1. PGR website evaluation

2. Update User testing conducted in late autumn
Report produced by Bunnyfoot (68 pages!)
Prioritised set of recommendations
Focus of the research was on improving top level PGR recruitment pages
Enquirers will use a variety of routes to information, can’t impose one route
Often enquirers head straight to department pages

3. Update
Expectation of central pages is limited: funding, scholarships, subject listings, signposting
Want detail from department pages: supervisors, details of research, sense of academic community

4. Consistent department pages
“In the best landing pages (the History department for example) information is clearly linked and connected. There are very clear launch points to further information, well signposted, and a clear progression from general to more and more specific information. All the information the user requires is available in a clear structure.”
“Identify those departments who are producing well- constructed landing pages and consider ‘templating’ these pages for wider use across the website – in terms of structure if not visual design.”

5. Consistent department pages
Key message: give these pages some love
Start the discussion on how can we support consistent high quality across these pages in the future
Understand how departments approach this currently

6. PGR prospectus

7. Current situation Print prospectus produced every two years
Due to start production of next edition in spring 2016
Exploring if there is a better way - with input from DA Ops Group
Previously considered in isolation to PGR scholarships campaign and PGR website(s)
New faculty research brochures
Website user testing

8. Problem to be solved?
Does it meet the needs of enquirers and applicants?
Does it support recruitment needs of departments and recruitment teams?
Opportunity cost
Admin for print prospectus is around months FTE
Is it in balance with resource for web, PGR scholarships etc

9. Usage and distribution 1
Between copies in print run
4000 in warehouse currently
Mainly for recruitment events both home and overseas
Posted out to enquirers
requests
requests

10. Usage and distribution 2
Feedback from International Recruitment
Barely used
Largely superseded by the web
Only parts used are at the back i.e. research areas, and applying/finding a supervisor
Also interested in entry qualifications and funding

11. Dave Stanley d.stanley@sheffield.ac.uk x 21048