Identifying Variation in Learner Outcomes by Further Education Provider

This report presents results of a project to investigate how the labour market outcomes secured by individual learners vary across Further Education (FE) Providers. The research is the latest in a series of studies previously commissioned by BIS (now BEIS) of ILR-WPLS1 administrative data that estimate the value added of Further Education, as reflected in the Earnings, Employment and Benefit premiums secured by FE learners. This programme of investigation identifies good labour market returns to FE learning, and compelling evidence that previous less favourable findings (relating to vocationally- oriented learning at Level 2 and below) were a result of data limitations, rather than insignificant value added

Returns to Maths and English Learning (at level 2 and below) in Further Education

Previous work identifies good labour market returns for FE learners who gain qualifications at Full Level 2 and above. Estimates of the returns to learning at ‘Below Level 2’ and ‘Thin Level 2’ - which include English and Maths qualifications - were positive but not so strong – though it should be noted that many of these qualifications are of a very short duration. This report presents the findings from a project that investigates labour market returns to these English and Maths qualifications, in two different situations: • Complementary Learning i.e. when combined with higher level qualifications • Highest Learning Aim - when they are studied as a person’s highest FE qualification (i.e. not taken with a higher qualification

The Impact Of Skills And Training Interventions On The Unemployed: Phase II Report

This report is the latest in a series of studies that analyse the returns to FE learning using matched ILR-WPLS administrative data. A recent study in this series (Bibby et. al. 2014) uses the matched data to produce robust estimates of the labour market returns to achievement of learning aims whilst studying in English Further Education (FE), relative to those who have the same highest learning aim, but do not achieve. Whilst survey-based studies had suggested that some vocational qualifications (for instance, NVQ2) were associated with negligible, or even negative, earnings returns; Bibby et. al find that FE qualifications are associated with good labour market returns. The authors provide compelling evidence that the previous less favourable findings at Level 2 were a result of data limitations, rather than truly insignificant value added. This report investigates labour market returns for a specific subgroup within the wider populations that form the focus of study within this ongoing programme of research. We identify the returns to FE Learning for the unemployed in England. For this study it is essential to use an approach to estimation of value added that is appropriate for learning at Level 2 and below, as many of the interventions targeted at the unemployed are at this level

Estimating earnings returns to vocational qualifications using administrative data

In this paper we update the findings from Buscha and Urwin (2013), estimating separately the (i) earnings, (ii) employment probability and (iii) probability of being on active benefits, for those who achieve their highest learning aim whilst studying at an English Further Education Institution (FEI), relative to those who have the same highest learning aim, but do not achieve. Estimates are obtained using the 2002-2012 ILR-WPLS administrative dataset, and the findings provide a robust estimate of the value added from each qualification, when held as an individual’s highes

Diversity in STEMM: Establishing a Business Case

This report sets out the results of research commissioned by the Royal Society as part of their BIS-funded programme entitled ‘Leading the way: increasing diversity in the scientific workforce’. The research explored whether there is a business case for diversity in STEMM occupations (scientific, technical, engineering, mathematical and medical roles) and whether diverse teams are more likely to do ‘good’ science. The research focused on three of the nine protected characteristics in the Equality Act 2010: gender, ethnicity and disability

Dephasing time of disordered two-dimensional electron gas in modulated magnetic fields

The dephasing time of disordered two-dimensional electron gas in a modulated magnetic field is studied. It is shown that in the weak inhomogeneity limit, the dephasing rate is proportional to the field amplitude, while in strong inhomogeneity limit the dependence is quadratic. It is demonstrated that the origin of the dependence of dephasing time on field amplitude lies in the nature of corresponding single-particle motion. A semiclassical Monte Carlo algorithm is developed to study the dephasing time, which is of qualitative nature but efficient in uncovering the dependence of dephasing time on field amplitude for arbitrarily complicated magnetic-field modulation. Computer simulations support analytical results. The crossover from linear to quadratic dependence is then generalized to the situation with magnetic field modulated periodically in one direction with zero mean, and it is argued that this crossover can be expected for a large class of modulated magnetic fields.Comment: 8 pages, 2 figure

Generation Y’s perceived preference for green hotels

Abstract:The global business environment and hospitality industry have followed the trend of showing a significant increase in environmentally friendly (EF) practices and facilities. Generation Y consumers are a socially conscious generation), who are known to think of the negative impact on the environment. Internationally, consumers have become more aware and action-orientated of the greening trend, as there is an increased market demand towards environmentally friendly business approaches. The objective of the study was to identify the perceived impact of environmentally friendly facilities and practices that Generation Y consumers have towards the greening trend within the hospitality industry. The research followed a quantitative survey research design, with a non-probability convenience sample of 100 personally administrated questionnaires that were completed, collected and analysed. The results indicated that Generation Y consumers have shown a shift towards requesting greening within hotels but not to the extent of international consumers. The findings agreed with international research in terms of respondents having a positive environmental awareness, showing that 83% were willing to stay in a green hotel. Respondents generally agreed to environmentally friendly facilities and practices within hotels. Generation Y consumers in South Africa have moved consciously towards demanding greening within the hospitality industry, which will have a positive impact on the hotel market. This trend is expected to grow to match international positive perceptions of greening within the hospitality industry. An increased effort by hotels to promote greening would increase awareness and improve the competitive advantage of these

On separable Fokker-Planck equations with a constant diagonal diffusion matrix

We classify (1+3)-dimensional Fokker-Planck equations with a constant diagonal diffusion matrix that are solvable by the method of separation of variables. As a result, we get possible forms of the drift coefficients $B_1(\vec x),B_2(\vec x),B_3(\vec x)$ providing separability of the corresponding Fokker-Planck equations and carry out variable separation in the latter. It is established, in particular, that the necessary condition for the Fokker-Planck equation to be separable is that the drift coefficients $\vec B(\vec x)$ must be linear. We also find the necessary condition for R-separability of the Fokker-Planck equation. Furthermore, exact solutions of the Fokker-Planck equation with separated variables are constructedComment: 20 pages, LaTe