Analysis of the Implementation of the Qualifications System

Background

The qualifications system is part of the Estonian qualifications system – it connects the education system with the labor market and contributes to the development, assessment, recognition, and comparison of work-related competencies. The implementation of the qualifications system has been regulated by the Vocational Qualifications Act since 2001, and the system consists of four parts: the qualifications framework, vocational standards, awarding of vocational qualifications, and the vocational register.

Objective

The aim of the study was to determine the expectations of the participants in the qualifications system, their readiness for implementing the reform, and the transition to a skills-based approach, as well as to identify the potential challenges and risks associated with the planned innovations.

Methodology

During the study, the qualifications system used in Estonia was compared with the experience of other countries. For assessing the readiness and expectations of stakeholders in the qualification system, interviews and focus groups were conducted with direct and related stakeholders of the qualification system: applicants for certification, certifying bodies, educational institutions, learners, stakeholders involved in developing occupational standards (including employers and professional associations), career advisors, qualification system specialists, and policymakers. During the study, risk assessment was also conducted to ensure the realism and feasibility of the innovations.

Benefits

As a result of the study, input was obtained for the renewal of the legal system underlying the implementation of the qualifications system and for the implementation of a skills-based qualifications system.

Project contracting institution: Ministry of Education and Research
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 03/2023 – 10/2023

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Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the ProgeTiigri Program Activities

Background

The ProgeTiiger program was launched in 2012 in order to develop students’ digital competence and technological literacy and to understand the nature of technology, its application, and development opportunities. The program’s resources have supported the development of teachers’ digital competence, promoted networks of teachers and instructors in the field, and co-financed the acquisition of equipment necessary for teaching.

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess how the ProgeTiigri program has contributed to the improvement of the quality and accessibility of technology education from 2018 to 2021. In addition, recommendations were provided for modifying program content activities and for follow-up actions.

Methodology

The study utilized both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods (document analysis, surveys, focus group and individual interviews). The survey involved teachers, educational technologists, and educational institution leaders from Estonian general education schools. Personal interviews were conducted with employees of the Ministry of Education and Research, the Education and Youth Board, and the ProgeTiigri program managers. The focus group was conducted with representatives and experts from universities, as well as with educational leaders and/or teachers actively involved in the program.

Benefits

As a result of the study, feedback was provided on the activities of the ProgeTiigri program during the period 2018-2021, and an assessment was made of how purposeful the activities have been and what improvements have been made in the quality and accessibility of technology education. Additionally, recommendations were provided on what changes could be made to the content activities of the program and how to proceed with the program.

Project contracting institution: Education and Youth Board
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 01/2023 ‍– 05/2023

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Evaluation of Performance Indicators for the Estonia-Latvia Program

Background

The Estonia-Latvia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme (https://estlat.eu/en) involves the southern and western parts of Estonia and the northern and western parts of Latvia, with partners from both countries participating. The program supports cross-border cooperation in entrepreneurship, innovation, environment, and tourism, involving collaboration between businesses as well as residents of border areas.

Objective

In 2022, LevelLab and the Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences Mainor conducted a study aimed at assessing the achievement of the Estonia-Latvia Programme’s result indicators – the progress of the program is regularly monitored. The study results revealed that the majority of the assessed result indicators exceeded the target level set for 2023. The greatest increase was in the interest and readiness for cross-border cooperation among new businesses, which increased by 15% compared to 2021. There was also a significant increase in the indicator of solidarity among residents of Valga and Valka.

Methodology

During the study, three online surveys and two street surveys were conducted on both the Estonian and Latvian sides. Through the online surveys, representatives of businesses and institutions were interviewed, while through the street surveys, residents of the region were interviewed. For all surveys, proportions of different respondent profiles were predefined in advance. This means that it was determined which region and which gender and age groups of people would be surveyed. The list of respondents for one survey was provided by the client, while for the others, a random sample was taken according to the criteria provided by the client. The questionnaires for all surveys were provided by the client, and the same survey has already been conducted in 2014, 2015, 2018, and 2021.

Project contracting institution: State Support Services Center
Project implementers: LevelLab and the Estonian Entrepreneurship University of Applied Sciences Mainor
Duration: 12/2022 ‍– 02/2023

Hansavest personnel, temporary workers survey

Background

Hansavest is a workforce services and training company founded in 2005. The company specializes in recruitment, training, and providing labor services for the manufacturing and logistics sectors. In addition to the Baltic countries, Hansavest also provides workforce services in Sweden and Finland. Workers mainly come from Estonia, Latvia, and Ukraine. The main sectors where workforce services are provided are wood, manufacturing, metal, and electronics industries.

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the organization of temporary work, the preparation and ability of temporary workers to manage their work, and the satisfaction of Hansavest Grupp employees. It also assessed the living and working conditions of temporary workers, work productivity, the quality of work process organization, and the support services provided by Hansavest.

