FAQs – survey tool

Below are answers to the five most frequently asked questions (FAQs) regarding the data inputting phase of ACU Measures. These serve as a quick guide to the initial processes, and can be supplemented by our thorough Guide to ACU Measures survey tool (.pdf).

• How do I complete a survey?
• Can I print my survey?
• Can I respond anonymously?
• Will other institutions be able to see my response?
• How are currencies converted in ACU Measures?

Question: How do I complete a survey?

Answer: Below is a step-by-step review of how to set up users, how to access ACU Measures, how to access surveys, how to start entering data into a survey, how to submit a survey, and how to input data into the survey form.

1. Setting up users: Member universities need to nominate individual users to complete each survey. This is to ensure that only the right people can enter and see the data. Contact details should be sent to [email protected], including the name, email address and job title of the user you would like to add. Please also specify clearly which survey(s) they should have data entry access to.
   
   
2. Accessing ACU Measures: If you are a ‘Respondent’, you are authorised to enter data on behalf of your institution for that particular survey. You will receive an email informing you when the survey is open for responses, followed by reminder messages as the survey deadline approaches. 
   
   
   • To access ACU Measures please go to: https://measures.acu.ac.uk  
   
   
   • Your user name is your email address, e.g. [email protected]
   
   
   • Before you can log in to the system, you need to create a password. This is very straightforward – beneath the login box, you can set your own password by clicking on the link 'create a new one'. Enter your email and then the system will send you an email with a link to create your password.
3. Accessing surveys: The 'Survey Menu' under the 'Surveys' tab gives you access to all the surveys you are authorised to complete. These can also be accessed under the 'Upcoming Deadlines' on the homepage. 
   
   
4. Getting started with a survey: One of the most important aspects of survey activity on ACU Measures is the use of status indicators. You will only be able to enter data and edit a survey once you have indicated you will be completing it by checking the 'My institution will complete this survey' status box. This is located at the top of the survey page, under 'Survey Status'. Thereafter, you can access the survey sections under the ‘Survey Form’ and enter data.
   
   
5. Inputting data into the survey form: Click on the survey sections in the ‘Survey Form’ and complete the online form. You can save your progress and return to the form at any time until the closing date, 31 May. If you need further help, please see the ‘Guide to ACU Measures survey tool’ in the Downloads section.
   
   
6. Submitting your survey: To submit your survey you need to mark it as 'My institution's survey is COMPLETE!' in the 'Survey Status'. Unless you mark your survey as completed, it will not be considered submitted.

Question: Can I print my survey?

Answer: Yes, you can download a copy of the whole survey – or parts of the survey – by choosing the ‘Click for a print-friendly PDF of your survey’ under the ‘Completion Process’ box on the main survey page.

Question: Can I respond anonymously?

Answer: No, the system will need to know who you are to ensure that you have permission to complete the survey. However, all data will be anonymised for benchmarking purposes.

Question: Will other institutions be able to see my response?

Answer: No, only people at your own institution who have been granted permission will be able to see your institution’s responses. A small number of ACU staff will have access to the data for survey administration and analysis purposes.

Question: How are currencies converted in ACU Measures?

Answer: All numbers should be entered in local currencies. Your institution is automatically linked to your national currency, which will be used in currency conversions. If you use a different currency, please contact us and we will change it.

In an attempt to equalise the purchasing power of different currencies for comparing values across countries with different currencies, the tool uses the World Bank’s Development Indicators to convert local currencies into Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) US Dollars. PPP is the rate of currency conversion at which a given amount of money will purchase the same goods and services in two countries and is calculated by comparing the price of ‘standard’ goods, broadly identical across countries, and using this to establish the exchange value into a single comparable currency.