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Invitation to tender – Proposal
Evaluation of Year 1 of the Student Transitions
Enhancement Theme
The Enhancement Theme, Student Transitions, runs over three academic years to Summer 2017.
Part of this three year plan includes an evaluation of the Theme, both during and at the end of the
Theme. The purpose of these evaluations are to examine the Theme’s effectiveness and to shape the
way it is conducted.
Institutional plans indicate that Institutional Teams are aware of the need to disseminate and embed
the work of the Theme across the institution and a number specifically mention evaluation or impact as
part of their work, particularly towards the end of the Theme.
The current proposal is to conduct a short external evaluation of the effectiveness of Theme activities
which have/will have taken place in the first year of the Student Transitions Enhancement Theme. The
purpose of this work is to allow those leading the Theme and institutional teams to assess the
effectiveness of the activities carried out for year 1 of the Theme.
The aim of the evaluation is to produce evidence showing what has been achieved in year one and
how well. In addition, the evaluation will inform forward planning for the work and activities to be
conducted for the Theme in its second year. The results of the evaluation will be utilised primarily by
Institutional Teams and Theme Leaders Group (TLG) to complement reflection of the Theme work.
By the end of April, 2015, a questionnaire will have been devised and sent to institutional teams. The
appointed consultant(s)/institution will receive and analyse the data to provide written reports and
charts, as necessary, to accurately reflect the key findings and themes in the data.
The aims of the current project are to provide Institutional Teams and TLG with:
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written reports showing the impact or evaluation of year 1 of Theme activities
analyses of where and how inter-institutional collaboration could take place in the second year
of the Theme, for example drawing together similar areas of work from the evaluation data
The outcomes will provide Institution Teams and TLG with evidence of current progress within the
three year plan of work, including achievements and areas of development to plan and prioritise for
years two and three of the Theme
The work will include:
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desk-based research to analyse questionnaire data collected from 19 institutions
preparation of a written report to present the key findings including graphical depictions of
important results
summaries of the key achievements of the first year of the Theme as well as highlighting areas
of development to inform planning of work in the second year of the Theme
a written report detailing where and how institutions can collaborate on related areas of work in
the second year of the Theme
The work will be managed by QAA Scotland staff (Dr Aisha Shahid will be the main point of contact)
and supported by the Theme Leaders Group (TLG) for Student Transitions.
Timescales
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attend a briefing meeting on the morning of Thursday 24 April 2015 (details to be confirmed) at
the QAA Scotland office
reports on progress of work activities will be provided for TLG meetings, which the author(s)
may be required to attend
headline outcomes prepared by early June 2015
the main outcomes of the work will be available to inform the Theme Leaders’ Group meeting
at the end of June 2015
all remaining aspects of the work will be completed by the end of July 2015
There will be an option for the contract to be terminated at any stage by giving 14 days’ written notice
by either part.
Further guidance and support will be provided to the appointed consultant or group.
The successful applicant
We are seeking an individual or group to take forward the work outlined above.
The successful applicant or group will:
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have an understanding of the enhancement approach in Scottish higher education
have demonstrated expertise in research methods, including analysis of free text and Likert
scale questionnaire data using known statistical packages
have substantial experience of writing up of results
have a proven record of summation of complex information, of independent work and excellent
organisational skills
attend regular meetings at the QAA Scotland office to inform staff of progress as well as
attend other meetings, such as the TLG, as deemed necessary
While residence in Scotland is not essential, a good, current knowledge of the Scottish higher
education sector along with the capability to engage with it through meetings and events will be
required.
Potential consultants should note that travel and subsistence is included within the fee for this work.