COSMET
Definition of research tools for data
collection
(O1-A1)
Contents
1
2
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 3
1.1
Purpose of this document ......................................................................................... 3
1.2
Structure of the deliverable ...................................................................................... 3
1.3
Definitions of terms ................................................................................................... 3
1.4
Scope and context of the deliverable ........................................................................ 5
Data collection and research methods.............................................................................. 7
2.1
Survey questionnaires ............................................................................................... 7
2.1.1
Purpose and structure of the questionnaires ................................................... 7
2.1.2
Scope ................................................................................................................. 8
2.1.3
Target Respondents........................................................................................... 8
2.1.4
Process............................................................................................................. 10
2.1.5
Data validation, processing and analysis ......................................................... 10
2.2
Desk research / Literature review ........................................................................... 12
3
Action plan and roadmap ................................................................................................ 13
4
Annex A: Questionnaire on skills demand....................................................................... 14
5
Annex B: Questionnaire for VET providers ...................................................................... 18
6
Annex C: Desk research data collection form ................................................................. 22
7
Annex D: Telephone follow up with site manager’s employers ...................................... 23
8
Annex E: Short interview guide for the telephone follow up with VET providers .......... 23
9
Annex F: Cover letter from project partners to participants (example) ......................... 24
1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose of this document
The purpose of this document is to provide the methodology instructions and tools for
collecting data about the training needs of construction site managers on smart metering
technologies and services, supporting the production of the final deliverable of Intellectual
Output O1, namely “Evidence based learning outcomes”.
1.2 Structure of the deliverable
This document is structured as follows: Chapter 1 highlights the scope and context of
research and includes a glossary of terms. Chapter 2 describes the research methodological
tools to be used for data collection and addresses key considerations for the purpose,
structure and scope of the questionnaires, the definition of the target groups (for all
partners), data validation and analysis (for SummitSkills as the activity Lead Partner
responsible for the analysis and drafting of the final report); Chapter 3 presents a roadmap
and action plan for the data collection. Finally, in Annexes A and B contain the actual
questionnaires (one addressed to site managers’ employers and one addressed to
Vocational Education & Training (VET) providers for the construction sector). Annex C is a
desk research form to assist in the gathering of the collected data by each partner in a
consistent format before sending them to SummitSkills who will formulate the COSMET
learning outcomes definition of knowledge, skills and competences for construction site
managers on smart metering technologies and services. In Annexes D and E, materials to
support the telephone follow up of the conducted surveys are provided in the form of short
interview guides.
1.3 Definitions of terms
Construction Site Managers
For the purposes of this methodology, and within the context of the entire project work as
defined in the Application Form covering the general and common aspects of the job
description which varies among the partnership countries, the term “construction site
manager” is used to define the people involved in site management that are responsible for
running a building construction site or sites by overseeing operations on a day-to-day basis,
and ensuring that work is done safely, on time, within budget and to the proper quality
standards. ‘Site Manager’ and ‘site management’ may have different titles in partner
countries.
As a manager on smaller sites, the site manager might have full responsibility for the whole
project. On larger sites, the site manager may be in charge of a particular section and report
to a senior site manager. The site manager would also be the main point of contact for
subcontractors, customers, other site professionals and the public. Sites may be single
building or multiple buildings.
The site manager’s duties would typically include:

discussing plans with architects, surveyors and buyers before building work starts

planning work schedules for the job, using project management software

preparing the site by hiring staff, installing temporary offices and taking delivery of
materials

working closely with the site workforce once building is underway

monitoring progress and costs; and checking quality

making sure the work meets legal requirements and Building Regulations

reporting regularly to the client
Smart Metering Technologies
A smart meter is usually an electronic device that records resource1 consumption in frequent
intervals and communicates that information to the utility company for monitoring and
billing. Smart meters enable two-way communication between the meter and the central
system. Unlike home energy and water monitors, smart meters can gather data for remote
1
Most commonly water, gas, heat, electricity
reporting. Such an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) differs from traditional automatic
meter reading (AMR) in that it enables two-way communication with the meter.2
1.4 Scope and context of the deliverable
Construction site managers can play a crucial role in promoting the usage of smart metering
technologies and ensuring their effective and efficient integration in modern buildings. Their
position involves overseeing installation, contributing to planning, deciding on technology
selection, and predicting maintenance and management needs for these technologies. They
may also advise customers on the improvement of usage and integration of smart metering
technologies.