Methodolgy

The survey was carried out in the LevelLab online survey environment through four different questionnaires: client satisfaction, temporary worker satisfaction, satisfaction of workers in Finland, and satisfaction of workers in Estonia.

Benefits

Hansavest gained a clear overview of its cooperation with employees, clients, and temporary workers, enabling the company to make necessary changes to improve this cooperation.

Project client: Hansavest
Project implementer: LevelLab
Study duration: 11/2022 – 01/2023

Competency Model for Civil Service Middle Managers

Background

Competency-based management is a widely used practice in the public sector of many developed countries. Its objective is to support the achievement of organizational goals and enhance employee motivation and commitment through systematic and effective human resource management. One area where competency-based management is applied is employee development, which requires understanding employees’ training needs.

This need has become increasingly relevant year by year, as the exercise of public authority depends on society’s trust in public officials. In turn, this trust relies on officials’ professional competence, ethical conduct, and their ability to act in the public interest.

Competency-based management links human resource management with an organization’s strategic objectives. As job tasks and problem-solving become more complex, organizations need employees with the right skills and knowledge. Increasingly, both private companies and public sector institutions have begun to use competency models as one of the main tools of human resource management in order to identify the prerequisites for successful performance in a position and to assess employees’ development needs.
One tool that helps strengthen leadership capability is a competency model. The purpose of the model is to define and describe key competencies and to create a system for assessing them.

Objective

The aim of the study is to describe the role and concept of middle managers in the civil service, update the competency model for middle managers together with self-assessment questionnaires, and develop a new visual representation of the competency model.

Benefits

Updating the competency model for middle managers helps move towards more integrated public governance and harmonize leadership capability across the public sector. The model creates a cross-government framework for the recruitment, selection, assessment, and development of middle managers. The updated competency model supports the development of a shared leadership culture and improves the quality of leadership in the public sector.

Project clients: Minsitry of Finance and the State Shared Service Centre
Project implementer: LevelLab
Study duration: 04/2022 ‍– 12/2022

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Creating Future Scenarios for the Data Society

Background

In today’s digital world, the creation and processing of data play an important role in the economy, governance, and people’s everyday lives. Collected data is used both to improve processes, optimize activities, and support decision-making. The growing ability to use data enables society to automate an increasing number of activities through digitalization that previously required human intervention. Continuous use of data also increases the need to manage data. There is a growing need to establish rules and clear processes for how data is used, while at the same time preserving both privacy and the freedom to process data. The public sector has a significant role in shaping data sharing and governance systems. It is also important to understand the factors and trends that will influence data use in the future.

Objective

The aim of the study is to provide an overview of the data economy, data usage, and the trends influencing data policy in Estonia; to develop possible future scenarios for data governance based on these trends; and to identify key decision points and policy choices for policymakers to guide the future development of the data sector.

Benefits

The study helps increase the use of data in governance and supports the development of informed, forward-looking policies in the data sector.

Project clients: Government Office of Estonia and the Foresight Centre (ASK)
Project implementers: LevelLab and the Institute of Baltic Studies
Study duration: 04/2022 – 12/2022

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Festivals Study

Background

The aim of the study is to map visitors to festivals held in Estonia, their travel behaviour when attending festivals, their preferences and visiting habits, spending at the festival site, and their satisfaction with different aspects related to the organization of festivals.

Methodology

As part of the study, visitors aged 16 and over at 28 festivals held in Estonia in 2022 were surveyed. The questionnaire was available in Estonian, English, Finnish, and Russian and consisted of 21 questions.
The survey was conducted from April 25 to October 23. Festival visitors could complete the questionnaire independently via QR codes distributed at the festival sites or with the assistance of an interviewer.
A total of 3,650 people responded to the questionnaire. On average, 130 visitors per festival completed the survey.

Benefits

The study provides an overview of festival visitors’ expectations and evaluations, offering useful input for organizers when preparing new festivals.

Project client: Enterprise Estonia (EAS)
Project implementer: LevelLab
Study duration: 04/2022 – 12/2022

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Analysis of Educational Institutions in Rakvere Parish

Background

Rakvere Parish, recognizing the importance of education in ensuring community development and sustainability, has taken steps to enhance its educational network and improve quality. Recent demographic changes, economic challenges, and the continuous increase in education-related costs have highlighted the need for thorough analysis and strategic planning.

Objective

The primary goal of the project was to conduct a thorough analysis of the educational institutions in Rakvere Parish to assess their performance, efficiency, and financial status. As part of this analysis, the proportion of education expenses in the parish’s budget was determined and compared with the average figures for Estonia and the county. Additionally, the number of students and school occupancy rates were analyzed and compared with national averages. The locations of schools and kindergartens were also mapped to assess the accessibility of education in different areas of the parish. The analysis of financial indicators identified potential areas of inefficiency, which could help optimize the parish’s education expenses.

