NPR - STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT TRAINING FOR FARMERS – THE CASE OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTERACTIVE STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT METHODOLOGY IN EUROPE

Abstract:

The paper presents the Interactive Strategic Management Method (ISM) and experiences from its implementation in Europe. The method was designed to support the development of entrepreneurship and strategic management. The method was used in farmer trainings in three Central and Eastern European countries: Poland, Lithuania and Slovenia. On average, the focus of the strategies of the trained farmers was on the core business of the farm: enlargement and the improvement strategies. However, in some counties diversification strategies (Poland) or cooperation (Slovenia) were also important. The ISM method was highly evaluated by farmers and trainers as a useful tool for farm strategy development. It was proven by that farmers with higher competence levels seem to be more innovative and more inclined to change and have higher scores on entrepreneurial features and are more active on the external market. Therefore improving entrepreneurial competencies through strategic management trainings may help farmers to deal with the challenges they are facing and with keeping their farms viable.

Keywords: entrepreneurship, strategic management, farm, Interactive Strategic Management method.