Our Experience

The following are examples of recent client engagements:

Evaluation of the Schools Plus Model (2009-2010 & 2010-2011)
A three-year evaluation plan was developed that includes both a process (formative) and outcome (summative) evaluation of an integrated service delivery model centered around schools which was introduced by the Provincial government in 2008. Five provincial departments, four school boards and numerous community groups are participating in the integrated service delivery model. Activities have included: developing the logic model, evaluation framework and plan, designing and implementing a system for data collection and analysis, informant interviews, focus groups, surveys, data analysis, and annual interim and final reports including recommendations.

Environment Industry Sector Study (2010)
This project provided formative and summative information to enable greater understanding of the environment sector in Nova Scotia based on a literature review and outcomes of interviews with a representative sample of Nova Scotia firms. Key elements included, a high-level overview of market trends, identification of barriers or challenges to growth, areas of strength or potential, and where export market opportunities may exist, views on government's role and what is needed to help address opportunities and challenges and recommendations for actions that can help to advance development of the Nova Scotia environmental sector.

Environmental Scan of Nova Scotia Private Sector RPL Activities and Needs (2010)
This project provided information to the Halifax, Nova Scotia Prior Learning Centre about existing RPL (Recognition of Prior Learning) systems, procedures and activities, both formal and informal, within the private sector, in addition to a deepened understanding of where RPL might be most helpful to private sector employers. The research involved analysis of previous, related research conducted by CWS, and exploration of RPL practices in the NS private sector through structured interviews with a sample of NS companies.

Silver Economy Summit (2010) www.silvereconomysummit.ca
CWS provided project management for this premier conference aimed at helping organizational leaders learn about and adapt their organizations to address the challenges and opportunities of an aging population. Activities included planning and facilitating a Partners' Forum to develop ideas and interest among relevant organizations leading up to the conference, and provide professional support to the Conference steering Committee.

Work in Nova Scotia: Workplace Skills Enhancement Project Evaluation (2009-10)
This project analyzed and reported the impacts for individuals, employers, industry, sectors and the broader Canadian economy of this strategic program which provided distance workplace support for newcomers and direct supports for SMEs in hiring and integrating newcomers into their workplaces.

Activities included developing an approach and methodology, developing an informant contact database, developing standard evaluation tools, conducting telephone and face-to-face interviews with program managers, staff and clients (newcomers and business), data analysis, reporting and presentation of findings.

Bridging Project – Adult Education and Skills Development (2009)
This project compiled and documented existing adult learning programs / outcomes, accreditation models, resources, and expertise in Nova Scotia; adult learning models, accreditation, and resources employed in Canadian jurisdictions; recommended future processes for accreditation and portability for adult learning; and identified opportunities for linkages between adult learning models and workplace education models in Nova Scotia. Activities included consultations with key informants in Nova Scotia and other Canadian jurisdictions; research and review of background documents and data including web-based research; analysis, report, recommendations and client presentation.

Trinidad and Tobago (TT) Solid Waste Resource Management Scoping Exercise for an Integrated National Solid Waste Resource Management System (2009)
This project involved review and comparative analysis of solid waste management legislation, policies, guidelines, programs and organizations between the two jurisdictions, a summary review of the TT waste management system, findings of stakeholder meetings; advised on the development and implementation of an integrated waste resource management framework; and developed a strategic work plan with recommendations, timelines and required actions. Activities included in-country site visits, stakeholder interviews and focus groups, gap analysis, methodology, strategy development, recommendations, and in-country client presentation.

An Evaluation of the PLA (Prior Learning Assessment) Centre's Programs and Services: Relevance and Potential to Contribute to Workforce Development in Nova Scotia (2008)
This project provided a review of the programs and services provided by the PLA Centre, consideration of the impact of those programs and services, and recommendations on how the expertise and capacity of the Centre may contribute to Workforce Development in Nova Scotia. Activities included methodology development, survey tools design, literature research and review, informant interviews, focus groups, data analysis, report, recommendations and a client presentation.

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