University of Ljubljana,
Faculty of Social Sciences

The University of Ljubljana with more than 56,000 undergraduate and post-graduate students ranks among the biggest universities in the world. The Faculty of Social Sciences (the participating institution in the project) http://www.fdv.uni-lj.si/ is one of its largest academic units, conducting about 80 research projects annually, funded partly by the State and partly by contracts with other organizations. The research personnel in the project are involved in research activities that encompass the process of transition to the knowledge-based economy and society and the related flexibilisation of work, education, employment and private life. On the macro level these research activities are focused on the education system, employment, and social partnership; while on the micro level activities are focused on both profit-making and non-profit organisations; a special emphasis is placed on the interaction between the two levels: macro-systemic and micro-organisational. Research projects are partially basic and partially developmental and aimed at assisting various organisations in development and problem solving. International and comparative research is given priority, and most researchers combine research and teaching.

Coordinator: Dr. Samo Pavlin

Dr. Helena Kovačič, Andrej Kohont, Prof. Ivan Svetlik

Maastricht University,
Faculty of Economics and Business Administration,
Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA)

The research field of the Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA) concerns the match between education and the labour market. ROA's research efforts intend to make a significant contribution to both academic and societal discussions on the effects of knowledge and skills acquired in education and in other learning situations on occupational careers, performance within organisations and the development of the economy.

Prof. Rolf van der Velden, Dr. Jim Allen, Ger Ramaekers

TÁRKI Social Research Inc

TARKI Social Research Institute Inc. has 20 years experience in empirical social science research in Hungary. Its profile includes research on a wide range of issues related to social stratification, labour markets, income distribution, consumption and lifestyle patterns and attitudes. It belongs to the so-called TARKI Group that contains profit-based shareholding companies owned mostly by their staff and a not for profit consortium, the members of which are recognised social science research departments from universities, academic and non-academic research centres. TARKI Social Research Institute Inc now has more than 30 staff members, including 18 researchers, as well as a number of further scientists working for TARKI on a contract basis. TARKI clients include various government agencies, research funds, international organisations and private companies in Hungary and internationally, including the European Commission, UNDP, the OECD, and the World Bank. Besides the products sold directly to clients, the research outcomes reach a wide general audience, via publications, conferences organised by the institute and the very intensive media coverage TARKI enjoys. TARKI is a member of various international research networks and consortia, like IFDO, CESSDA, ICPSR, ISSP, ESS, LIS, ECPR, and has contributed to a great number of international research efforts. TARKI, together with IVVM (former CVVM, Prague), CBOS (Warsaw) and PMCG (Brussels) founded the Central European Opinion Research Group (CEORG).

Prof. Peter Robert, Dr. Matild Sagi

Cracow University of Technology,
Institute of Economy, Sociology and Philosophy

The Institute of Economy, Sociology and Philosophy of Cracow University of Technology performs scientific research as well as teaching in the areas of economics, sociology, entrepreneurship, university management, education management, postgraduate (post-diploma) and doctoral studies. The research work focuses on usage of knowledge in the job market – the leading subject being “Humanistic and social aspects in education of new engineers, managers and leaders”. The academic team conducts projects directed towards increasing qualifications and human capital which have an important international component (for example in 2006, a huge conference jointly organised with US researchers, on European and American models of higher education and industry-university cooperation). Together with Careers Service at Cracow University of Technology – which provides students with assistance and training in all areas related to entering the job market - the institute is currently implementing a project called “First steps on the job market”, comprising a survey of a sample of 750 graduates approaches 1 year after graduation, and financed by the European Social Fund on examining the first destinations of graduates. Experience in organising international seminars and conferences, huge networking potential both in Poland (e.g. through CUT’s coordination of Polish Network of Career Services over 100 members, employers organisations) and abroad (FEDORA).

Dr. Joanna Zyra, Prof. Viktor Shevchuk, Monika Domanska

Vytautas Magnus University,
Social Sciences Faculty, Centre for Qualities of Studies

Vytautas Magnus University currently has ten faculties and schools with 70 study programmes. In 2006 there were 8714 students at bachelor, master and doctoral level. The key features of the University are modernity, liberality and sociality. Liberal system of studies allows students to create their own study plans, and to decide what subjects to study and when. Students are also offered the opportunity to complete a minor programme along with their major programme and to get their BA degree with a certificate in this minor specialty.
Centre for Quality of Studies is a department at the University. The tasks of the Centre include compilation, analysis, systematization and dissemination of the newest information on quality assurance in Lithuania and all over the world for the university community; development and publication of methodical material for quality assurance activities; development and adaptation of criteria and standards for quality assessment at institutional and study programme levels; consultation of the university community on quality assessment and management in their departments; initiation and participation in national and international projects involving quality enhancement issues. Special attention is paid to research targeted to quality assurance of study programmes, employability skills of university graduates and curriculum improvement based on the received data, and assessment of higher education teachers’ didactical competencies.

Prof. Kestutis Pukelis, Elina Dailidiene, Nora Pileicikiene

Hacettepe University

Hacettepe University (HU) has been involved in many international research and educational cooperation projects. HU has actively participated in the Socrates, Leonardo da Vinci, and Youth Programmes. Besides European Union programmes, HU has been taking part in a number of international cooperation projects. Certain units of HU have been involved in more than 100 international research projects during the 2006-2007 academic year, some of which have been already completed and some of which are still in progress. HU is aware of role of the universities in society and has already carried out several projects relating to lifelong learning strategies of citizens in society. HU accepts its responsibility to set up “continuing education centres" or "open learning centres” in the region. All teaching staff have to attend teacher training programmes, carried out Faculty of Education, as a part of HU’s lifelong learning strategies.

Prof. Selda Onderoglu, Prof. Buket Akkonyunlu