Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences: Advanced Research Project for a Leading Academic Institution
About the Client
The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) is a premier, research-intensive university in Sweden specializing in life and environmental sciences. It focuses on the interaction among humans, animals, and ecosystems, as well as the sustainable use of natural resources. SLU employs just over 3000 staff members and serves around 5000 students, including doctoral candidates.
Background
SLU required an experienced and collaborative research partner capable of delivering a highly advanced online survey solution with strong methodological quality, technical precision, and efficient project execution.
The project involved a large-scale and methodologically complex research study with high demands related to survey logic, respondent experience, data quality, and device adaptation.
Scope of the Project
- Complex and extensive online survey with multiple submodules
- Approximate interview length of 20 minutes
- Full-scale pilot process with two alternative survey versions
- Split sample design for exposure to different choice cards
- Advanced requirements related to device optimization and presentation of survey content
- Continuous validation and quality assurance of completed interviews
- 2500 completed online interviews
SLU developed the survey methodology and research design, while Syno was responsible for the technical implementation, operational execution, and quality management of the data collection process.
Syno’s Contribution
To ensure consistently high data quality throughout the project, Syno implemented a customized combination of automated and manual quality assurance procedures. Each survey module included advanced technical functionality designed to optimize respondent flow, engagement, and data reliability.
Survey exposure materials and technical survey optimization were developed in close collaboration with Syno’s Data Science team. The entire project was executed on Syno’s proprietary platform and managed through Syno’s standardized project management framework.
Project Execution
The Syno project team consisted of five specialists.
The project started with a two-phase pilot and pretest setup designed to identify the most suitable survey solution. Based on analysis of respondent-level pilot data, SLU evaluated both survey variants and selected the final version for the main fieldwork phase.
Throughout the project, close coordination between SLU and Syno ensured that all methodological and technical details were implemented according to specification.
Outcome
The project was successfully completed according to plan and quality requirements.
SLU is conducting the final analysis internally and intends to publish selected findings from the research study.
Client feedback
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“We are satisfied with the work Syno did, and even more so with the results we obtained! Syno’s Country Manager, Arild Sæle, always responded quickly to our emails and was open to scheduling meetings whenever we needed them. Syno complied with all our demands, which were several (randomisation of questions and statements within them, estimated quotas, survey restrictions, etc.). We hope to work with them in the future and will recommend them to other colleagues in academia.” - Chaitanya S. Rojas, Postdoctoral Researcher at SLU