Activity: Determining the baseline focusThis is a featured page


Purpose:To determine the focus for the baseline study
Participants:The participants should at include the team working on the project for which the baseline study is planned. Other staff, such as finance officers and adminitstrative staff could be involved. The process should be as participatory as possible, therefore ideally include local partners and other stakeholders.
Time: ca. 45 min.

Materials:Flip charts
Marker pens
Process:1. Start the session first by giving a recap how far the team has come in the planning process of the project. It would be good to display the results chain on the wall. All participants should have the key documents (with theories of change, results chain, etc.) available. If nececssary, give a 10 min presentation of what baseline studies are. Explain to participants that the team will now go through the key steps for planning the study. Also note that the planned baseline study will be point of comparison for monitoring and evaluation - and it will at the same time provide tools that can also be used through monitoring.

2. Introduce the question that will be discussed during this session:

  • What will the baseline study focus on? In other words: What do we want to learn about?
Write the three possible elements that could be included in the baseline focus on flip charts (one element per flip chart):
  • Expected results defined in the results chain.
  • Theories of change (for the vision of success or on level of specific results).
  • Secondary changes (i.e. changes that are not directly planned, but occur due to engagement. This could be positive and negative changes.)
3. Facilitate group discussion that focuses on these three things that could be learnt about, asking why or why not the baseline focus should include it or not. Note key points on flip charts.

4. Reach a preliminary decision with the group so that you can proceed with the next steps.


Note:
It seems quite likely that quite some time has passed between the development of theories of change, results chains and indicators and the planning of the baseline study. During this time, fundraising efforts might have been carried out. Therefore it is important to thoroughly recap what has been done so far. This also provides a good opportunity to review whether any changes are necessary (in particular in rapidly changing environments).

Handout(s):
Source(s):chachabooth@gmail.com



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chachabooth 		Latest page update: made by chachabooth , Aug 25 2009, 5:47 AM EDT (about this update About This Update chachabooth Edited by chachabooth

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