The introduction of smart metering technologies requires a diverse and comprehensive
skillset: sufficient and adequate digital competences, electronic literacy on device embedded
software and additional technical skills combined with environmental knowledge.
Construction site managers should possess interdisciplinary knowledge about different
techniques that promote environmental sustainability and cost effectiveness. They should
also be in a position to consult with and advise customers and stakeholders about promoting
the new smart metering technologies, as well as related services and techniques.
Within this context, it is a priority of the project and a basic prerequisite step, to establish
the current and emerging training requirements and Vocational Education and Training
(VET) guidelines on modern smart metering technologies. Therefore, the aim of the COSMET
project’s Intellectual Output O1 is to explore how VET provision for construction site
managers can adapt to the current and emerging skills requirements on the integration of
smart metering technologies in buildings, within the geographical scope of the 6 Partnership
countries: United Kingdom (SummitSkills), Greece (PROMEA), Poland (PSMB), Spain (UPV),
Germany (BFW NRW) and Lithuania (VSRC). The objective of Intellectual Output O1 is to
develop up-to-date, modern smart metering learning outcomes which meet sector needs
and which are appropriate for integration into existing VET offerings for construction site
2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_meter
managers. These evidence based learning outcomes will address modern skills needs of site
managers on smart metering technologies and services, delivering a European-wide
comprehensive pedagogical structure.
The purpose of the proposed methodology is to investigate the current and emerging
training requirements for construction site managers in Europe by collecting information
from industry and VET provision stakeholders related to the sector. To this end, the target
group of respondents includes: a) typical site managers’ employers such as: civil engineering
companies, building companies, construction companies and constructors, housing estates
etc), and b) VET providers for the construction sector.
The methodology proposed by this document aims to guide the subsequent data gathering
activities of COSMET project partners, by addressing: a) the context and purpose of the
research methodology for elaboration of training needs, b) the selection of the appropriate
research methods and techniques (e.g. questionnaires, desk research form, interview guide
for the phone follow-up), and c) the sampling and target groups of the research activities.
2 Data collection and research methods
The data collection of sectoral training requirements in the COSMET partnership countries
will be a combination of i) two on-line surveys addressed to site managers’ employers and
VET providers respectively to determine the training skills needs, and ii) desk research in
each country to identify skill supply and needs by reviewing information on existing training
courses, labour demand, relevant job descriptions etc. The output leader (SummitSkills) will
be responsible for the gathering of data collected in all other partners’ countries and for the
drafting of the synthesis report onthe evidence based learning outcomes.
2.1 Survey questionnaires
The partnership decided to consult with the construction industry stakeholders, managers
and employers, as well as VET providers in order to establish the training needs in each
country, using two data collection tools: a) one questionnaire to identify the construction
industry needs regarding knowledge and skills on smart metering for site managers, and b)
one questionnaire addressed to VET providers to explore their views on the educational
context and content of the relevant VET provision for site managers. A web-based approach
was chosen for reasons of practicality, and to facilitate the data collection, coding, and
analysis process. It was decided that the questionnaires should be comprised mostly of
closed questions, based on a list of indicative knowledge and skills in the site managers’ job
profile as defined in the context of the COSMET project; to check training needs on the
demand side. Additionally, both surveys’ participants are invited to provide more input in
follow up phone interviews, based on short interview guides and open questions.
2.1.1
Purpose and structure of the questionnaires
The objective of the questionnaires is to collect data on the following two basic questions:
-
What are the current and emerging requirements for technical, digital, and
consultation skills in incorporating, managing and using smart metering technologies
in modern construction sites, and exploiting the technical capabilities they provide?
-
How well does the current training provision meet the needs of the modern
construction industry sector relating to smart metering technologies management
and use?
