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• Assessment modules enable individual knowledgeapplication and evaluation within tests/quizzes atdifferent levels of difficulty with extended feedbackbeing provided to the user;• A case study module supports free knowledgeapplication within an interactive supply chainscenario by running case studies at four levels ofdifficulty.With this, customization and individualisation of auser’s learning process and learning path according tohis/her needs (resulting from current skills andknowledge level as well as the required targetcompetences) become possible by purposefully selectingthe suitable modules.A similar amount of flexibility and sensitivity to userneeds will also be provided by the diagnosis system.Generally, the diagnosis process (which from thepractical point of view can be based on a kind of aquestionnaire or even check list) will dynamically selfadaptto the user in the course of responding to thequestions depending on the answers given. This meansthere are no fixed standard set and sequence of questionsto be answered, but a step-by-step selection andpresentation of questions following the authoring-on-theflyprinciple instead. In some case, also some additionalor even “double check” questions may be asked.It is obvious that in the case where rather problemorientedneeds have been identified the questioningprocess will be longer and more sophisticated to get theright picture on the exact nature and complexity of theproblem and to configure the most appropriate paththrough the matrix of modules and/or their particularcomponents.In practice the outcome of this pre-learning andidentification process will be a set of tags set along thelearning path defining subsequent steps and measureschecking and testing achieved results and thus verifyingoriginally defined learning paths. This eventually canlead to a dynamic reconfiguration of the learning path;the procedure for this is included in the e-coach as well.Furthermore, the results of the intermediate tests will beused not only for reconfiguration, but also for repeating acertain module or suggesting/initiating additionallearning loops.This general approach determines the ECR e-coachfunctionality. As it has been said, the most characteristicfeature of the presented concept is its matrix structure (asdepicted in Figures 1 and 2). With this, it supports both,the knowledge- and the problem-oriented approachwithin a customizable procedure. The crucial challengefor bringing the e-coach concept to life consists inimplementing its matrix-based coaching functionality:• Structure and sub-structure knowledge on ECRrelatedaspects and problems in modules;• Define all relevant links between particular modules;• Develop a reliable diagnostic system helping a userto identify his/her weak points and suggest suitablemodules.HOW THE ECR E-COACH LOOKS LIKEImplementation of the idea of the ECR e-coach is inprogress. Concurrently a general mechanism enablingcoaching functions and particular modules are beingdeveloped. This approach allows for continuousmonitoring of the quality and completeness of designedcomponents but for testing and verifying the generalcoaching concept (by using different kinds ofdemonstrators and prototypes). The followingcomponents have been completed until now:Learning modulesThe learning modules developed so far introduce intothe topic of Efficient Consumer Response in general andtake up current problems in supply chain management(see Table 1):• The module “Introduction to ECR” covers the widerange of knowledge and information related to theEfficient Customer Response (ECR) concept. It aimsto provide an overview on the topic, to supportknowledge transfer on methods, tools, challengesand benefits of Efficient Consumer Response (ECR),and to fertilize implementation of ECR amongbusiness partners in supply chains;• The module “Introduction to Shrinkage” embracesseveral issues which give an overview of theshrinkage problem in supply chains, such as generalproblems in stock keeping, definition of shrinkage,sources of shrinkage and responsibility for shrinkagein the supply chain. The aim of this module is tosupport knowledge transfer about the shrinkageproblem in supply chains and to raise awareness ofthis issue.Annual Proceedings of Vidzeme University College “ICTE in Regional Development”, 200665