Macro-efficiency study: Leiden University of Applied Sciences 

To secure funding for a new study program, universities of applied sciences must conduct a macro-effectiveness assessment and submit it to the CDHO for approval. Markteffect was commissioned by Hogeschool Leiden to assist in gathering relevant insights from the labor market and the prospective student target group to understand the needs of these audiences.

Qualitative research and quantitative research

Markteffect initiated this research by conducting 8 in-depth interviews with employers of physiotherapists, facilitated by our in-house senior moderator. During these interviews, educational needs, developments, and challenges were identified, and the master's program content was evaluated by the respondents. Additionally, a three-day online community was conducted with 22 current Bachelor's students from Hogeschool Leiden's Physiotherapy program to assess their educational needs and evaluation of the master's program. The results from this community were quantified through an online survey among current Bachelor's students of Physiotherapy from Hogeschool Leiden, Saxion, and Hanzehogeschool, with a total of 83 students completing the questionnaire. To quantify the demand from the labor market, 100 working physiotherapists were also surveyed via an online questionnaire, utilizing the b2b panel (90,000 members) and consumer panel (255,000 members), regarding their educational needs and evaluation of the master's program.

"We always have a lot to do and not enough time. A macro-efficiency test is added to the mix, our regular work continues as usual, and then you hope to find a party that acts immediately, understands your questions based on extensive experience, and conducts research quickly, expertly, and efficiently. That is exactly what the team did with and for us."
Nico van Tol, Director of the Faculty of Health Care, Leiden University of Applied Sciences

Insights from the research

The results of the survey provided Leiden University of Applied Sciences with insight into the training needs and the assessment of the master's program. Leiden University of Applied Sciences used the results to complete the macro-efficiency test and, in October 2018, obtained approval for the publicly funded provision of the master's program from September 2019 onwards.