In both questionnaires (site managers’ employers and VET providers), section A presents the
purpose of the survey and offers some basic explanatory definitions to participants while
section B determines the respondent's identity and their area of expertise. Section D
collects information to enable a follow-up call to be conducted if necessary. In the site
mamagers’ employer questionnaire, section C surveys the demand side investigating the
current and emerging training requirements of the site managers sector by asking
respondents to rate to what extent site managers need the presented list of smart metering
knowledge, skills and competences. In the questionnaire addressed to VET providers for the
construction sector, section C investigates their views and input regarding the educational
content and context of VET provision for site managers on smart metering. The
questionnaires are in Annexes A and B.
2.1.2
Scope
The scope of the survey is defined in the COSMET Application Form in terms of geographical
location, target population, and themes covered, as follows:

Geographical scope: Focus on the countries represented in the project consortium
(United Kingdom, Spain, Poland, Lithuania, Germany and Greece).

Target population: a) construction industry stakeholders (representing the
employers’ point of view), and b) VET providers and trainers for construction site
managers (see also paragraph 2.1.3).

Thematic scope: Sector skill requirements and vocational education and training
needs in the field of smart metering technologies for site managers.
2.1.3
Target Respondents
The respondents should be drawn from :
o
Construction Industry:
o
-
Civil engineering companies
-
Building companies
-
Construction companies & constructors
-
Building installation companies
-
Building Services Engineering companies
-
Estate Management companies
-
Associations of employers and employees
VET providers:
-
VET providers and trainers for the construction industry
-
Associations of trainers and VET providers involved in the lifelong learning
education of individuals that fit the profile of a construction site manager
To extract meaningful information on sectoral requirements on to smart metering
technologies introduction and exploitation, an adequate amount of data must be collected
through the field research. Initial and suggestive targets for the collection of data from the
COSMET consortium countries are indicated below. These estimates will be useful for
tracking and monitoring the collection process in order to make sure sufficient evidence will
be gathered. These targets set the indicative minimum for data collection and, in order to
lead to meaningful research conclusions should be obtained from the right respondents, as
described in the target group and taking into account strict standards of statistical sampling
between target groups.
Partner
Country
SummitSkills
United Kingdom
PROMEA
Greece
PSMB
Poland
UPV
Spain
minimum 18
BFW NRW
Germany
minimum 18
VSRC
Lithuania
6
minimum 18
TOTAL
Target number of gathered questionnaires
minimum 18
minimum 18
minimum 18
minimum 100
2.1.4
Process
The process for administering the questionnaire has been agreed by COSMET partners as
follows:
I.
The survey is prepared and agreed among the partners according to the description
in the Application Form and the methodology report delivered by PROMEA on
November the 13th.
II.
All partners will identify a list of relevant stakeholders by 13th of November;
III.
Partners translate the survey questions into their local language in a document by
the 20th of November;
IV.
PROMEA develops online versions of the questionnaire and uploads them on the
Adobe Forms Central online survey software platform by 25th November;
V.
Partners contact the stakeholders to communicate the nature of the survey and to
request their collaboration in completing the survey;
VI.
Partners follow up with respondents to clarify questions which may arise and
ensure completion of the survey and desk research data collection by December
31st (See Annexes D & E);
VII.
PROMEA will periodically inform SummitSkills, as the activity leader, on the
progress of the on-line survey and the number of responses received from each
country so that SummitSkills can keep partners up-to-date with progress.
VIII.
SummitSkills is responsible for the coordination of the activity, the data collection
from all other partner countries (from the field research and the desk research) by
December 31st, and subsequently the collected data analysis and presentation in
the final synthesis report.
2.1.5
Data validation, processing and analysis
This section presents the steps for aggregation and processing of the data gathered through
the survey questionnaire. SummitSkills as the lead partner and coordinator of the activity is
responsible for data validation and processing, the analysis of the data collected and the
drafting of the final synthesis report.
Preparation stage: Data validation and consolidation
Upon the completion of the survey, the gathered data will be validated and consolidated.
Data validation refers to the process of determining the accuracy of data to ensure that data
conforms to specifications. In order to consolidate data, information needs to be merged by
summarising the large amount of data into one large worksheet that will reflect all of the
collected data. A pivot table report in MS Excel is highly recommended to be created.
1st Step: Identifying variables and scales
Statistical computations and analyses assume that the variables have a specific level of
measurement and are appropriately defined during the construction of the questionnaire.
