Social Research
Social Research is a method used by social scientists and researchers to learn about people and societies so that they can design products/services that cater to various needs of the people. Different socio-economic groups belonging to different parts of a country think differently. Various aspects of human behavior need to be addressed to understand their thoughts and feedback about the social world, which can be done using social research. Any topic can trigger social research – new feature, new market trend or an upgrade in old technology.
Policy Research and Analysis
Whether desk based or primary data collection through quantitative surveys or qualitative methods – policy research responds to policy-relevant questions. The policy research conducted by Indago team is built on our experience in designing, implementing and evaluating programmes.
Recent examples in this area include projects like:
- Mapping Study on Social Vulnerabilities and Exclusion at Local Level from a Gender Perspective – a study that has provided support to national and local stakeholders in strengthening democratic governance and advancing women’s rights through initiatives aimed at mainstreaming gender in policy planning and budgeting.
- Public and State Administration Research on Areas Included in Chapter 23 – Judiciary and Fundamental Human Rights – a research that provided information on: experience, knowledge and perceptions of citizens on Chapter 23 (judiciary, fight against corruption, fundamental rights and the rights of EU citizens.
Monitoring and Evaluation
The monitoring and evaluation services follow criteria of relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and sustainability. Depending on the scope of work required, M&E services and tools involve performance indicators (measure inputs, processes, outputs, outcomes and impacts of development interventions) for setting targets and measuring progress towards them or logical framework (LogFrame) approach through identifying objectives and expected causal links and risks along the results chain. The selection of the approach and tools used during provision of monitoring and evaluation services is done in close collaboration and coordination with M&E officers.
Identified stakeholders participate in the monitoring and evaluation through discussions, consultations, provision of comments on draft documents and follow-up to the recommendations. In gathering data and views from stakeholders, the monitoring and evaluation team ensures that it considers a cross-section of stakeholders with potentially diverse views to ensure the evaluation findings are as impartial and unbiased as possible. The monitoring and evaluation services and tools used are usually based on a mix of qualitative, quantitative and participatory methodology to ensure triangulation of information.
Recent examples in this area include projects similar to:
- High Level Evaluation of the ILO’s Work in the Western Balkan States – This evaluation had a dual-purpose: achievement of program outcomes and organizational learning. The evaluation sought to determine the achievement of the sub-region’s planned outcomes. The Indago team contributed to report by evaluation assessment for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Macedonia and Montenegro (country case studies).
- Evaluation of UNICEF Child Protection Programme in Macedonia 2010-2015 – activities under this component addressed three main areas of systemic change: policy and legislation, capacity building and prevention. The second component focused on the reform of the social protection sector targeting, in particular, centers for social work (CSW). The contribution of Indago team was through conducting primary data collection (quantitative and qualitative) among different program stakeholders.
Communication for Development
Effective communication strategies that address behavioral practices are more effective when they focus on ensuring the required behavior “evolves” to fit the needs of the individual, as opposed to efforts that focus on trying to persuade individuals to change. Communication for development involves understanding people, their beliefs and values, the social and cultural norms that shape their lives. It is a two-way process for sharing ideas and knowledge using a range of communication tools, approaches and interventions that empower individuals and communities to take actions to improve their lives. Such interventions require an understanding of 1) what would be the relative advantage for adopting positive practices; 2) How compatible is the practice with existing values and practices; 3) How easy are positive methods to uses, and 4) will the results be visible. All these information can contribute to more effective design of strategic communication strategies and campaigns to address barriers existing in a society.
Recent examples in this area include projects like:
- Survey on Parents’ and Caregivers’ and Professional Groups’ Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices & Social Norms Associated with Violent Forms of Child Discipline – a survey aimed at obtaining families’ and professional groups’ knowledge, attitudes and prevalent practices towards violence against children.
- Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP) Survey on Early Childhood Development in Macedonia – a survey focused on people’s knowledge, attitudes and practices on early childhood development.
- Survey on Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices towards Inclusion of Children with Disabilities in Macedonia – a survey aimed at informing a communication campaign to address eventual stereotypes and negative attitudes that prevent children with disabilities from taking up their rightful place in society, provided information on people’s knowledge, attitudes and practices towards inclusion of children with disabilities,