Section 2: Reasons for choosing this research project

2.1: The reasons why I have chosen this project are as follows:
  • British output per worker trailed the G7 average by 21 per cent in 2011, the most recent year for which there is data, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) numbers showed. Output per hour was some 16 per cent worse than across the other major industrialised economies, the ONS (2013) said, the worst figure for 18 years.
  • The Learning and Skills Improvement Service (LSIS, 2011, p.5) states that: "Economic downturn has put a new premium on skills and growth policy. Youth unemployment remains at near-record levels.Spending pressures are driving cost reductions and new coping strategies. And as the sector is liberalised, colleges and other providers are being asked to become more effective advocates for their own value beyond the narrow boundaries of ‘plan and provide’.
As part of its response, the LSIS (2011, pp.8-10) -in conjunction with the Royal Society for Arts (RSA) 2020 Public Services Hub -have suggested the following:"Five directions for socially productive further education:
  1. Incubate social value
  2. Network local growth
  3. Drive public service integration
  4. Re-set citizen engagement
  5. Create platforms for open learning.
Conversely, as their contribution to reversing falling productivity, the revised framework for Ofsted (2012) has an increased emphasis on teaching, learning and assessment. Notwithstanding, this article's slant on a solution is specifically concerned with - as to what extent has -the concepts and application of "Blended Learning platforms" increased performance throughout an FE (Further Education) college. In particular, this study will examine the utilisation and dissemination of the: Offline, Online and Support components associated with Blended Learning Approaches (BLA).

 2.2: Personal interests relate to career profile:
Mr David Hilton MBA, MA (ODE), PGCE, QTLS, ADTLLSS, MSET & HND: Production Engineer

A double Masters level graduate with over 18 years' experience -in the spheres of Production and Quality Assurance Engineering - working for companies, such as, Digital, IMB & Hewlett Packard. Also, a former Co. Director with over 10 years’ track record of business success in the service sector. Currently a full-time Business Lecturer and Learning Technologist at an Inner London Further Education College (ILFEC) with over 12 years’ experience of applying Traditional and Blended learning solutions within a Further Education (FE) and Higher Education environments.