Our Services
Assistance Provided for Defining Sample Frame
A sample frame refers to a list or an enumeration of all the elements (individuals, households, businesses, etc.) that make up the population from which a sample will be drawn. Sample frames are crucial in ensuring that the sample drawn is representative of the population of interest. They serve as the basis for conducting surveys, experiments, or any other form of research where sampling is involved. We advise our clients about sourcing data and information to develop sample frames for research assignments to be conducted in Africa. The steps followed by us for defining sample frames include (but not exhaustive) are: population definition, inclusion criteria, identifying units, construction of the frame, verification and cleaning and accessibility.
Conducting Training Programmes of Data Collection Teams at Locations
Our experienced project managers conduct online and physical field briefings and trainings for entire data collection teams even in remote locations of Africa. Here’s a structured approach we follow to plan and execute these training sessions. These include:
Pre-training preparations: Identify training objectives, prepare training materials, schedule mode of training
1. Training delivery: Presentation of concept, hands-on training (mock interviews), feedback & Q&A
2. Post Training follow ups: Provide support materials, supervision and monitoring
A few key points are:
– Cultural Sensitivity: Adapt training content and delivery methods to respect cultural norms and sensitivities.
– Language Proficiency: Ensure training materials are available in languages understood by all participants.
Field Planning and Logistics Control
Our experienced project managers conduct online and physical field briefings and trainings for entire data collection teams even in remote locations of Africa. Here’s a structured approach we follow to plan and execute these training sessions. These include:
Pre-training preparations: Identify training objectives, prepare training materials, schedule mode of training
1. Training delivery: Presentation of concept, hands-on training (mock interviews), feedback & Q&A
2. Post Training follow ups: Provide support materials, supervision and monitoring
A few key points are:
– Cultural Sensitivity: Adapt training content and delivery methods to respect cultural norms and sensitivities.
– Language Proficiency: Ensure training materials are available in languages understood by all participants.
Data Collection and Uploading to Cloud Servers
Data collection and uploading to cloud servers are critical processes in various fields of research surveys. Technological advancements using survey platforms which has aids like GPS tracking, and digital inventory management have significantly enhanced the capabilities of logistics and quota control, enabling better decision-making and responsiveness in dynamic environments.
In most cases, we do Mobile Data Collection, i.e., using mobile devices to collect data in the field and transmit it to central systems. Even in remote areas where there is no effective Internet availability, the devices can store collected data for the day and uploaded when the device is moved to locations with effective Internet speeds.
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Assignments
We conduct both qualitative and quantitative research assignments as per client’s research contexts. Qualitative Research Assignments include IDIs, FGDs, Immersions, with or without pre-tasks. Quantitative Research Assignments include single or multiple stage surveys.
Special Considerations in Africa need to be considered. A few examples are given below:
– Cultural Considerations: In some areas, photography is not welcome. So, it is necessary to manage this requirement.
– Some countries or parts of countries have Sharia Law – hence interviewing and videotaping women has to be done in a certain manner.
– Some areas require local permission from Chieftains (in addition to that from security agencies).
Our field personnel are fully conversant with these local issues and know how to manage these well.
Data Processing and Reporting
For quantitative research projects we can deliver full analysis and reports (in PPT / Word). If we are scripting / programming the questionnaire / survey on the platform, we can also deliver the raw data (without personal identification of the respondent) in a format suitable to the client e.g., Excel, .csv, SPSS, ASCII etc.
Similarly for qualitative research we can deliver Content Analysis and Reporting. We can also deliver the English transcripts (done by dual language transcribers) of all IDIs and FGDs etc for client to work on these at their end. Videos and audio files are also uploaded via cloud servers to the clients.
