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 Local Government Social Protection Expenditure and Its Reporting

Objective

The aim of the analysis is to examine how the reporting of local governments’ social protection expenditure differs in public sector financial accounting and reporting, and to identify the reasons for these differences.
The study will develop proposals for classifying social protection expenditures and improving the chart of accounts methodology so that the state and local governments can obtain comparable data for relevant target groups as well as key services and benefits. It will also develop appropriate indicators for comparing and forecasting the volume of social protection expenditure in the future, which could be used in policymaking.

Background

According to §6 of the Local Government Organisation Act, local authorities are responsible for organizing social assistance and social services as well as elderly care within their municipality or city. An analysis of these expenditures helps plan social protection services and the resources required to provide them.
Analysis of the chart of accounts data has revealed a problem: the level of social protection expenditure per capita and the level of municipal contribution to social protection vary significantly between local governments. The existing methodology for allocating expenditures does not provide sufficient comparable information for forecasting across key target groups, social services, and benefits.
One possible reason for this is the differing practices and methodologies used by local governments in reporting social protection expenditure.
As a result of the analysis, appropriate indicators will be developed for comparing and forecasting the volume of social protection expenditure in the future, and proposals will be made for changes to the chart of accounts methodology.

Project client: Ministry of Social Affairs
Project implementers: LevelLab and Geomedia
Study duration: 10/2021 – 06/2022

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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

Estonian Management Field Study 2021

Background

Studies examining the field of management in Estonia have been commissioned by Enterprise Estonia at five-year intervals. Since the completion of the previous study in 2015, several developments have taken place in the economic and business environment, in companies’ overall capabilities and management capacity, and in managers’ preparation for leadership roles. 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 organizations.

Objective

The aim of the study is to identify the current state of the management field, the prevailing problems (including possible market failures) and shortcomings, and to develop proposals for increasing management capability, including with the support of the state.

Benefits

As a result of the study, we provide an assessment of the activities, scope, and quality of organizations operating in the field of management. The study identifies changes in the market and maps out key areas of action for increasing management awareness and capability in both the near and longer term. A self-diagnostic tool will also be developed to help managers assess the level of their strategic competencies, compare themselves with similar companies, and receive recommendations for possible follow-up actions.

Project client: Enterprise Estonia (EAS)
Project implementers: University of Tartu and LevelLab
Study duration: 08/2021 – 04/2022

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Evaluation of the Effectiveness of the ASTRA Research and Development Program

Background

The Institutional Development Programme for Research and Development Institutions and Universities (ASTRA) is one of the key measures alongside core funding and mobility support in implementing the Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation (RDI) Strategy “Knowledge-Based Estonia 2014-2020” as well as several other national strategies. The objective of the measure is to support structural changes in research and development institutions and universities, as well as the development of institutional responsibility areas and core activities. In total, 17 different universities and research and development institutions have received support from the ASTRA measure for the implementation of 36 projects. The total funding amount is 136 million euros.

Objective

The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness, impact, and efficiency of the ASTRA measure, and to describe the lessons learned from its implementation.

Methodology

The study primarily employed qualitative methods such as analysis of documented information, interviews, and focus groups with representatives of stakeholders and project implementers.

Benefits

The results, conclusions, and recommendations from the evaluation of the ASTRA measure and the activities implemented within it help prepare new measures for the next structural fund period, including measures that assist Estonia (primarily the Ministry of Education and Research) in planning and supporting the institutional development of research institutions and universities.

Project contracting authorities: Ministry of Education and Research, Estonian Research Council
Project implementers: Baltic Studies Institute (lead partner) and LevelLab
Duration: 04/2021 ‍– 01/2022

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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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