The second objective was to create various scenarios that would offer practical and realistic solutions for optimizing the parish’s educational organization. For each scenario, the impact on the quality and accessibility of primary and general education was assessed, as well as the effect on the parish’s education expenses. It was important to find solutions that would ensure high educational quality at reasonable costs. Involving the community in the scenario creation process was crucial to ensure their suitability and acceptance among local residents.

The ultimate goal was to ensure the sustainable development of the Rakvere Parish education system. This included improving the quality of education, ensuring it aligns with both the expectations of local residents and national standards. Additionally, the focus was on cost optimization to reduce education expenses without compromising on quality. An important part was also developing motivation programs for teachers and support specialists to improve the quality of teaching and ensure the presence of qualified personnel. Supporting the community and promoting collaboration were key to ensuring the accessibility of education and community satisfaction. The results of the project’s final report provide Rakvere Parish with a clear overview of the current state of the education system and enable informed, evidence-based decisions for the development and optimization of educational organization.

Methodology

The analysis of Rakvere Parish’s educational organization and the creation of scenarios were based on a diverse methodology. First, extensive data was collected, including the number of students, the occupancy rates of schools and kindergartens, the distribution of education costs, and the financial data of the parish budget. To obtain qualitative data, interviews and surveys were conducted with school management, teachers, parents, and municipal employees.

Modeling methods were used in the creation of scenarios, assessing their impact on the quality of education and costs. To engage the community, discussions and workshops were organized where residents could provide feedback and present their suggestions. The collected data was synthesized into a final report, presenting the analysis results and recommended scenarios, highlighting the advantages, disadvantages, and potential consequences of each scenario.

Benefits

The main benefit of the project for Rakvere Parish lies in the comprehensive analysis of the education system and the provision of practical solutions. The analysis provides the parish with a clear picture of the current state and costs of the education system, aiding in making evidence-based decisions.

The created scenarios offer various solutions for improving the quality and accessibility of education, as well as optimizing costs. Community involvement ensures that the solutions meet the needs and expectations of local residents, increasing their support and avoiding conflicts.

In summary, the project helps improve the quality of education, optimize costs, and ensure the sustainability of the education system, supporting the long-term development of the parish.

Project contracting institution: Rakvere Parish
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 01/2022 ‍– 05/2022

Review the scenarios for reorganizing the educational network

Assessment of Training Needs for Local Government Officials and Employees

Objective

The aim of the study was to enhance the methodology for assessing the training needs of local government officials and employees, and to conduct an analysis of training needs, including proposals for addressing issues in the development of local government personnel over the next 5-10 years.

Results

2015. In 2015, a pilot study was conducted to map the competencies of local government officials and employees and assess training needs, during which a competency model was developed. The updated and enhanced competency model developed as part of this study consists of three competency groups: general competencies, general competencies in local government management, and sector-specific professional competencies.

The increasing flexibility in working hours and the use of telecommuting necessitate the development of ICT skills, while also increasing the need to enhance employees’ communication and collaboration skills.
The projected training budget for local government authority institutions collectively until 2030 is 24 million euros. This constitutes approximately 1.7% of the total local government employee salary fund.

There is a need for a central training coordination system to be established for the development of local government employees, aiming to coordinate training activities in key priority areas within local governments.

The methods used in the study: surveys, interviews, focus groups, document analysis, and expert panels.

Project ordering institutions: Ministry of Finance and Riigi Tugiteenuste Keskus
Project implementers: LevelLab (lead partner), Baltic Research Institute, and Geomedia
Duration: 09/2020 ‍– 04/2021

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Analysis of the impact and effectiveness of the Youth Guarantee support system implementation

Background

2018. In 2018, there were 12,400 young people aged 15-24 and 13,200 young people aged 25-29 in Estonia who were not in education, employment, or training (NEETs), accounting for 11.7% of the 15-29 age group. In 2017, the Ministry of Social Affairs introduced the Youth Guarantee Support System (hereinafter NGTS), aimed at identifying young people who are not studying or working (NEETs) and providing them with targeted support from local governments, primarily to continue their education and/or enter the workforce.

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the relevance, impact, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of the NGTS implementation.

Results

It was found that overall, the NGTS is effective, and its implementation along with support measures has significantly helped young people to better transition into employment and/or education. The study confirmed that active labor market measures, networking, personalized counseling, and prevention play a significant role in supporting continued education and entry into the labor market. Therefore, considering the low awareness among young people, NGTS, along with other services, directly supports the alleviation of the situation of NEET youth in Estonia.

Methodology

Personal interviews and focus group interviews, document analysis, and quantitative data analysis were conducted.

Project contracting authority: Ministry of Social Affairs
Project implementers: LevelLab and Baltic Institute of Research
Duration: 04/2020 ‍– 12/2020

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