Higher Education and Training

Our Organisation

FR Research is a firm focused on research, organisational development and quality assurance. We are committed to developing people, improving organisations and unlocking value for education institutions.

Our Team

Prof Hoosen Rasool is well-known in higher education and training circles. He was Managing Director of the Management College of Southern Africa and previously Chief Executive Officer and Quality Assurance Manager of the Clothing, Textiles, Footwear and Leather Sector Education & Training Authority. Prior to this, he worked with several British universities in managing the quality assurance function of their African operations.

Dr Fathima Rasool specialises in curriculum development, pedagogy and research. She has worked as an academic and researcher for several universities and business schools. She is actively involved in the design, development and implementation of curricula for education institutions.

Higher Education Services

We offer a package of innovative services to higher education institutions and business schools based on our experiences acquired over the years. Our approach is systems-based, applications-driven and results-oriented with the objective of direct impact on educations institutions.

Brokerage

FR Research Services works as an education and training broker between education institutions and corporate clients who want enrol employees on short courses and full learning programmes.

Our brokerage services are essentially a tripartite relationship between an education institution, corporate client company and platform host, FR Research Services. This is how it works in practice:

No	Steps	Company	Education Institution
1	Client company approaches FR Research for training solution.	We conduct a needs analysis and advises client on training needs. Determination of learning outcomes. We source suitable education institution locally or internationally based on needs, quality, costs, mode of delivery, etc.	We negotiate with institution about the enrolling learners. Set out expectations and desired outcomes. Discuss customisation of learning. Reach agreement with institution.
2	Pre-check of learning programme for customisation.	Customisation of programme discussed and approved. Delivery of programme to learners. Production of progress reports.
3	Monitoring of learner performance.	We monitor learner performance for client. Address any learning problems on behalf of client by making representations to institution. Discuss and resolve any possible problems of client.
4	Completion of learning programme.	Discuss post-training interventions such as ROI, impact assessment, coaching, future training, mentoring, talent management and career development possibilities.	Graduation and closure report.

Quality Assurance

We provide smart quality assurance solutions for institutions. We advise institutions in their deliberations with regulatory bodies such as the Higher Education Quality Committee (HEQC) and other regulatory bodies in South Africa and abroad by the following:

Preparing staff for institutional audits
Developing structures, processes, policies and procedures
Ensuring the institution meets regulatory criteria
Aligning resources to
Developing quality improvement plans
Producing reports
Enhancing curricula
Applying for accreditation
Coaching and mentoring academic managers
Benchmarking and impact studies
Performance monitoring and evaluation

We will ensure a continuous quality improvement culture is infused in all activities of the institution. We will make quality a priority at every point in the learning cycle.

Curriculum Development

FR Research possesses considerable experience in designing, developing, reviewing and positioning management programmes for niche markets. Curriculum development is undertaken in alignment with institutional missions and mandates. We are abreast of cutting edge developments in the field of business management education, pedagogy and market trends. We will create a seamless interface between learning and the world of work.

Niche Short Courses

We develop bespoke short courses for niche markets. The core strength of our short course development is in detailed conceptualisation, wide consultation, meticulous preparation and innovative delivery methods to ensure learning outcomes are achieved.

We adopt learner-centred and practitioner-led teaching and learning approaches. There is a strong slant towards experiential and participatory learning practices involving critical analysis, deep reflection and discussion of complex issues with participants.

Growth Strategies

Our interventions to grow education institutions has been tried and tested on the African continent. We provide strategic advisory services to senior management; conduct market research; find new locations for expansion; advise marketing teams; and devise pricing and marketing strategies.

Institutional & Student Research

We strengthen institutional and student research capacities in institutions by providing the following:

Developing institutional research systems, structures and processes
Promoting a culture of research
Developing cohort strategies for supervision of dissertations
Dissertation clinics for staff and students