Research tools
Appropriate methods aligned to tangible indicators to gain information for meaningful analysis and conclusions
Technology Solutions
Affordable and context specific Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for data collection, storage, and analysis
Monitoring Dashboards
Presentation of evidence and data across key performance measures for strategic decision-making
CONTEXT AND CHALLENGES
CONTEXT AND CHALLENGES
Several organisations collect data which is ‘nice to have’ with limited alignment to program objectives and goals. This results in long survey tools collecting information which is not relevant and has very high cost and time implications. Research methods are limited in scope for the particular duration (eg: baseline study), which is not usable to track data over time (eg: during midline and endline studies). Tools many times use jargon and are not contextualised to local realities. Many tools also do not adhere to criteria of reliability (results can be consistently reproduced), and validity (actually measuring the concept you’re interested in). Poorly designed tools result in response bias, social desirability bias, question order bias, etc. yielding very poor results and data.
Organisations using paper-pen based data collection face data quality issues, are unable to track real-time data collection and are prone to many human errors in data collection, processing and analysis. There are high time lags in receiving data, beneficiaries cannot be matched or tracked over time, data verification is cumbersome and time consuming.
Organisations are unable to monitor the work of field teams, track progress of project interventions, find relevant trends, or take real-time actions. Not being able to extend required support to teams or make course corrective decisions during the project life span results in not being able to achieve desired social impact or goals.
SOLUTIONS
SOLUTIONS
Effective research tools and methods are vital for obtaining valuable data that enhances the understanding of corporate social responsibility (CSR) endeavours’ progress and impacts on sustainable development. These tools should be tailored to outcome indicators within the Theory of Change or results chain, considering respondent profiles and capacities to ensure unbiased, valid, and reliable information acquisition. Incorporating both quantitative and qualitative measures like surveys, observations, group discussions, and participatory methods is crucial. These techniques should align with recognized frameworks, fostering cross-learning and partnerships, while acknowledging team capacities, available resources, time, and budget within CSR funding.
An integrated data management system facilitates streamlined data collection, standardisation, and interconnectivity of diverse datasets, encompassing both new and legacy information. This system ensures easy tracking of program processes and yields insightful social impact metrics. Central to data collection is verifying whether project goals and results align. To achieve this, initiating unique beneficiary IDs is paramount, illuminating program progress, intervention reach, and delivery quality. Moreover, these systems document team size, roles, and data specifics, integrating monitoring and evaluation seamlessly into job roles and organisational operations.
Digital tools revolutionise monitoring and evaluation by addressing the limitations of manual methods. Pen-and-paper monitoring leads to data tracking challenges, errors, and authenticity concerns. In contrast, ICT tools such as SurveyCTO, Track your metrics, and MForm incorporate quality management systems, assuring accurate data. Remote data collection and streamlined input from diverse stakeholders enhance data quality and consistency. Technological progress introduces innovative tools like geo-referenced data for rural development monitoring, satellite imagery for agriculture assessment, UAVs for detailed insights, and crowdsourcing for real-time quality tracking of public services. These advancements empower social audits and impact bonds with robust, comprehensive data for informed decision-making and transformative outcomes.
A data dashboard, a dynamic information tool, visually tracks and analyses key performance indicators (KPIs), metrics, and data points critical for monitoring and evaluating social change interventions. By granting project team members and partners access for updates, it fosters deeper comprehension of achieved outcomes, improvement areas, and transparency in successes and challenges. Embedding indicators within the organization’s theory of change ensures relevance, addressing program teams’ and decision-makers’ information needs. Uniform data collection protocols across teams strengthen indicators and outcomes. These dashboards elevate data quality, facilitating result discussions and best-practice sharing. Anchored in evidence, the dashboards fuel informed decisions and corrective actions, amplified through strategic partnerships.
IMPORTANCE
IMPORTANCE
Strategic Tool Selection
Data management systems guide the identification of effective tools and methods for data collection, ensuring feasibility and usefulness.
Timely Tracking
These systems specify data collection frequency and updates, facilitating the establishment of timelines and targets across teams to drive community change.
Visualising Results
Data systems enable the visualisation of tangible and quantitative outcomes, aiding in result presentation and evidence-based decision-making.
Correlation and Integration
UIDs aid in correlating data, such as baseline and endline income, enriching implementation tracking.