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LEARNING BY DOING

> Tracking Practice

FORMATIVE RESEARCH

To implement well, we need to know the starting point, understand its complexities. In other words, we undertake a solid baseline analysis of the status of key goals we wish to contribute to, outcomes we wish to achieve, as well as the relationships which govern how various actors behave in creating these outcomes and achieving the goals. For this, we use a process of Reverse Logic: an analytical approach (based on political economy analysis) through which we identify the main actors, their behaviours, and motivations and barriers to change. We build the key measurement components (monitoring) alongside this analysis. But the first step is always to know the starting point in its depth and complexity.

WHY IT MATTERS

Formative research allows us to sense check our assumptions, particularly those that make or break projects.

Formative research provides insight into the implementation challenges and effectiveness of any particular intervention.

Formative research supports us to be more attune to unintended outcomes and pitfalls.