Assessing AI Competences in Retail MSMEs: A Methodological Approach

This methodology is intended as a strategic guide for course designers, trainers, and education providers to structure assessments that accurately evaluate AI competences among staff in retail Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). It specifically supports the implementation of an online AI Assessment Tool suited for self-paced, blended, and MOOC formats. The document outlines formative and summative assessment strategies to track learner progress, measure skill acquisition, and align assessments with practical business applications in the retail sector. Produced under the “INcreasing the uptake of AI in Retail” (INAIR) project, funded by the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, this assessment methodology complements the AI Core Curriculum and Open Educational Resources (OERs) developed by the project consortium. It is tailored to the needs of (MSMEs) in retail, ensuring assessments are meaningful, actionable, and supportive of sustainable digital transformation. The methodology also serves as the foundation for the online AI Assessment Tool, which enables structured profiling and evaluation of learners at key stages of their learning journey. By considering the roles learners play, their specific skill levels, and the contexts of their businesses, the tool aims to provide tailored learning pathways that address individual needs and promote effective skill development. It provides mechanisms to assess both theoretical understanding and practical competence in applying AI to real-world retail challenges, ensuring measurable and meaningful outcomes. This methodology supports deployment across face-to-face, hybrid, and online learning environments, including both synchronous and asynchronous formats. It is designed to accommodate learners with or without a facilitator, enabling wide adoption including in MOOC settings. About INAIR INAIR is a Coordination and Support Action funded by the European Union'’s Horizon Europe Research and Innovation programme. The project is implemented by an international consortium of six organisations: Lascò Srl (Italy), the University of Warsaw - Digital Economy Lab (Poland), the University of Cyprus - Software Engineering Lab (Cyprus), the Italian Chamber of Commerce for Germany (Germany), TEAM4Excellence (Romania), and BSD Design (Italy).