Developing Feedback Surveys for the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences

Background

The Estonian Academy of Security Sciences needs to update its principles and procedures for collecting and considering feedback; the current process does not support the goal of improving the quality of education as desired. There are too many feedback surveys, they are conducted in different environments, and the analysis of the results is not consistent or evidence-based.

Objective

The goal is to develop a comprehensive feedback system and update the feedback surveys aimed at learners. The results of the work serve as the basis for the development and implementation of a new feedback collection and evaluation procedure for the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences.

Methodology

To develop the solution, a business analysis will be conducted, including interviews. Subsequently, prototypes of questionnaires will be developed, followed by the methodology for surveys, including a process description, research calendar, analysis methodology, technical implementation of data processing, and visualization solution.

Benefits

The developed solution supports the goal of improving the quality of education, being part of a broader internal and external assessment system. It will be web-based (secure and user-friendly), allowing clear visualization of results and their dissemination to different target groups. Participation in surveys will be limited to students of the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences.

Project contracting institution: Estonian Academy of Security Sciences
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 12/2023 ‍– 03/2024

Developing Feedback Surveys for the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences

Background

The Estonian Academy of Security Sciences needs to update its principles and procedures for collecting and considering feedback; the current process does not support the goal of improving the quality of education as desired. There are too many feedback surveys, they are conducted in different environments, and the analysis of the results is not consistent or evidence-based.

Objective

The goal is to develop a comprehensive feedback system and update the feedback surveys aimed at learners. The results of the work serve as the basis for the development and implementation of a new feedback collection and evaluation procedure for the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences.

Methodology

To develop the solution, a business analysis will be conducted, including interviews. Subsequently, prototypes of questionnaires will be developed, followed by the methodology for surveys, including a process description, research calendar, analysis methodology, technical implementation of data processing, and visualization solution.

Benefits

The developed solution supports the goal of improving the quality of education, being part of a broader internal and external assessment system. It will be web-based (secure and user-friendly), allowing clear visualization of results and their dissemination to different target groups. Participation in surveys will be limited to students of the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences.

Project contracting institution: Estonian Academy of Security Sciences
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 12/2023 ‍– 03/2024

The processing tool for admission statistics at the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences

Background

The Estonian Academy of Security Sciences wanted to implement an automated tool for processing admission statistics queries in the SAIS information system, which simplifies the processing of admission statistics, presenting them as compact data tables and visualizations.

Objective

The aim of the proposed solution was to create an Excel workbook, which takes as input structured data tables (for example, .csv extracts from the SAIS admission information system) or PowerQuery data queries from SAIS.

Methodology

The structure and functionality of the solution were designed during the requirements gathering process, which involved document analysis and interviews with representatives from the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences. During the interviews, the structure of the output worksheets, the formatting of tables, charts, and diagrams, as well as other necessary information, were clarified.

Benefits

The tool helps reduce the time spent on compiling and analyzing admission statistics at the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences, thereby ensuring a faster and more efficient process.

Project contracting institution: Estonian Academy of Security Sciences
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 10/2023 ‍– 12/2023

Analysis of the Process of Reorganization of Ministries

Background

The coalition agreement signed in April 2023 carried out extensive reorganization of ministries, affecting a total of five ministries and their subordinate institutions. The aim was to better align the thematic areas of ministries with government priorities and to increase coherence between different policy domains. While the changes have not yet come into effect from the perspective of the state budget, most of the practical steps have been taken. As a result of the process, it has become clear that implementing changes in some areas was more challenging. Therefore, it is important to analyze the lessons learned from this process and how to implement such large-scale changes more efficiently in the future while emphasizing openness, transparency, and knowledge-based decision-making.

Objective

The aim of the study was to analyze the process of reorganization of ministries that took place in 2023 and to highlight its lessons learned.

Methodology

During the study, individual interviews, focus group interviews, and a questionnaire survey were conducted. Interviews   were conducted with the chancellors and deputy chancellors of related ministries, as well as with chancellors and deputy chancellors who were required to leave their positions as a result of the reorganization. Also with the heads of agencies within the ministries’ areas of governance. Seven focus group interviews were conducted, addressing topics according to the affected areas of reorganization, and one focus group interview was conducted with various government agencies and departments that centrally supported the reorganization process. The aim of the survey was to identify the challenges related to the reorganization, officials’ opinions on opportunities to improve the process and prevent future obstacles, and to explore the impact of the reorganization on daily operations, inter-ministerial cooperation, and resulting changes.

