Sample Definition

Sample
The term ‘sample’ is used to refer to a set of evidence taken from a selected portion or function of the institution being assessed. In assessing the capability of the institution as a whole, several samples will be used in order to generate a true and accurate assessment for that institution. It is therefore important to select samples which are representative of the organization as a whole, rather than exceptionally good or exceptionally poor examples, as Marshall points out, “The courses used should be representative rather than exceptional (either good or bad). This does not mean randomly selected, as it is generally unhelpful to assess courses that are not representative of the institution.” (Stephen's Blog 2007). The evidence from all the samples is used to make a collective judgement about each of the practices in eMM for the whole institution.

In Marshall’s original use of eMM, he selected three representative projects or courses as his sample set for each institution. If selecting courses it is important to select examples of courses actually being delivered by the institution. This ensures that the assessment is being made on the basis of actual performance, not intended or idealised performance. In addition, there will be a requirement to supplement the evidence gathered from single courses with evidence generated by ‘pan-institutional’ evidence; as Marshall points out, “The evidence from the sample courses then needs to be supplemented by materials from the enrolment packs, websites and formal documents, including policies, procedures and strategies”. (Stephen's Bog 2007)

Rather than choosing a single course or project as a sample, it is also possible to use a school, department or faculty as the sample set from which evidence is drawn, again being careful to supplement this with ‘pan-institutional’ evidence from centrally delivered services. In addition, a number of samples may be used to assess the whole institution, but equally may also be used to assess a ‘slice’ of the institution.