The National Study Choice Centre (LCSK), based on its designation decision, functions effectively and efficiently, but more is required to achieve its intended broad impact. This is the main conclusion drawn from our evaluation of the LCSK, conducted over the past six months on behalf of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. Through a designation decision, the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science has authorised the National Study Choice Centre to perform tasks aimed at providing objective and comparable information about studies, enabling study choosers to orient themselves well and make the right study choices. The decision stipulates that both the decision and the activities of the foundation will be evaluated within five years. For the evaluation, we utilised document analysis, interviews, and an international comparison. The conclusions are as follows:
Effectiveness
All tasks outlined in this designation decision are well executed, with one exception. With one product as an exception, all information is provided free of charge. This exception is not a product of the LCSK itself, but rather a paid test from another organisation to which the LCSK refers, which we believe does not go against the spirit of the designation decision. Furthermore, the LCSK actively works on the accessibility, comparability, reliability, and objectivity of its study choice information. The LCSK neatly provides data to DANS. Study choice information is well tailored to the target audience, and the LCSK carries out many needs assessments or commissions them. The LCSK strives for continuous improvement, and we observe a strong quality assurance culture within the LCSK surrounding its products.
Efficiency
The efficiency of the LCSK is difficult to measure, but based on a comparison with other organisations and interviews, we see no indications that the LCSK operates inefficiently. Establishing a separate legal entity for study choice information incurs certain costs, but compared to similar (international) organisations, the LCSK provides clear added value, both in terms of products and independence.
Governance
The change in the governance of the LCSK with the establishment of an advisory board has been successful, and trust from the field – including in the National Student Survey – has increased. The LCSK effectively safeguards its independence, also in its relationship with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science. There is a good dialogue between the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and the LCSK on the tasks to be carried out.
Broader Impact
However, we also conclude that the tasks outlined in the designation decision – which the LCSK executes well – are not sufficient to achieve the broader impact of the LCSK. To guide study choosers towards a suitable study, more is needed than the information and products provided by the LCSK, and the majority of study choosers do not use the LCSK for their study choice. User surveys, other research, and interviews clearly indicate that a broader vision on study choice, focusing more on aspects such as images, interests, and qualitative information, is required. This is not an explicit task of the LCSK at present, but it does help to increase impact.
Related to this, we also conclude that the LCSK is strongly focused on good operational execution but not on whether the current operation is the right one. A strategic vision on study choice (information) is lacking. The LCSK is part of a broader study choice landscape and could more actively engage in a strategic dialogue with the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science and its advisory board to reflect on its role in this landscape. This could also involve discussing the tasks of the LCSK at a more strategic level.
An important focus is the future viability of the products of the LCSK. The number of website visitors and participants in the National Student Survey is decreasing, and the LCSK notes increasing competition from the information provided by institutions. The LCSK is becoming less visible through online search engines. This could limit the target audience reach and therefore the future effectiveness of the LCSK, especially considering the limited extent to which these products already have a broader impact. Respondents view this as a threat to the existence of the LCSK and desire more reflection on this matter from the LCSK.
The evaluation report was
presented to the House of Representatives on 16th December 2024.
