Special can provide a complete solution to your research requirements, including the following services:
Project mangement
We can project manage research projects. We work with a range of experienced researchers who have experience of several sectors.
Back-office support
We can assist in everything from sending out questionnaires to providing statistical analysis of research results. We also work with companies that provide translation services and can even help you to put together publications about your research and events.
Website support
A website can be a great way to keep all parties informed about the progress of your research. It can also be a great way to allow people to take part by using an online questionnaire and discussion forums.
Research Completed by Special: Broadband
Please visit http://broadband.special.co.uk
Research Completed by Special: Education, Training and Skills
Evaluation of the impact of discontinuing the tests for Key Skills qualifications in Wales
In November 2003 a review of the Key Skills qualifications was completed by the regulatory authorities in Wales (ACCAC), England (QCA) and Northern Ireland (CCEA). The significant recommendation from the review was to remove the tests from the Key Skills qualifications in Wales.
To evaluate the impact the removal of the Key Skills tests has had in Wales and the effectiveness of the communication and management processes, independent research was commissioned by ACCAC, now part of the Welsh Assembly Government. The research was conducted during the period November 2004 and January 2006, by Peter Munday and Patrick McNeill working with Special.
The outcomes of the research can be found on the Welsh Assembly Government website, including the full report published on 15 March 2006.
http://accac.org.uk/eng/content.php?mID=676
Consultations on draft Function Skills Standards in Wales
Working with expert educationalists Peter Munday and Pat McNeill, Special carried out an online consultation in to the introduction of Functional Skills in Wales, which ran alongside a conference and focus group sessions in Llandrindod Wells to advise the Welsh Assembly Government.
Consultation on new skills qualifications for Wales
In February 2005, ACCAC (now DELLS) provided a report to the Welsh Assembly Government on the overlap between the current Adult Literacy/Adult Numeracy and Key Skills qualifications and the fitness for purpose of the assessment regime of Adult Literacy/Adult Numeracy. The advice included the recommendation that the Key and Basic Skills qualifications be converged into one suite of qualifications. Draft converged standards were produced and distributed by Special through a dedicated website, along with an online questionnaire facility for interested parties to provide feedback.
www.ksrcymru.org
Evaluation of Keyskills4U website
Special worked with expert educational consultant Vic Dejean to research the usage and effectiveness of this website for key skills students for the Learning and Skills Network. We carried out an extensive set of research during 2005 including focus groups and a thorough web log analysis. The outcome was a report which the LSN welcomed.
In 2007 Special repeated the web log analysis part of the report for the LSN, and again received praise for the work carried out.
www.keyskills4u.com