Teacher Motivation and Job Satisfaction in Educational Institutions of the City of Pärnu

Background

The City of Pärnu has a diverse network of educational institutions, including 14 general education schools with approximately 700 teachers, 15 kindergartens employing around 300 teachers, and 6 hobby schools with approximately 185 teachers. The figures also include the heads of educational institutions.

Objective

The aim of the study is to gather feedback on motivation systems in educational institutions, focusing on teacher motivation, recognition practices, and key motivators.

Methodolgy

The study is based on a survey conducted among teachers working in municipal educational institutions in the City of Pärnu. The total study population comprises 1,171 education professionals, including teachers, assistant teachers, teaching assistants, support specialists, and management staff.

Benefits

The results of the study will provide a foundation for improving teacher motivation and job satisfaction at both the institutional and city levels.

Project Client: City Government of Pärnu
Project Implementer: LevelLab

Analysis and Development Scenarios of the Educational Network of Märjamaa Municipality

Background

The study provides a comprehensive overview of the educational network of Märjamaa Municipality, analysing schools, kindergartens, the hobby school and the youth centre in terms of service quality, accessibility, staffing, facilities and financial sustainability. It compares local developments with regional and national trends and includes a population forecast up to 2050 to assess future educational needs and develop possible educational network development scenarios.

Objective

The objective of the study is to provide Märjamaa Municipality with data-driven input for the development of its educational network by offering an overview of the current situation and potential future directions, and by supporting informed decision-making aimed at improving the quality of educational services, optimising the educational network, and ensuring the efficient use of municipal resources.

Methodolgy

The study combines qualitative and quantitative methods, including document analysis, surveys, focus group interviews and visits to educational institutions.

Benefits

The study provides Märjamaa Municipality with a clear and evidence-based foundation for shaping the future of its educational network. It supports a better understanding of how educational institutions operate and of residents’ expectations, enables the forecasting of future demand for kindergarten and school places up to 2050, and informs well-grounded decisions regarding investments, buildings, staffing, and service provision in order to ensure high-quality and sustainable education across all areas of the municipality.

Project Client: Märjamaa Municipal Goverment
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 09/2024–03/2025

Tartu Sport Employee Well-Being Survey 2025

Background

Tartu Sport is an institution administered by the City of Tartu and was established in 2019. The institution’s mandate is to ensure the prudent management, development, and leasing of assets entrusted to it by the City of Tartu, including sports and cultural facilities as well as supporting infrastructure.

Objective

The objective of the survey was to assess employee satisfaction, working conditions, workload, internal climate, and the quality of management in order to provide input for organisational development plans and activities aimed at improving the working environment.

Methodolgy

As part of the study, a survey was conducted among employees of Tartu Sport. Responses were collected either via LevelLab’s web-based survey platform or using paper questionnaires. The questionnaire was available in Estonian and Russian. The analysis focused on aggregated results across satisfaction categories and included a comparative review by job position.

Benefits

The City Government of Tartu gained a comprehensive overview of employee well-being at Tartu Sport, enabling informed decision-making regarding organisational development initiatives and improvements to the working environment.

Project Client: City Goverment of Tartu
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 08/2025–11/2025

Social and Economic Impact Assessments

Background

Social and Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA) provides a comprehensive overview of how projects and initiatives affect different groups and communities in both the short and long term. SEIA allows for the evaluation of both positive and negative impacts, ranging from direct economic benefits to social effects. It offers reassurance that decisions are based on thorough and evidence-based analysis, thereby enabling the planning and implementation of sustainable and responsible projects and initiatives.

Objective

The objective of the assessment is to obtain a comprehensive overview of the economic and social contribution of an event at both the national level in Estonia and the regional level of the event location, as well as to assess the event’s reputation.

Methodolgy

To conduct the assessment, surveys are carried out either in an online environment and/or through face-to-face interviews during the event. In addition, document analysis is conducted based on materials provided by the client and information available from public sources.

Benefits

Following a socio-economic impact assessment, the economic and social impact of an event can be evaluated, enabling event organisers to make more accurate forecasts in the future. In addition, the assessment helps the state to better understand the economic and social benefits of the event and to support its role in regional development.