Benefits

The study helped identify the obstacles and success stories in implementing the reorganization, and proposals will be made for conducting similar processes in the future. In addition, it was determined what prerequisites need to be established, developed, and ensured in government agencies and their subordinate institutions to ensure that such processes are efficient, smooth, and as trouble-free as possible for all stakeholders.

Project contracting institution: Government Office
Project implementer: LevelLab and Baltic Research Institute
Duration: 10/2023 ‍–02/2024

The startup ecosystem of Ida-Viru: looking back and forward

Background

Startup Estonia implemented a three-year pilot program in Ida-Viru County aimed at creating a favorable environment for the development of startups in the region. The program involved 23 organizations and attracted nearly 21,000 participants. Significant interest and the registration of 14 new startups indicate the region’s potential. The follow-up project for the years 2022-2025 focuses on sustaining the entrepreneurial environment in Ida-Virumaa, aiming to create more new startups and promote collaboration with the creative industries sector.

Objective

The aim of the study is to gather necessary input regarding the current state and challenges of the Ida-Viru startup ecosystem, which could be used for planning future ecosystem development activities. Evaluation of the impact and quality of the project activities since 2019.

Methodology

The work will involve using multiple data collection and analysis methods. Document analysis will help assess the impact and quality of the previous pilot project, providing input for evaluating the current status and future development opportunities of the Ida-Viru startup ecosystem. Surveys will assess the awareness and readiness of Ida-Viru residents for entrepreneurship, and analyze the views of participants in events organized by startup support organizations on the Ida-Viru startup ecosystem. Focus group interviews will be conducted with providers of all types of services (such as incubators, accelerators, coworking spaces, and event/conference organizers) as well as representatives of startups operating in various sectors.

Benefits

The results of the study will help to understand the current situation and challenges in the Ida-Viru startup ecosystem and provide input for planning and improving future development activities and projects.

Project contracting authority: Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration:10/2023 ‍– 03/2024

Evaluation of the Performance-Based Round for Labour Market Services

Background

Population aging is currently the main demographic trend in both Estonia and Europe, which, coupled with deepening labor shortages, requires effective measures to integrate older adults into the workforce. Through European Union support measures, the Results-Based Call Measure 3.2 was implemented, focusing on enhancing the employability of individuals aged 55 and older. Prior to announcing the call for proposals, the funding scheme for supported activities targeting the older age group was also amended, implementing simplified reimbursement methods – fixed-sum payments and standardized unit costs.

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the relevance, effectiveness, impact, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability of the approach/funding scheme used, and to provide recommendations for organizing call for proposals in the future.

Methodology

The study employed both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods, including document analysis, quantitative data analysis, interviews, and a validation seminar. The purpose of the interviews was to gather in-depth input for evaluating the relevance and effectiveness of the program. The interviewees included grant recipients, project participants, representatives from the Ministry of Social Affairs, and representatives from the State Support Services Centre.

Benefits

As a result of the study, the justification for the results-based approach in open call tenders for employment policy implementation was identified, and suggestions were made for future improvements in organizing results-based grant schemes in the field of employment policy.

Project ordering institution: Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications
Project executor: LevelLab
Duration:04/2023 ‍– 12/2023


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

View the final report

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

Study on the Impact and Effectiveness of Interreg Projects

Background

Interreg is an EU cohesion policy instrument aimed at addressing cross-border challenges and unlocking territorial potential by promoting cooperation between countries and regions. Estonia joined the Interreg cross-border cooperation programs in 1994 and became a full-fledged partner upon joining the European Union in 2004. Interreg programs have supported over a thousand projects involving Estonia, fostering joint solutions across various policy areas. The EU member states and institutions have begun preparations for the new post-2027 programming period, initiating discussions on the future of cohesion policy.  

Objective

To map and consolidate the knowledge and experiences of Estonian organizations participating or previously involved in Interreg programs, assess the effectiveness, sustainability, and impact of Interreg projects implemented in Estonia, and provide recommendations for planning the post-2027 programming period.

Methodology

The study will utilize both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods, including document analysis, surveys, individual interviews, and focus group discussions.

Benefits

The study results will contribute to ensuring the sustainability of Interreg project outcomes and implementing effective measures to enhance their long-term impact and value. Furthermore, the study will support the formulation of Estonia’s positions in negotiations for the post-2027 programming period with the European Commission and other EU member states, aiding in the planning of new European Territorial Cooperation programs and the preparation of legislative frameworks governing cohesion policy.

Project contracting institution: Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture
Project implementer: LevelLab
Duration: 10/24-03/25

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

View the final report