Studies for development cooperation

Development cooperation depends on reliable data to make decisions, formulate projects and allocate resources needed for implementation. Thus, an important part of our work is dedicated to conduct studies and surveys to form the basis for impactful programmes and projects. We apply different study types in our projects depending on the circumstances and expected targets.

Purpose

Market research

• For a market segment, establish its status, recent trend, and prognosis (not just extrapolation!) of the near and maybe medium future • Definition of the market segment maybe given or as part of the study

Diagnostic study

• Status of performance against given targets • Potential to perform (better) under changing circumstances

Methodology

• Quantitative and qualitative surveys

• Quantitative and qualitative surveys • Scenario technique

Feasibility study

• Analysing adequacy and risks involved • Analysis of potential of how the concept/ approach is likely to work in different (actual and potential) circumstances • Technical analysis of the concept’s elements • Scenario and other creative techniques

Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA)

• Identify socio-economic effects* • Qualify and possibly quantify

* RIA could also take a legal perspective to analyse how different provisions of (different) laws interact; this would be an exercise for a trained lawyer.

Product research

• Understand the (potential) demand • Establish the circumstances which will shape the (choice of) product features • Market research (see above) • Qualitative engagement (Humancentered design)

• Document analysis • Country-comparison • Key stakeholder interviews Studies are needed to design and implement projects in a meaningful way. Even if non-scientifically sound studies are possible due to the available budget and time frame, experienced consultants can still deliver reliable results with smaller samples, using modern ICT methods and, in particular, the expertise gained from many years of professional experience.

Key to success of the study is to kick-off with a clear, joint understanding of the target framework, and how to settle its inevitable trade-offs.

AFC has rich experience in delivering studies, applying sound, consciously chosen methodology (see figure). Success of a study also depends on aptly handling the practical challenges of primary research. These include reaching the relevant respondents and managing the quality of work delivered by research assistants. Centre-stage is taken by the research instruments – they need to be crisp enough so that interviews are completed, and clear enough so that answers actually reflect the issue of interest (and not the misunderstanding of research assistant, respondent, or both).

In the end, the data analysis is transformed into a concisely and attractively presented report, for which AFC relies on its proven structure for backstopping and quality control.

For further information, please contact:

Oliver Schmidt Project Manager oliver.schmidt@afci.de