KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
The fact that the project has received sustained government funding over the last 10 years is a success story in itself. This has been put down to the adapting nature of the project to meet market needs, whilst maintaining core strategic goals throughout. Moving from one funding round to the next, an internal review is conducted using KPI’s (Key Performance Indicators), which themselves are altered to meet the changing requirements of SMEs and students alike. Linking in with regional development agenda’s under Objective One is also a core element of the project, with graduate retention and increasing the competitiveness of SMEs the two major goals. Some examples of this are illustrated below.
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“Having an extra person has enabled us to concentrate more effectively on specific projects. (The Student) has helped to get things done that otherwise would have been left. He is keen, has up to date technical knowledge and has had a great deal of input on how things can be done more effectively. More than anything (The student) is keen to learn”. Corsair Computer Systems Ltd
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PROJECT TOTALS
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Performance Measure Totals
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Number of SME's assisted
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1,200
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Number of students Registered
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9,000
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Number of Bridges
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3,000
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Number of projects
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5,500
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Over the last 10 years, Business Bridge has aided nearly 9000 students, completed over 3000 bridges (completed projects) and assisted 1200 companies directly.
GRADUATE RETENTION
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Graduation year
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Regional Retention Rate
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Business Bridge Retention Rate
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2001
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34%
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33%
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2002
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34%
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39%
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2003
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tbc
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42%
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BB has always set out to contribute towards regional retention figures. Each year, with the development of more relevant and lengthly projects, students gain valuable work experience which in turn benefits them and the region through the retention of local graduate expertise.
TYPICAL PROJECTS - TOP 5
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Type of project defined
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No.
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%
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Information Technology
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1,440
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26.5
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Advertising, Promotion and Marketing
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1,056
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19.4
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Web Development
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582
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10.7
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Business Admin
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570
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10.5
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Arts and Graphic design
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425
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7.8
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The micro-SME market (2 to 10 employees), account for over 50% of projects completed (Bridged). These project types are considered to be a reflection of the needs of Small businesses, relating to growth, in this area of the market.
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"(The student) is a genius! Anything I ask, he’s there; he’s a wizard! I’ve employed many people in the past who claim that they have the right skills for the job but they don’t – (The Student) has, and I’d like to keep them here.” WRJ Video Production
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