Application types

All types

Please note that the description is primarily aimed at applications for new degree programmes and offerings, but that the method can also be used for other application types. Applications for new degree programmes and offerings are subject to the most extensive documentation requirements. Therefore, the use of the method must reflect the documentation requirements associated with the individual application types and associated guides. Examples of different application types are listed to the extent that the method has been used in specific AU applications.    

Purpose

Qualitative identification of the need, input for the development phase, support for the project, external reasons for continued efforts.                     

Target group

Key prospective employer representatives covering the breadth of the career orientation of the degree programme.

How          

Telephone interviews, emails, meetings, focus group interviews (5–10 prospective employers simultaneously). Possibly multiple ways of reaching out.

A representative from the academic environment who knows the content of the programme should attend.

Remember written summaries, e.g. by having minutes approved by participants in order to be able to use citations in the application.

When           

Initially in the development phase, or as a follow-up to quantitative survey.

Pros

Explorative/investigative approach that, through dialogue, enables more in-depth identification of the need for the degree programme, while adding dynamics and flexibility (ad hoc adaptation) and providing concrete input for the development phase, support for the project, citations for the application.

Cons

Cannot document the general need on its own.

Cannot be used to estimate need in numbers.

Time-consuming if you have to engage in dialogue with many stakeholders.