Past Projects & Publications
Quality in Irish Higher Education Institutions
In 2024, ThreeSixtyInsights was commissioned by QQI to undertake a thematic and system level analysis of the annual quality reports (AQRs) submitted by public, private and independent higher education institutions (HEIs) in 2024. The current project follows on from delivery of equivalent analyses for the two previous years (2023 and 2022).
In 2024, the Higher Education Culinary Apprenticeships Consortium Steering Group (CSG) commissioned ThreeSixtyInsights to undertake market research, funded by the Higher Education Authority. Terms of reference for the project included gathering and evaluating relevant data and stakeholder perspectives on opportunities to increase participation in the Chef de Partie and Sous Chef Culinary Apprenticeships.
Research to inform the maximisation of opportunities for the national higher education culinary apprenticeship programmes
In 2024, ThreeSixtyInsights was invited to conduct training for subject matter experts at Digital Manufacturing Ireland working with industry on upskilling initiatives. Sessions focused on the development of training plans, inclusive of setting learning objectives and mapping the learner journey. Strategies for creating a comfortable learning environment were also focal. Training was facilitated on-site by Nico Lorenzutti using Lego Serious Play, with follow up workshops conducted by Dr Cathy Peck online.
Training in Developing and Delivering Upskilling Programmes for Industry for Digital Manufacturing Ireland
Development of Integrated Award Standards for Business at NFQ Levels 5 - 9
In 2023, ThreeSixtyInsights led the consultative development of integrated national award standards for business programmes for QQI. Awards standards enable providers to demonstrate that the programmes they develop for approval and validation reflect the NFQ Level Indicators and align with expectations specific to the discipline area. An expert reference group composed of academic and industry experts in business was established for the project. The consultation process facilitated by ThreeSixtyInsights utilized an adapted Delphi method to enable alignment-based decision-making as well as online focus group discussions. The new standards developed included an increased emphasis on sustainability, EDI and digital/cybersecurity knowledge, skill and competence and were approved by QQI’s Policies and Standards Committee in 2024.
In 2023, the ALL Office within SOLAS commissioned ThreeSixtyInsights to undertake research to (1) Inform the development of a Professional Learning and Development (PLD) Framework for Adult Literacy Practitioners in Ireland, and (2) Research and Compile a database of all digital skills training provision in Ireland. ThreeSixtyInsights worked with associates to undertake research mapping existing provision (for both digital skills and PLD options for adult literacy practitioners) in Ireland. The research additionally entailed review of national and international frameworks and setting out recommendations for the development of a PLD framework. The project included setting out a proposed plan and governance structure to oversee framework development.
Research commissioned by the Adult Literacy for Life (ALL) Office, SOLAS
In 2023, Dr Cathy Peck facilitated ‘Strategies for Managers’ workshops on developing a growth mindset in teams during a Learning and Development focused week at the IDA. Strategies to facilitate inclusion and foster psychological safety in day-to-day interactions and meetings were focal. Workshops were delivered both on-site and online.
Developing Growth Mindset in Your Team Workshop for IDA
From Counting to Cultivating Successful Participation: A Review of the Landscape of Practice Supporting Access, Transfer and Progression in Irish Education and Training
In 2023, Managing Consultant Dr Cathy Peck worked with associates on a review marking the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) and the national access, transfer and progression (ATP) policy. Commissioned by QQI, the review entailed a synthesis of published information and data, including policy documents, project outputs and research reports. The published report sets out findings and recommendations, identifying both the enormous progress made in progressing national ambitions for ATP and remaining gaps and vulnerabilities.
An Independent Evaluation of the QQI Annual Quality Reporting Model
In 2023, Managing Consultant Dr Cathy Peck worked with associates on a focused evaluation of the usefulness of QQI’s Annual Quality Reporting (AQR) model for Irish Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The project team engaged with representatives of DFHERIS, QQI, the HEA, the IUA, HECA and THEA as well as key stakeholders within public, private and independent HEIs. The evaluation report set out findings and analysis considering the diverse perspectives of institutional stakeholders in the context of the dynamic nature of the regulatory environment in which they were operating. Recommendations were set out under three interdependent themes (1) Clarity and Coherence of Purpose, (2) Balance between Regulatory and Enhancement-Focused Role of the AQR and (3) Format and Timelines for AQR submission.
Quality in Irish Higher Education 2023
ThreeSixtyInsights was commissioned by QQI to undertake a thematic and system level analysis of the annual quality reports (AQRs) submitted by public, private and independent higher education institutions (HEIs) in 2023. The project team undertaking the 2023 analysis included Dr Cathy Peck and Ms Alexandra Anton-Aherne. The published reports drew upon AQRs submitted by sixteen public and six private/independent institutions.
A Review of Consortia-Led Apprenticeships in Ireland
In 2022, Managing Consultant Dr Cathy Peck worked with associates on a review of the quality assurance, governance arrangements and processes developed for the 39 consortium-led apprenticeships established at that point in time. The Steering Committee for the review include representation from DFHERIS, SOLAS, the HEA, NAO, IBEC, ICTU, CIF, TUI, RAI, USI, THEA, HECA, the IUA, ETBI and QQI. The review found that while commonalities were noted across the spectrum, no standardised approach to establishing or configuring governance, management or operating structures for apprenticeship consortia was evident. The diversity within the model was found by the project team to be a strength, reflecting that it was adaptive to distinct occupations and industry contexts.
Quality in Irish Higher Education 2022
ThreeSixtyInsights was commissioned by QQI to undertake a thematic analysis of the annual quality reports (AQRs) submitted by public, private and independent higher education institutions (HEIs) in 2022. The project team undertaking the 2022 analysis included Dr Cathy Peck. The two published reports produced drew upon thematic analysis of AQRs submitted by 20 public HEIs and 24 private/independent HEIs.