Centrocol

STEM Learning Ltd

STEM Learning Ltd is a not-for-profit company that delivers educational services including Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to teachers, and connecting STEM Ambassadors with schools through the UK.

Centrocol has assisted STEM with many projects. Please read the case studies below for samples of the depth and range of our work together.

STEM Learning logo

Case Studies

Case Study: Development of ITK2 for STEM Learning by Centrocol
Client: STEM Learning
Project: ITK2 Application development
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Project Overview

The Impact Toolkit (“ITK”) is an application that streamlines participant engagement and data management within STEM Learning’s professional development programs. By consolidating course and feedback information into a single platform, ITK enables educators and partners to efficiently track the impact of their initiatives and improve overall course quality. With a focus on user-driven insights, the system equips stakeholders with the necessary tools to foster continuous improvement in science and computing training. When the legacy ITK system reached end of life, STEM Learning teamed up with Centrocol, to create a new application: ITK2.

Business Challenge

STEM Learning required a comprehensive solution that would enable them to gather, analyse, and report on participant engagement data from various sources:

  • Participant Engagement: The legacy system lacked a single source of truth, leading to fragmented data and inefficient reporting.
  • Integration Needs: The requirement to integrate with existing applications such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 for course booking, Alchemer for surveying, and Mandrill for email communication.
  • Reporting and Analytics: A need for advanced reporting capabilities to monitor the quality and impact of professional development courses.

Approach to Solution

To create ITK2, Centrocol followed a structured development approach, focusing on user experience, data integrity, and seamless integration:

1. Requirements Gathering and Analysis

Centrocol worked closely with STEM Learning to understand their requirements and objectives. This included detailed discussions on functionality, user experience, and reporting needs. The outcome of these discussions led to a clear set of specifications that formed the foundation of the project.

2. Architecture Design

Centrocol proposed a microservices architecture for ITK2—utilising Azure to ensure scalability, availability, and high-performance data management. With Azure’s resources, they avoided future challenges related to data storage and processing. The team chose Azure SQL Server for optimised data handling, allowing for structured relational data processing and improved performance in reporting.

3. System Development and Integration

Centrocol’s development team implemented ITK2 as a robust platform that integrates seamlessly with:

  • Dynamics 365: Enabling automatic data syncing for participant and course information.
  • Alchemer: Allowing for the creation and management of surveys. Participants could take surveys directly through Alchemer, with responses dynamically returned to the ITK system.
  • Mandrill: Facilitating the automated sending of emails containing survey links to participants at the appropriate times.

4. User Interface Development

To enhance user accessibility and experience, Centrocol developed three main user interfaces:

  • ITK2 Rule Manager: A web application for administrators to create and manage survey rules and pathways.
  • ITK2 Admin Engagement Dashboard: An interface providing comprehensive insights into participant engagement metrics.
  • ITK2 Client Dashboard: A personalised view for STEM Learning account holders to track their engagement with surveys.

5. Reporting Capabilities

Centrocol worked with STEM Learning’s in-house reporting team to build a Power BI analytics and reporting solution for the application. By integrating Power BI with ITK2, STEM Learning’s administrators could visualise engagement metrics and assess the effectiveness of professional development courses through intuitive dashboards. This addressed the organisation’s need for self-serve data access and timely evaluations.

Outcome and Benefits

The successful deployment of ITK2 resulted in numerous benefits for STEM Learning:

  • Centralized Data Management: ITK2 became the single source of truth for participant engagement, reducing data fragmentation and simplifying reporting processes.
  • Enhanced Engagement Tracking: Improved ability to distribute surveys, track responses, and evaluate participant engagement across various programs.
  • Future-Proofing: By utilising Azure and a microservices architecture, the system is scalable and ready to accommodate future needs without extensive redevelopment.
  • Actionable Insights: Real-time reporting via Power BI has empowered STEM Learning to make data-driven decisions to enhance program quality.