Consequently, variables can be defined as nominal, ordinal or interval to avoid nonsensical
results.
- Nominal or categorical variables are based on mutually exclusive but not ranked or ordered
categories. Yes / no, multiple choice or demographic questions (e.g. country, job description
etc.) are usual examples of nominal variables.
- Ordinal variables are based on categories that can be ordered or ranked and therefore
questions could include a rating scale. Offering an ordered set of choices, ordinal variables
are more flexible than nominal variables and allow for the evaluation of priority issues,
opinions or levels of agreement.
- Interval variables are based on categories which are ordered and the intervals between the
values of the interval variable are equally spaced. For example a question with rating scales
from one to ten.
2nd Step: Mapping and coding of responses
Prior to data processing, valid responses will be reviewed and mapped into specific variables
based on the type of the question. In order to investigate possible relationship between
variables, more than one field can be combined. In the case of ordinal variables and where
required, responses can be recorded in numerical values to facilitate quantitative
processing.
3rd Step: Statistical data processing
The Microsoft Excel program can be used to process collected data for survey analysis. Also,
a pivot table data summarisation tool can be used to automatically sort and combine data
and return descriptive statistics and frequencies of the predefined data fields.
Data analysis
Basic tools of descriptive statistics like counts, means, and percentages will be employed
(where questions permit) to extract useful information. For rank order questions, the
creation of a statistics table including for each skill its minimum and maximum ranking,
mean ranking variation, standards of deviation and total responses is highly recommended.
2.2 Desk research / Literature review
Desk research will be conducted as a complementary mean of information collection on the
existing training supply level. Evidence on training needs and available skill supply on smart
metering technologies and measures will be gathered as cases of reference for the partner
countries. This information will be gathered and used by the activity leader (SummitSkills)
for delivering the final data analysis and synthesis report. Partners will ensure that all
material is translated into English before sending to SummitSkills.
To guide the process and assist partners, a data collection form (Annex C) has been
developed and made available to help the presentation of data in an integrated form, to be
forwarded to the activity leader (SummitSkills) for content analysis and presentation based
on thematic categorisation following the structure of the form’s categorisation.
Possible sources of information can be VET providers in the partnership countries and across
the wider EU, the outcomes of other relevant European projects, material from existing VET
courses for the construction sector, research from academic institutions with expertise in
smart metering and home automation, and surveys on training needs of the construction
sector.
3 Action plan and roadmap
Methodology, including the data collection tools, will be delivered by PROMEA to
SummitSkills for feedback (by 9th of November), and then distributed to partners by the 13th
of November 2015. The translated versions of the questionnaires should be uploaded in the
on-line platform by 25th of November 2015. The questionnaires should be forwarded by the
partners to respondents as soon as possible and data collection is expected to be delivered
by December 31st. Accordingly, partners are expected to fill in (in English) data collection
forms related to desk research and forward them to SummitSkills until the end of December
2015.
4 Annex A: Questionnaire on skills demand
Survey of European site managers’ training needs on smart metering
A. Purpose of the survey and definitions
This survey is part of the COSMET project, which aims to improve the knowledge and skills of
European construction site managers in smart metering. The purpose of this survey is to
investigate the skills needs of site managers from the point of view of the construction
industry (employers).
Construction Site Managers
For the purposes of this survey, the term “construction site managers” is used to define the
people that are responsible for managing a building construction site by overseeing
operations on a day-to-day basis, ensuring that work is done safely, on time, within budget
and to the proper quality standards.
Smart Metering Technologies
A smart meter is usually an electronic device that records resource3 consumption in frequent
intervals and communicates that information to the utility company for monitoring and
billing. Smart meters enable two-way communication between the meter and the central
system. Unlike home energy and water monitors, smart meters can gather data for remote
reporting. Such an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) differs from traditional automatic
meter reading (AMR) in that it enables two-way communication with the meter.
3
Most commonly water, gas, heat, electricity
B. Respondent profile
Country
(Insert text here)
Organisation
(Insert text here)
Email Address
(Insert text here)
What type of organisation do you represent?
