RESEARCH AND EVALUATION

Research and Evaluation Services

Community Solutions Inc. specialises in the design and implementation of review, evaluation and research projects. Through our network of staff and partner organisations in a range of locations Community Solutions Inc. is able to complete large scale data collection via self-reported surveys, telephone surveys, interviews and focus groups.

Community Solutions Inc. is committed to the design, delivery and reporting of high quality research in partnership with or on behalf of a variety of agencies including government departments, universities and corporations. All research projects comply with relevant ethical standards and strict standards are maintained to ensure full compliance with privacy legislation and research protocols.

Current and Recent research projects include:

The Virtual Jackpot. A research project that focusses on young people's attitudes and behaviours in relation to gambling. Funded by Queensland Treasury, this research is currently being undertaken with a view to providing information that can inform public policy. The completion of Phase 1 research in 2008 has provided qualitative information through interviews and focus groups as well as a comprehensive review of literature. Phase 2 will be completed by December 2008 and will include quantitative components provided a well rounded picture of young people's attitudes and behaviours.

Public Attitudes and Behaviour Towards Drink Driving and Random Breath Testing undertaken in partnership with CarrsQ (Queensland University of Technology) as a component of a Review of Random Breath Testing in Queensland. This research involved survey design, an extensive process of data collection via telephone surveys conducted with respondents throughout Queensland, analysis and reporting.

Review of Drink Rite. A review of the Queensland Police Service’s Drink Rite program that involved extensive liaison and consultation with police, licensees, health and other key stakeholders.

Australian Secondary Schools Alcohol and Drug (ASSAD) Survey. Coordination and implementation of the data collection process in Queensland schools. This research involved site visits to 50 Queensland schools in a wide variety of locations in order to implement surveys with staff and students.

Sunshine Coast Visitor Surveys. Data collection on behalf of Tourism Queensland conducted at multiple sites throughout the Sunshine Coast and Hinterland areas. The data provides information on visitors to the area and informs future service delivery by regional tourism bodies.

The Knowledge Nation? Tobacco, alcohol and other drug use by undergraduate tertiary students. A research project undertaken in partnership with the University of the Sunshine Coast that involved survey design, implementation, data analysis and reporting.  This research included prevalence of use and socio-cultural aspects of student life associated with use.

CitySafe. An environmental scan undertaken in Brisbane's Queen Street Mall and adjacent areas with a focus on public safety and perceptions of safety. This project involved an extensive analysis of current enforcement and crime prevention strategies as well as interviews with key stakeholders and a cohort of community members.

Ravesafe? – Prevention and early intervention initiatives at dance parties, music festivals and rave events in Queensland. A review of safety net and education needs and strategies implemented at large music events, dance parties and rave events in South East Queensland undertaken on behalf of Queensland Health.

Tobacco Sales to Minors in Queensland. Undertaken on behalf of the Queensland Cancer Fund, this research involved a review of retailer compliance with current legislation in relation to sales of tobacco products to minors. Data collection occurred in 13 city and regional centres throughout Queensland.

Noosa Community Transport Survey. Conducted on behalf of Noosa Shire Council, this research involved over 900 surveys in order to gather information about use of public transport in Noosa.

School Drug Education – Policy and Practice in Queensland Schools. A review of current policy and practice undertaken on behalf of the Queensland School Drug Education Strategy. This review involved extensive consultation with key sector representatives and school principals, and included data collection from primary and secondary schools throughout Queensland, data analysis and reporting.

Market Research - Caloundra Tourism. Interviews with players and patrons at a key sporting event to provide Caloundra Tourism with information to inform the marketing and management of future public sporting events.

Evaluation of the Event Management Planning Guide: An evaluation of a resource and its use by licensees at public events. The evaluation was undertaken on behalf of the Queensland Department of Tourism, Sport and Racing – Division of Liquor Licensing.

For further information please contact >

Jenny Madden, Manager - jmadden@community-solutions.com.au