Client Testimonial

“STEM Learning is an impact-led organisation, and this can only be achieved through the robust collection and analysis of data. The Impact Toolkit developed by Centrocol has improved the teacher experience of sharing information throughout their CPD journey, whilst ensuring that STEM Learning is collecting the rich data needed to understand the difference our interventions make.”

— Alice Coates, Head of Marketing and Customer Experience, at STEM Learning

Conclusion

Through a collaborative approach, Centrocol successfully delivered ITK2, significantly enhancing the operational capabilities of STEM Learning while aligning with their strategic goals for participant engagement and report

Case Study: Technical Integration and Consultancy for the CRUP Project
Client: STEM Learning
Project: “CRUP” (Replacement of Legacy IDP and user profile)
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Project Overview

STEM Learning undertook the CRUP (Core Repository for User Profiles) project to replace a legacy IDP and user profile management system with a new, bespoke solution. The new system was developed by STEM Learning’s in-house team and combines custom-written applications with industry-leading SaaS architecture. Centrocol was selected to provide software integration consultancy and technical business analysis services, playing a pivotal role in overcoming the challenges associated with the project.

Objectives

  1. Efficiency Improvement: Replace the existing user profile management system on Drupal with the new CRUP system to ensure a seamless user experience across platforms.
  2. Integration Management: Ensure that the CRUP system integrates effectively with all key commercial systems, maintaining user data consistency, and ensuring minimal interruption in service provision.
  3. Documentation and Scoping: Provide precise documentation and technical scoping for the in-house team to follow for development and implementation.

Key Challenges

  • System Complexity: The integration involved legacy systems and new solutions, necessitating careful planning to mitigate potential disruptions.
  • Data Synchronization: Ensuring reliable data synchronization between the CRUP, Dynamics, and Drupal platforms posed technical challenges due to differing data structures.
  • Timely Authentication: Transitioning authentication processes to the new system while ensuring minimum downtime for users and uninterrupted service.

Approach

Technical Scoping

Centrocol conducted comprehensive workshops to gather technical and software requirements. By collaborating closely with the STEM Learning team, they thoroughly understood the existing systems and outlined the integration requirements for the CRUP project.

Integration Consultancy

As integration consultants, Centrocol acted as the technical liaison between STEM Learning and their other software and service providers, ensuring:

  • Clear communication channels.
  • Continuous alignment on integration goals.
  • Identification of dependencies and milestones.

Documentation

Centrocol was responsible for meticulously documenting all aspects of the integration process, which empowered the in-house team to work efficiently:

  • Provided clear technical specifications for the integration between CRUP, Dynamics, and Drupal, ensuring smooth developer handover.
  • Developed user journey flows and process maps to streamline and communicate the user experience and administrative workflows.

Implementation Support

Throughout the implementation phase, Centrocol facilitated:

  • Regular updates and feedback with the STEM Learning team to ensure alignment on project progress and immediate troubleshooting of any emerging issues.
  • Direct involvement in the development of a dedicated API within Drupal to facilitate the creation of user accounts from the CRUP platform without disruptions.

Outcomes

  • Successful Integration: The CRUP system went live with seamless integration into existing processes.
  • Improved User Experience: Users experienced minimal service disruption, leading to enhanced satisfaction with the STEM Learning platform.
  • Sustained Data Integrity: Effective synchronization processes ensured that user data remained consistent across all platforms, paving the way for future scalability.

Client Testimonials

“CRUP was the most technically challenging element of our digital transformation project.  It required us to replace our existing bespoke identity provider with a SaaS based solution.  With the assistance of Centrocol we were able to mange the complexity of the project and deliver in the time frame promised.  Centrocol went above and beyond what I would expect from a provider and were central to the success of the project.”

— Dave Gill, IT Lead at STEM Learning

“Centrocol were pivotal to the success of this project. It was a high-risk project, changing the registration and login process for over half a million website users. Centrocol’s approach was hugely collaborative, enabling our in-house development team to deliver the required technical solution. Their in-depth knowledge of our core digital infrastructure was invaluable.”

