Thanks for giving the justification of cost of training course. The
fee seems to be fully justified.
Mostly the cost (Registration Fee + TA + DA) of training would be born
by organization deputing its employees for training. Hence there is
no personal expenditure to the professionals as such.
The cost of training remains the same irrespective of the software
tool being taught - Open Source or Commercial.
"Open Source" simply implies that the Source Code is available with
the software. You are "free" to see how the programme works. You are
"free" to modify the source code. You are free to use your own
modified programme. You are free to distribute the software (modified
or unmodified) according to and along with original license.
Interestingly, If you can SELL Open Source Softwares, you are FREE to
do so provided you give its source code and open source license to
the buyers. This is exactly what number of companies like RedHat are
doing.
Open Source Softwares are normally free (of cost) but are different
from Free Softwares. Free softwares (for example ISIS) are just free
of cost but do not come with their source code. Hence these can not be
modified or distributed further.
Advantage of Open Source Softwares is not that they are available free
of cost but the freedom of owning them. Since the source code is
available, Open Source Softwares can be used over a longer period of
time without worrying about the survival of their developers /
producers / vendors.
Thanks,
Sukhdev Singh, NIC.
On Thu, Feb 19, 2009 at 9:50 AM, G.K.MANJUNATH
I would like to provide certain basic facts about the cost involved in organizing a workshop. This is based on our own experience:
1. A three day workshop means boarding for 4 days. It would cost appx. Rs.800 per person. ( Breakfast, tea, lunch and dinner. )
2. Travelling allowance ( by air ) for minimum 2 resource persons, appx. Rs.20000/-
3. Remuneration for two resource person for three days - appx. Rs. 4000/-
4. Course material, stationery and workshop kit Rs. 500/- per person
5. Misc expenses and transport Rs.5000/-
6. Lodging fee would be extra.
If there are 20 participants, the cost per participant, without lodging, appx. would be Rs.2750/-. ( I have made a very conservative estimation ).
Therefore, a fee of Rs.3000/- per person looks very reasonable.
It is assumed that, the hosting institute would provide computer lab and classroom free of charge. If not, there would be additional cost.
The cost would come down if there is any funding from external sources.
I very much appreciate other organizers to share their experience.
thanks.
G.K.Manjunath
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