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EHESO

Methodology and Technical Documentation

1.0EHESO data gathering and storing

1.2Institutional and student survey data collection

The methodology for implementing institutional and student survey data collection, as part of the European Higher Education Sector Observatory (EHESO), relies on a structured and strategic approach to ensure comprehensive, high-quality, and actionable data for policy monitoring and institutional benchmarking. 

In combination with the ETER institutional data, the survey data collected through the institutional and student surveys are essential resources for the Benchmarking Tool for Institutions and for the European Student Observatory.

Institutional survey methodology

The EHESO institutional survey builds on the foundation of the U-Multirank project, ensuring multidimensionality, fairness, independence, and relevance. To minimise redundancy, the institutional data available through ETER is prefilled under EHESO.

The survey focuses on collecting data that cannot be sourced from existing databases or national statistical sources, such as certain socio-economic characteristics, graduate employability, and institutional-level innovation activities. Key steps include:

  • Survey design and content refinement:
    • Focuses on indicators essential for the EHESO's analytical goals, excluding redundancies with existing data sources.
    • Incorporates stakeholder input to ensure the survey reflects priority topics such as entrepreneurship, green and digital transitions, and social inclusion.
  • Field-level and institutional data.
    • Limits field-level data collection to crucial dimensions like teaching and learning while utilising standardised classifications for consistency.
    • Ensures institutions validate their pre-filled data sourced from the EHESO databases, promoting accuracy and reducing survey fatigue.
  • Geographic coverage and recruitment.
    • Includes a comprehensive sample of European HEIs, targeting systematic representation and expanding to non-European institutions for global benchmarking.
    • Engages national ministries and stakeholder organisations, in particular HEI networks and student associations, to boost participation rates to institutional and student surveys.
  • Survey administration and data processing.
    • Employs a dedicated survey tool linked to the EHESO data centre for streamlined administration and real-time feedback.

    • Implements robust validation protocols, including automated plausibility checks and manual follow-ups to ensure data reliability.

       

Student survey methodology

The student survey is designed to provide a "peer perspective" on learning experiences, complementing institutional data. Building on the established U- Multirank processes, the survey aims for widespread participation and reliability. Key components include:

  • Survey scope and content.
    • Targets a diverse sample of students, focusing on learning outcomes, mobility, and social inclusion indicators.
    • Limits redundancy by aligning survey content with existing data in EHESO and related projects (e.g. EUROSTUDENT).
  • Data quality and integration.
    • Applies rigorous data validation protocols, including iterative checks and direct feedback mechanisms.

    • Integrates validated data into the EHESO database, ensuring compatibility with institutional datasets for comprehensive analysis.