— Alice Coates, Head of Marketing and Customer Experience at STEM Learning

Conclusion

Centrocol’s extensive experience in technical integration and consultancy was crucial to the successful execution of the CRUP project for STEM Learning. Their experience in managing complexities, coupled with their commitment to ensuring seamless communication and documentation, underscores their capability to add substantial value to future projects.

Case Study: Successful Project Management of the NCCE Project by Centrocol
Client: STEM Learning
Project: National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) – Migration of the ISSAC Platform and Compliance Assurance
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Project Overview

Centrocol was engaged by STEM Learning Ltd to manage the National Centre for Computing Education (NCCE) project, focusing on the migration of the ISAAC platform and ensuring compliance with Cyber Essentials and other regulatory requirements.

Centrocol was tasked with overseeing not just the technical migration, but also ensuring that all security and compliance measures were diligently followed, adhering to national standards including Cyber Essentials and ISO/IEC 27001:2013.

Objectives

  1. Migration of the ISAAC Platform: Successfully transition existing systems and data to the new ISAAC platform while minimising disruption to ongoing operations.
  2. Compliance Assurance: Ensure that all reformed processes and platforms comply with Cyber Essentials and the necessary regulatory frameworks.
  3. Stakeholder Engagement: Maintain communication and engagement with all stakeholders including STEM Learning team, subcontractors, and regulatory authorities to facilitate a transparent project flow.

Approach

Project Management Framework

Centrocol employed Agile project management methodologies to ensure flexibility and responsiveness throughout the project lifespan. This approach allowed for:

  • Continuous iteration and improvement based on stakeholder feedback.
  • Regularly scheduled check-ins to align teams and address issues proactively.

Migration Strategy

A detailed migration strategy was developed, which included:

  • Assessment of current infrastructure.
  • Development of a compliance checklist based on NCSC Cyber Security Design Principles.
  • Execution of data migration plans with minimal downtime.

Compliance and Security Measures

Centrocol established a comprehensive security management plan that included:

  • Conducting IT Health Checks (ITHC) and risk assessments as per regulatory requirements.
  • Collaborating with third-party vendors to ensure no Authority Data was processed without appropriate software licenses.
  • Implementation of critical controls such as encryption of Authority Data during both storage and transmission.

Challenges and Solutions

  • Challenge: Navigating complexities of regulatory compliance while maintaining project timelines.
    • Solution: Centrocol allocated a dedicated compliance officer to monitor regulatory requirements, ensuring all aspects of the project adhered to the highest standards.
  • Challenge: Ensuring stakeholder engagement while managing technical updates.
    • Solution: Regular workshops and meetings with stakeholders kept everyone informed and engaged, ensuring any concerns were addressed promptly.

Results

  • Successful Migration: The ISAAC platform was migrated with 100% data integrity and minimal disruption to services, meeting the project delivery deadlines.
  • Compliance Achieved: The project passed all compliance checks with positive feedback from the relevant regulatory bodies, receiving certificates for Cyber Essentials and ISO/IEC 27001 compliance.
  • Stakeholder Satisfaction: Feedback from the STEM Learning team indicated high satisfaction with project management, communication, and end results.

Client Testimonials

“My first project at STEM was to assist with the NCCE Migration.  There was a very short deadline required for completion and so the team needed to be focused and efficient.  Centrocol provided the expertise and resource we needed to make sure the migration was a success.”

— Dave Gill, IT lead at STEM Learning

“Centrocol very quickly understood the work that needed to be done for the technical migration, but also how the project needed to be run to ensure that all security and compliance measures were followed. This project had ambitious and immovable timelines, and Centrocol delivered against these with minimal disruption to our website users.”

— Alice Coates, Head of Marketing and Customer Experience at STEM Learning

Conclusion

Centrocol’s project management expertise ensured the successful onboarding and migration of the ISSAC platform for the NCCE project. Our dedication to compliance and effective communication created a positive working relationship with stakeholders, illustrating our deep commitment to securing successful project outcomes.