Operations research

Workshop on stigma and discrimination, Zambia. © 2004 Gideon Mendel for International HIV/AIDS Alliance

Operations research is an important way to support and inform planning, co-ordinating, training and evaluation functions that are key components of programming.

It looks at problems affecting service delivery operations, focusing on the search for solutions. Often, operations research projects consist of an intervention that is closely tied to and developed alongside a piece of research. The research, then, will be trying to answer questions related to the intervention. How effective is it in attaining its desired outcomes, for example? Often, the intervention may be an innovative approach, and the research will be asking how effective the intervention is.

Why?

The research and evaluation unit’s rationale for conducting operations research is to:

  • increase the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of programmes and services within the Alliance and among its partners
  • raise the Alliance’s external profile by showing and documenting evidence of successes of programming in order to secure future funding for doing further operations research
  • better understand the situation, needs, challenges or gaps in knowledge and information that can be obtained
  • investigate and test theories and assumptions
  • identify good practices
  • assist in bridging the gap between policy and practice
  • strengthen advocacy
  • explore further partnerships with research institutes.

Research should not necessarily be viewed as something separate from programming. It can be included in programme design, planning, monitoring and evaluation. If it is included in an early stage, it becomes clear why it will be needed, what the scope of the research will be, and the logistical requirements (such as financial and human resources).

The Alliance’s research projects range in size and scope, and include both in-country and international partners. The Alliance also gives input into wider and international operations research agendas.