The Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) has commissioned SMR to undertake a major survey to examine the impact of PEACE III funded projects across Northern Ireland and the Border Region. Fieldwork on the survey commenced in early November 2010 and is due to be completed by the end of December 2010.
SMR has been appointed to conduct an evaluation of the 'One Stop Shop' pilot project which offers young people advice and support on a range of health issues. SMR is due to report on the evaluation in March 2011.
Donal McDade, SMR' Managing Director, recently had the privilege of presenting the results from the EirGrid Customer Satisfaction Survey (2010) which was conducted independently by SMR. The results from the survey will help EirGrid PLC direct its efforts to further improve the customer experience.
As part of the process of further refining the Ombudsman's website (
www.ombudsman.ie) SMR was commissioned to conduct qualitative research with the general public. The outcomes from this research have helped identity changes to further support members of the general public in taking complaints against public bodies in Ireland. SMR reported the findings from this research in November 2010.
This qualitative research involved focus groups with men aged 50+ in Manchester and Glasgow aimed at understanding their awareness of issues associated with prostate cancer including universal informed choice regarding the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test. SMR reported the findings to the charity in October 2010.
SMR was commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council to undertake research to identify the factors which would encourage greater use of Community Recycling Centres in the City. The outcomes from this research have helped support the Council in targeting a range of interventions directed at non users of the service.
As part of a UK wide consultation process, SMR has been supporting TWResearch to run a series of focus groups and panel discussions on behalf of the BBC. This research is designed to provide the BBC with insights into public opinion on all aspects of BBC programming. This project is due to conclude in December 2010.
SMR is
currently engaged in developing a stakeholder 'tool kit' of practical
information about mixed-method, evidence-based approaches, qualitative and
quantitative survey and evaluation techniques and the practical application of
these techniques. The intended users of the toolkit are people who are in
charge of product development or service management and who seek to engage with
the users of the products or services in order to better understand the needs
of these users, and translate these needs into improved products and services.
The purpose of the toolkit is to empower these people with the
information required to build evidence from users that inform service and
product evolution. The tool kit is due to be published in early 2011.
