NGO support toolkit (English)  >  Institutional Change 

Research

Research projects can take many forms and guises. Within this section is contained more detailed discussion on some definitions of research based projects, the potential role of NGO support providers (NSPs) in research, and what needs to be kept in mind when planning a research project, concluding with an example of what might be expected and what needs to be considered when developing a research proposal.

Why do research?

Research is a means by which:

• An understanding of the situation, needs, challenges or gaps in knowledge and information can be obtained
• Theories and assumptions can be investigated and tested
• Good practices identified
• Efficiency, effectiveness and quality of programmes and services can be increased
• Advocacy strengthened
• Evidence of successes of programming documented in order to secure future funding

Research should not necessarily be viewed as something separate from programming, but can be included in programme design, planning, monitoring and evaluation. If it is included in an early stage it will be clearer why it is needed, what the scope of the research will be, and the logistical requirements.

The link between research and M&E

When developing M&E systems using a logical framework style approach, a range of indicators are identified which track i) inputs, ii) activities, iii) outputs, iv) outcomes and v) impact. Whilst inputs, activities and outputs can often be tracked through activity monitoring and standard reporting systems, indicators for outcomes and impact will have to come from other sources. These sources might include secondary material, national level census or household study data or specific pieces of research.

The role of NSPs in research

There are a variety of roles NSPs could take in terms of research. The following lists some of these roles:

• Doing the research themselves - NSPs will need to carefully plan why, how, who within the organisation will do the research and whether they have the capacity to do it.
• Planning or developing the research - NSPs can, for instance, be involved in identifying key research questions and indicators to be tracked; they can also assist in developing the methodology and tools to be used.
• Identifying consultants to do the research - as they know the local context and the consultants available in-country with the relevant expertise, they can play a lead in identifying consultants that they feel are competent and have the appropriate sensitivities for undertaking the research.
• Facilitate the relationship between consultants and communities - NSPs often have direct contact with communities and can be the link between organisations in the field and research institutes. They can introduce researchers to communities, give credibility to researchers, facilitate research meetings, etc.
• Dissemination of findings – NSPs can facilitate and/or host a dissemination meeting, identifying key stakeholders to be present, giving credibility to the findings.
• Key informants - often members of NSPs are key informants for the research and may be interviewed by the research team to obtain their experience around a certain topic.
• Advisory boards of research projects - as members of NSPs often have direct contact with communities and are aware of the sensitivities around working on specific issues, they can provide an effective check on suggested research activities.

Issues to consider

• It is important to be clear about why the research is being done
• There needs to be careful consideration regarding what resources (human, financial, infrastructure) are available for doing the research
• The ways in which the research fits in with our M&E system needs to be thought about

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