□
Civil engineering company
□
Building company
□
Construction company
□
Building installation company
□
Building services engineering company
□
Estate management company
□
Association of site managers’ employers
□
Association of site managers’ employees
□
Other (please specify)……………………………………………………………..
Please, specify your role in the organisation.
.....................................................................................................................
C. Skills required by the site managers’ employers with regards to smart metering services
Please rate to what extent construction site managers need to possess the following smart
metering technologies knowledge, skills and competences.
Very
limited
1.
2.
3.
Knowledge of a wide range of gas, heat,
water, and electricity smart metering
technologies and systems.
Knowledge of the environmental impact
of gas, heat, water, electricity smart
metering systems.
Knowledge of the IT infrastructure
related to the recoding and storage of
transmitted data.
Limited
Average
Much
Very
much
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Very
limited
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
Knowledge of the network infrastructure
and the Internet of Things systems that
cover the wide range of “smart” devices
(sensors, actuators, meters etc).
Knowledge of the device interconnectivity
among smart devices and smart metering
systems.
Knowledge of technical issues related to
the installation of smart metering
technologies in new buildings (e.g. topics
such as where to place antennas etc).
Knowledge of technical issues related to
the retrofitting of smart metering
technologies in existing buildings.
Construction site management and
supervision skills regarding
smart
metering
systems
(e.g.
checking
processes, time planning and prioritization
of site works).
Coordination of site staff, employed in
works that include smart metering.
Preparing designs, drawings and reports
on site works that include smart metering.
Digital skills on incorporating smart
metering technologies in automated
home infrastructures.
Technical skills on incorporating smart
metering technologies in automated
home infrastructures.
Customer consultation skills on the
selection of the most suitable smart
metering solutions.
Customer consultation skills on the use
and impact (environmental, economic) of
smart metering systems.
Knowledge of the European legislation
framework for the installation of smart
metering technologies in buildings.
Knowledge of the national legislation
framework for the installation of smart
metering technologies in buildings.
Knowledge of the health and safety issues
associated with site works that include
smart metering technologies and services.
Any other comments?
Limited
Average
Much
Very
much
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
D. Follow up
If you would be willing to further explain and discuss your views and ideas regarding smart
metering skills for site managers at some time in the future, please complete the following
details.
Name: …………………………………………………
Contact number: ...............................
Hours you would be available to be contacted by phone: .....................
5 Annex B: Questionnaire for VET providers
Survey on the European site managers’ training needs on smart metering technologies and
services
A. Purpose of the survey and definitions
This survey is part of the COSMET project, which aims to improve the knowledge and skills of
European construction site managers in smart metering. The purpose of this survey is to
investigate the skills needs of site managers from the point of view of VET providers.
Construction Site Managers
For the purposes of this survey, the term “construction site managers” is used to define the
people that are responsible for managing a building construction site by overseeing
operations on a day-to-day basis, ensuring that work is done safely, on time, within budget
and to the proper quality standards.
Smart Metering Technologies
A smart meter is usually an electronic device that records resource4 consumption in frequent
intervals and communicates that information to the utility company for monitoring and
billing. Smart meters enable two-way communication between the meter and the central
system. Unlike home energy and water monitors, smart meters can gather data for remote
reporting. Such an advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) differs from traditional automatic
meter reading (AMR) in that it enables two-way communication with the meter.
B. Respondent profile
4
Country
(Insert text here)
Organisation
(Insert text here)
Email Address
(Insert text here)
Most commonly water, gas, heat, electricity
What is your area of expertise regarding vocational education and training (VET) provision
for the construction sector?
(You may provide more than one answers)
□
VET provision for the construction sector
□
VET provision in building installation services
□
VET provision for the energy sector
□
VET provision for the water sector
□
Other (please specify)……………………………………………………………..
C. Views of VET providers on the site managers’ training needs in smart metering
1. How relevant to the role of site managers is training in smart metering technologies and
services in your country?
