Vertex tailors its evaluation and research services to match client needs. Using a range social science techniques, Vertex can assist organizations who are beginning to develop a program, recently launched a program, or are aiming to evaluate a long-standing program. In addition, Vertex is available to conduct primary research including collecting new data, developing new methodologies, and writing scientific articles based on new analyses.
Methods
Vertex inherently takes a mixed-methods approach to problem solving. In today's complex world, it is rare that an individual method, used in isolation, will provide enough insight to identify the optimal solution for an organization. Vertex leverages a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods to assess problems from multiple perspectives to identify optimal solutions.
Qualitative Methods
Structured and Semi-Structured Interviews
Focus Groups
Design Workshops
Qualitative Coding and Analytics
Data science
Econometric Analysis
Regression Analysis
Program Evaluation
Evaluation Plan Development
Logic Model Development
Formative Evaluation
Continuous Improvement Research
Summative Evaluation
Data Management System Development
Survey Development and Analysis
Instrument Design and Development
Survey Administration
Survey Analysis
Computational Techniques
Simulation and Modeling
Large-Scale Optimization
Machine-Learning Algorithms
Consensus-Building Approaches
Delphi Panels
ExpertLens Panels
Areas of Practice
Vertex primarily focuses on the three areas of practice described below. However, Vertex can also rapidly develop expertise in new areas if necessary. For example, in 2021 Vertex leveraged its expertise in consensus-building approaches and rapidly developed working knowledge on energy efficiency building policies to support a complex US Department of Energy evaluation.
Policy for Entrepreneurship
How can local, state, and Federal governments use policy to incentivize entrepreneurial activity? Vertex can help your organization better understand issues at the intersection of public policy and entrepreneurship. Using qualitative and quantitative methods, Vertex can help governments, entrepreneurial support organizations, and philanthropic foundations better understand entrepreneurs' needs and identify effective solutions for increasing entrepreneurial activity.
Evaluation of Scientific Research
How can the Federal Government, philanthropic foundations, and private firms evaluate the impacts of their R&D investments to improve the success of future investments? Vertex can help your organization better evaluate the outcomes and impacts of your investments. Using program evaluations, return on investment analyses, and qualitative methods, Vertex can help organizations better understand their broader impacts on academia, government, the economy, and society.
Education Administration
How can education institutions work across diverse departments to improve services for students? Vertex can help your organization develop continuous improvement activities to identify, target, and solve complex problems that impede student success. Using a mix of methods and approaches, Vertex can help institutions, systems, and governments identify sustainable solutions and develop continuous improvements systems to ensure that these solutions are implemented effectively.