Compleated Assessments:

  • IBU Summer Biathlon World Championships 2024 (Client: Estonian Biathlon Federation)
  • ERC Delfi Rally Estonia 2024 (Client: Estonian Autosport Union)
  • World Championships in Group Gymnastics 2024 (Client: Estonian Gymnastics Federation)
  • IBU Cup 7 and 8 2025 (Client: Estonian Biathlon Federation)
  • European Disc Golf Festival 2025 (Client: Team Discgolf Estonia NGO)
  • European Championships in Rhythmic Gymnastics 2025 (Client: Estonian Gymnastics Federation)
  • Paide Rally 2025 (Client: BTR Racing NGO)
  • European Pool Championships 2025 (Client: Kalevi Piljardikool NGO)
  • WRC Delfi Rally Estonia 2025 (Client: Estonian Autosport Events NGO)
  • Tallinn International Horse Show 2025 (Client: Estonian Equestrian Federation)
  • Tartu Marathon 2025 (Client: Club Tartu Marathon NGO)
  • 44th Tartu Cycling Race (Client: Club Tartu Marathon NGO)
  • Tour of Estonia 2025 (Client: Club Tartu Marathon NGO)
  • Viljandi Folk Music Festival 2025 (Client: Estonian Traditional Music Centre NGO)
  • Muhu Väin Regatta 2025 (Client: Kalev Yacht Club NGO)
  • ORC Worlds 2025 (Client: Kalev Yacht Club NGO)
  • Tartu Marathon 2026 (Client: Club Tartu Marathon NGO)
  • BMW IBU World Cup 2026 (Client: Estonian Biathlon Federation)

Project Implementer: LevelLab

Implementation of the Survey Study “Ida-Viru Today and Tomorrow: Residents’ Opinions and Expectations”

Background

The aim of the survey is to obtain an overview of residents’ opinions regarding the changes that have taken place in Ida-Viru County in recent years, as well as their expectations for the future. In order to gain a deeper understanding of these changes and to better anticipate future developments, it is essential to compile a comprehensive “mosaic” of the actual living conditions, views, and plans of the entire population of Ida-Viru County, covering all municipalities and cities, nationalities, and social groups.

The survey study is conducted within the framework of the Ida-Viru Just Transition research programme: https://teadusidavirumaal.ee    

Objective

The objective of the study is to conduct a population survey among residents of Ida-Viru County, covering issues related to employment, education, health, and broader societal topics.

Methodolgy

The study will be conducted using both an online survey and face-to-face interview-based data collection methods. The research will be conducted among residents of Ida-Viru County aged 18–64, using a multi-stage sampling design. The aim is to ensure the reliability and representativeness of the results, as well as adequate inclusion of different population groups across the region. The target sample size is at least 1,000 respondents, ensuring statistically reliable and representative findings.

Benefits

The results of the study will provide a comprehensive and multifaceted overview of the current situation, attitudes, and future expectations of the residents of Ida-Viru County.

Project Client: University of Tartu
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 11/2025 – …

Management Field Study 2025

Background

At the request of the Estonian Business and Innovation Agency, management field studies have been conducted at five-year intervals to examine the state of management in Estonia. Since the completion of the most recent study (in 2021), developments have taken place in the economic and business environment, in the overall and management-related capabilities of companies, as well as in the managerial preparedness of leaders. In addition, the field itself has developed rapidly in recent years, with new approaches and trends emerging. Awareness of and consideration for these developments may significantly influence the future success of organisations.

Objective

The objective of the study is to identify the current situation in the management field, prevailing problems (including possible market failures) and gaps, and to obtain recommendations for increasing management capability, including with the support of the state.

Methodolgy

The study employed a mixed-methods research design, combining quantitative and qualitative research methods (survey, secondary quantitative data, document analysis, in-depth interviews, and focus groups).

Benefits

The study provides a comprehensive and up‑to‑date overview of the state of the management field in Estonia across companies of different sizes and types, covering various components of management quality and their impact on business performance. A comparison with previous studies (2015 and 2021) makes it possible to assess changes and developments over time and highlight prevailing trends in the field of management. The results of the study offer insight into the availability and effectiveness of organizational and management development programmes within companies, as well as the content and quality of management education in higher education institutions, while also providing recommendations for advancing the management field based on international best practices. In addition, a public Power BI dashboard will be created, providing a visual and interactive overview of management practices in Estonian enterprises based on quantitative analysis, as well as their links to economic performance and business success.

Project Client: Estonian Business and Innovation Agency
Project Implementer: University of Tartu and LevelLab
Study Duration: 06/2025-03/2026

Survey of corporate payment services

Objective

The objective of the study is to collect survey-based data on the use of payment services by Estonian companies and their satisfaction with these services, to assess preparedness for crises and the ability to cope with payment fraud, and to gather proposals from companies for improving payment services.

Methodolgy

The study will be conducted through an online survey. At least 700 companies will be surveyed, of which at least 400 are small enterprises with fewer than 10 employees that operate a physical point of sale or an e-commerce store.