(Please select one answer)
○ Very relevant
○ Moderately relevant
○ Not very relevant
○ Not at all relevant
2. What are the most needed skills/knowledge site managers need to acquire via training?
(Please select the 3 most important)
□ Digital knowledge and skills (e.g. IT infrastructure interconnectivity, programming skills)
□ Managerial skills (e.g. site supervision skills such as checking processes, prioritization of
site works)
□ Technical skills (e.g. incorporating smart metering technologies in automated home
infrastructures)
□ Environmental knowledge (e.g. knowledge of the environmental impact of gas, heat,
water, electricity smart metering systems)
□ Public and customer consultation skills on the use and impact of smart metering systems
□ Other. Please specify ………………………..
3. What skill sets would site managers need for managing smart metering technologies?
(Please select all that apply)
□ Design
□ Managing
□ Installation
□ Maintenance
□ Commissioning
□ Inspecting
□ Reporting
□ Consulting
□ Other. Please specify ………………………..
4. Who should have the biggest role in providing training to site managers on smart
metering technologies and services?
(Please select one answer)
○ VET providers for the construction industry
○ VET providers/trainers for the energy/water industry
○ Construction industry Associations
○ Environmental agencies
○ Other. Please specify ………………………..
5. How much training time do site management trainees need in order to improve their
knowledge/skills in smart metering?
(Please select one answer)
○ Less than 20 hours per year
○ More than 20 hours per year
○ Please specify…………………………
6. What is the best way to improve the site manager’s knowledge and skills in smart
metering?
(Please select one answer)
○ In-house training within the construction companies
○ VET provision for the construction industry
○ Apprenticeships for site managers
○ Other. Please specify …………………………..
D. Follow up interviews
If you would be willing to further explain and discuss your views and ideas regarding smart
metering training for site managers at some time in the future, please complete the
following details.
Name: …………………………………………………
Contact number: ...............................
Hours you would be available to be contacted by phone: .....................
6 Annex C: Desk research data collection form
Data collection form for presenting information gathered via desk research on the existing
training provision for site managers on smart metering.
Field
Field Entry
Course title
Qualification / Accreditation
Institution / Provider
Country
Mode of study
Number of training hours
Main focus?
Scope of course
Target audience
Content:
Environmental Education
Technical/Digital Education
Customer Consultation
Other
Source
Text entry
MSc./BSc./other vocational
Text entry
EU country
Full time/part time/both
Number of hours
Water/Electricity/Gas/Heat
Technical/Environmental
Description of participants
Description of modules
Description of modules
Description of modules
Description of modules
Link
7 Annex D: Telephone follow up with site manager’s employers
A. Short interview guide
1. Can you describe the role and job profile of the site manager in the construction industry
today?
2. What involvement do site managers have with smart metering in the modern
construction site?
3. What kind of smart metering knowledge, skills and competences do construction site
managers need today?
5. Any other thoughts, ideas and suggestions on site managers’ training needs in smart
metering technologies and services?
B. Respondent’s area of expertise
......................................................................................................................................
8
Annex E: Short interview guide for the telephone follow up with VET
providers
1. What kind of smart metering knowledge, skills and competences do site managers in the
construction sector need today?
2. Who do you think should be responsible for VET provision for site managers in the
construction sector with regards to smart metering technologies and services?
3. How many hours of VET provision are needed to site managers in order to cover their
training needs in smart metering?
4. Any other thoughts, ideas and suggestions on site managers’ training needs in smart
metering technologies and services?
B. Respondent’s area of expertise
......................................................................................................................................
9 Annex F: Cover letter from project partners to participants
(example)
Subject: COSMET project – Invitation to participate in a survey on smart metering skills for
site managers
Dear Sir / Madam
We would like to invite you to participate in a survey. The aim of this survey is to identify the
knowledge, skills and competences in smart metering technologies and services needed by
site managers’.
As a key stakeholder and expert in the field, we consider your input to be vital. Your
contribution will assist us to develop a relevant training curriculum and materials that will be
made freely available to the public in 2018.
The survey takes only a few minutes to complete and will be open until December 31 2015.
Click here to participate: link to the on-line questionnaire
In case of any difficulties / enquiries please do not hesitate to contact …….: contact e-mail
Thank you for your contribution.
Signature
---------------------------------------------------------------------The COSMET project (www.cosmet-project.eu) is a Strategic Partnership that will modernize
VET for site managers in terms of relevance to smart metering. The COSMET project is being
funded under ERASMUS+, projects supporting education and training in Europe and beyond.