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
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
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
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
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.
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
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).
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
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!
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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