ ePRIME system walk through - main functionalities in focus

11:30-11:50

P, 20’ New user authentication process

11:50-12:50

60’ Lunch

2nd Module: ACCESSING INFORMATION AND SEARCH FOR DATA – in groups

12:50-13:20

30’ Login to ePRIME

13:20-13:50

E1, 30’ Exercise 1: Warming up for beginners – a first encounter with ePRIME

II. Course Programme



Time Type Min’s

Subject

13:50-14:20

P, 30’ Detailed explanation on how to look for data in ePRIME

14:20-14:40

20’ Break

14:40-15:10

E2, 30’ Exercise 2: Finding information and accessing event properties

15:10-15:40

E3, 30’ Exercise 3: Printing reports and exporting data - using ePRIME to retrieve data and work off-line

15:40-16:00

20’ Q&A

16.00 End of first training day

SOCIAL EVENT FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS

17.30 Ice breaker in Hotel SHIPKA

Thursday, 28 May 2015, second day

Time Type Min’s

Subject

09:00-09:10

P, 10’ Summary of the first day

3rd Module: PCM DEVELOPMENT – in groups

09:10-09:50

E4, 40’ Exercise 4: Entering Activities and Events into ePRIME – adding contribution to the Partnership Cooperation Menu (PCM)

09:50-10:20

E5, 30’ Exercise 5: Event registration workflow

10:20-10:50

P, 30’ Data approval – a detailed explanation of the approval process

10:50-11:10

20’ Break

4th Module: SELECTION OF EVENTS FOR PARTICIPATION I. – in groups

11:10-11:40

P, 30’ Road Map development and list of participation

11:40-12:40

E6, 60’ Exercise 6: Preparing the List of Events for participation

12:40- 60’ Lunch



13:40

13:40-14:10

E7, 30’ Exercise 7: Feedback handling

5th MODULE: COLLABORATIVE TOOLS – in groups

14:10-14:40

E8, 30’ Exercise 8: Document library – finding and accessing documents

14:40-15:00

E9, 20’ Exercise 9: Working Groups – collaborative tools in ePRIME

15:00-15:20

20’ Break

6TH MODULE: SELECTION OF EVENTS FOR PARTICIPATION II. – in groups

15:20-15:50

E10, 30’

Exercise 10: Preparing the List of Events for participation – repetition

7th MODULE: SUMMARY OF THE EXERCISES – in plenary

15:50-16:30

45’ Discussion of all exercises, Q&A

16.30 End of second training day

Friday, 29 May 2015, third day

Time Type Min’s

Subject

8th MODULE: TECHNICAL DEVELOPMENT IN ePRIME – with the participation of the IT developer company “Tetracom”

09:00-09:20

20 ’ TETRACOM – general introduction

09:20-09:50

P, 30’ Latest technical development in ePRIME

09:50-10:30

40’ Q&A with Tetracom

10:30-10:50

20’ Break

10:50 – 11:30

40’ Q&A with Tetracom

11:30-12:00

30’ Closing session and summary How to best avoid classical mistakes when inserting data

in ePRIME



Completion of feedback form Distribution of diploma

12:00 End of training course

crisis management and disaster response centre of …

Documents