21Mar 2023 by Andy No Comments

Universities’ entry requirements, graduate outcomes and diversity in the Mathematical Sciences

Equality and diversity, Research, analysis and evidence, University
The Council for the Mathematical Sciences (CMS) and the Heads of Department of Mathematical Sciences (HoDoMS) asked Ortus to undertake research to examine the landscape regarding recruitment to mathematical sciences first degree subjects across the UK and the outcomes achieved by graduates from these degrees. The research sought to examine pre-university entry attainment patterns (i.e. A-levels in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Highers and Advanced Highers in Scotland) and to examine diversity from the perspectives of sex and socio-economic background in relation to graduate outcomes. The aim of the study was to help inform a better understanding of how such diversity relates to mathematical sciences graduates’ careers. The research involved analysis of secondary data from UCAS and the Higher Educations Statistics Agency to explore how mathematical sciences students' sex…
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09Jan 2023 by Andy No Comments

Women in Maths benchmarking data

Equality and diversity, Research, analysis and evidence, University
The London Mathematical Society's Committee for Women and Diversity strongly supports advancing women's and other under-represented groups' careers in mathematical sciences in higher education. For several years, Ortus has provided regular data updates to the Society which allow Higher Education Institutions to benchmark themselves against national averages for the proportion of women studying maths, from first degree to PhD level; and the proportion of women working in university maths departments, from post-doc researchers to professors. Our latest update refreshes the data in 2017's benchmarking study of Athena SWAN programmes.
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15Dec 2022 by Andy No Comments

ERDF Formative and Summative Evaluation of Creative Fuse North East

Evaluation and impact assessment, University
Ortus was commissioned by Newcastle University to deliver the formal ERDF evaluation of the Creative Fuse North East project.  The evaluation therefore responded to the needs of the project and its Advisory Board as well as the funder.  Delivery of the evaluation requires a range of quantitative and qualitative data gathering and analysis processes and techniques, drawing evidence from a wide range of stakeholders.  These include the central management team at Newcastle University, the Advisory Board, project delivery partners across four Universities, stakeholders across the creative and digital sectors in the North East and beyond, and project beneficiaries.  Within the latter category are a large number of generally small creative and digital practitioners, often working as sole practitioners or freelancers. The project reported the formative evaluation in October 2022 and…
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09Jan 2021 by Andy No Comments

TUCan Market Insight

Research, analysis and evidence, University
Ortus ER was engaged by Teesside University to assist their investment planning and decision making. This research focused on the TUCan digital studio, a unit within the Computing Science department, which has begun to work with external organisations to deliver digital content via a model which involves the academic team supported by current student and alumni. The projects provide real-world challenges for staff and students, through which students can gain vital experience within a supportive, multi-disciplinary environment. Our study examines options for developing and expanding this service through a review of potential business models, the market for digital services and a competitor assessment.
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09Dec 2020 by Andy No Comments

Athena SWAN application evidence base

Equality and diversity, Research, analysis and evidence, University
Another partnership between Ortus Economic Research and Dr Eugenie Hunsicker at Loughborough University, this study was commissioned to support the EDI Manager at Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology in generating evidence of the equality and diversity issues faced within the Institute. The prime aim of the study was to feed evidence into the development of an institutional application for an Athena SWAN Bronze award (submitted December 2020). The study considered all aspects of equality and diversity as well as gender in order to support institutional action in addressing EDI challenges. The project required us to analyse results of a staff survey and run numerous focus groups with academic and professional and support staff in order to create an insightful evidence base. We also provide ongoing guidance and a 'critical friend' role…
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03Mar 2020 by Andy No Comments

Creative Industries in the North of Tyne

Economic growth, Research, analysis and evidence, University
Ortus and survey partners Qa Research have been commissioned by Newcastle University to undertake a mapping study of the creative and cultural industries in the North of Tyne area. Scoping work in this area has identified that existing data is patchy in both coverage and depth, and some derived from national statistics rather than locally grounded research. This research will map the distinctive characteristics of the creative industries in the North of Tyne Combined Authority area and identify particular challenges or barriers to growth. The University has considerable research strengths in the creative and cultural industries and already works in partnership with the sector on a range of projects and strategic initiatives. The aim of this work is to better enable the University to identify and respond to local need…
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09Apr 2019 by Andy No Comments

Arrow impact evaluation

Evaluation and impact assessment, Innovation, University
Newcastle University appointed New Skills Consulting and Ortus Economic Research to undertake an independent evaluation of the Arrow Innovation Project. The Arrow programme introduces a new model for innovation support in higher education, with the creation of a specialist team of innovation advisers working with client companies and drawing in academic expertise from across the University. The key point of difference is that the academic input is highly focused, managed by the innovation advisers and only brought in where value can be added. The innovation advisers’ role in delivering the majority of the innovation support means that one of the key barriers to engagement for HE in the field of innovation (the difficulties associated with building relationships between academics and small and medium sized businesses – SMEs) is lowered. The…
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01Dec 2018 by Andy No Comments

Impact evaluation of the National Innovation Centre for Data

Evaluation and impact assessment, Innovation, University
The University of Newcastle appointed Ortus, along with our partner Cloud Chamber, to carry out an independent evaluation to assess progress against the NICD's original objectives and to measure its economic impact. Specifically, the impact evaluation has the following key aims: To develop an evaluation framework and delivery planTo generate an initial baseline assessmentTo produce annual formative evaluation reportsTo produce a final summative evaluation reportTo provide ongoing advice and guidance as appropriate to the project delivery/management team Early work has been focused on reviewing the landscape within which the project sits and making recommendations on key milestones and measures going forward. Annual formative assessments are being undertaken focused on performance against key objectives and also to identify learning points from an operational and delivery point of view. Finally, a summative…
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03Mar 2018 by Andy No Comments

Benchmarking study of Athena SWAN programmes

Equality and diversity, Research, analysis and evidence, University
The London Mathematical Society commissioned Ortus Economic Research to deliver this benchmarking study examining the staff and student gender balance within UK Mathematics departments and to identify good practice in addressing gender imbalances. The study was led by a steering group which included Dr Eugenie Hunsicker (Warwick University) and Professor John Greenlees (Sheffield University). The purpose of the study was to assist the Society in their efforts to provide valuable research and data to members in support of the Women and Diversity in Mathematics initiative and its Good Practice Scheme. Specifically, the objectives of the project were to: derive a picture of gender diversity in mathematics departments in the UK publish both quantitative and qualitative evidence relevant to gender diversity identify issues for further, more detailed investigation The research has…
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09Jul 2017 by Andy No Comments

Advanced Manufacturing sector profiling

Sectors, Strategy and policy development, University
The Ortus team, whilst at TBR, supported Sunderland University to assess the potential demand for and impact of planned investment in developing its offer in the field of advanced manufacturing and engineering. The study involved delivering a demand assessment which estimated the scale of demand for a range of courses, facilities hire and services, gathering evidence from stakeholders regarding potential delivery models and evaluating potential sites for new capital investment. We made recommendations to senior staff regarding a range of options for the location and design of new facilities and educational offers.Specific project objectives included: Produce a sector mapping exercise covering advanced manufacturing in Sunderland and the NELEP area (compared to the UK).Generate estimates of the demand for labour and skills arising from the advanced manufacturing sector in the next…
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