Benefits

The results of the study will provide a comprehensive overview of the use of payment services by Estonian companies, their satisfaction, and existing shortcomings. The collected information will make it possible to assess companies’ preparedness for crises and their ability to manage payment fraud, and will offer input for the development of payment services in line with the actual needs of businesses.

Project commissioned by Eesti Pank
Project promoter:LevelLab
Duration: 2025-2031

Study on Food Waste and Food Loss Across the Entire Estonian Food Supply Chain

Background

Reducing food waste and food loss is an integral part of both European Union and Estonian environmental and circular economy policies. European Union legislation requires Member States to measure food waste generation using a harmonised methodology and to implement measures to reduce food waste across the entire food supply chain. In Estonia, a significant amount of food waste is generated each year, a large share of which is avoidable and has considerable environmental and economic impacts. This study provides an up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge base to support the achievement of national and EU objectives, to inform the development of effective policy measures and awareness-raising activities, and to contribute to the advancement of the circular economy throughout the food supply chain.

Objective

The objective of the study is to collect up-to-date data on food waste generation in Estonia and to use this information to design targeted awareness-raising interventions for different population groups, to identify opportunities for industrial symbiosis, and to assess the need for government intervention.

Methodolgy

The study applies a mixed-methods approach, combining the analysis of administrative and registry data with quantitative surveys, semi-structured interviews, expert interviews, and a diary-based method.

Benefits

The study will produce key messages for use in awareness-raising campaigns and projects and will provide a foundation for the development of new measures. The results will enable the Ministry of Climate to identify needs for the prevention and reduction of waste and packaging, as well as for the promotion of reuse.

Project Client: Environmental Investment Centre
Project Implementer: LevelLab and Roheline Rada
Study Duration: 06/2025–09/2026

Analysis of the PACT Risk Assessment Tool

Background

PACT (Positive Achievement Change Tool) is a scientifically validated risk assessment methodology developed in the United States and applied in Estonia in services targeting children and young people with high-risk behaviour, including Multidimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), the Secure Care Service for Children (KLAT), and the “Breaking the Cycle” (Ringist välja, RV) model. The tool is used to assess the risk of delinquency and support the selection of appropriate interventions. Practical experience to date has shown that the existing solution does not fully meet Estonia’s technical and data protection requirements and does not allow for sufficiently precise assessment of service impact or the qualitative changes achieved during service delivery. Consequently, there is a need to develop a more accurate risk assessment solution that is better suited to the Estonian context and supports evidence-based interventions as well as well-founded decisions when young people exit services.

Objective

The objective of the study is to critically assess the suitability of the existing PACT risk assessment tool in the context of MDFT, KLAT and RV services, to conceptually and empirically develop a new or enhanced assessment tool, and to define its implementation model and integration possibilities.

Methodolgy

The study employs both quantitative and qualitative methods. The quantitative analysis is based on completed PACT risk assessment questionnaires. The qualitative component includes document analysis and semi-structured individual interviews.

Project Client: Social Insurance Board
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 11/2025–06/2026

Interim Evaluation of the Ministry of Education and Research R&D Programmes “Estonian Language Technology 2018–2027” and “Estonian Language and Culture in the Digital Age 2019–2027”

Background

The interim evaluation focuses on the Ministry of Education and Research programmes “Estonian Language Technology 2018–2027” (EKT) and “Estonian Language and Culture in the Digital Age 2019–2027” (EKKD), which support research and development related to the Estonian language and culture in the digital era. The programmes encompass both language technology development and research on language and culture, and their implementation is shaped by changes in the research and technological environment, including the rapid development of artificial intelligence and large language models.

Objective

The purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness of the EKT and EKKD programmes to date by mapping the current state of the field and evaluating the extent to which the programmes’ objectives have been achieved, as well as their broader contribution to research and development in the areas of the Estonian language, culture, and language technology. In addition, the study aims to provide recommendations on how the Ministry of Education and Research should further develop research and development in the language field and whether and how it would be appropriate to fund such activities after the programmes end in 2027, taking into account global trends, limited financial resources, and the need to avoid duplication with other measures.

Methodolgy

The evaluation is based on a multi-layered data collection strategy that combines document analysis, interviews, focus groups, and the analysis of quantitative indicators.

Benefits

The interim evaluation provides a comprehensive overview of the programmes’ implementation to date and their contribution to achieving the set objectives. The evaluation report includes an assessment of programme performance as well as recommendations and proposals for future funding and operational models following the conclusion of the current programmes.

Project Client: Estonian Research Council (ETAG)
Project Implementer: LevelLab
Study Duration: 07/2025–02/2026