The Learning Skills Development Agency was commissioned by the Department for Education and Skills to undertake a feasibility study into a proposed Business Innovation and Support initiative.  City College Norwich is one of 24 colleges and work-based learning providers who took part in this study on behalf of the Learning Skills Development Agency.
The research was based on regional consultations undertaken by the Department for Education and Skills and earlier research work undertaken by the Learning and Skills Development Agency. 
Four assignments were commissioned by the LSDA, each using a different research method or combination of methods to approach different aspects of the research questions.  These included:
• A survey of Heads of Schools carried out by email
• A survey of Businesses carried out by telephone
• Face to face interviews with staff discussing case studies
• Interviews with suppliers and users of Business Support Services
• A conceptual exercise to provide a corporate development plan and a risk analysis
• Interviews, focus group and analysis of earlier research; topics included the development of a skills set and a toll kit.  Support for Roll Out and the Regional Sector Priorities were examined.

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