Effective Writing/Writing Case Studies for Impact

By: Fida KarimSpecialist-Monitoring, Evaluation & Research

Objectives of the workshop

• Introducing basic principles/techniques of effective writing

• Engaging professionals/trainers in writing • Developing writing skills of the

trainers/participants • Enabling trainers/participants to write on

impact of training programmes and disseminate learning experiences

Linking workshop with Action Research Project

• Review Action Research plans • What is the progress now?• What are the next plans• How will you report the progress ? ( record your

reflection in a journals on ongoing basis and identify lessons learnt., bi monthly qualitative reports to MER

• Final report (not more than 10 pager) and follow the steps defined

Principles of effective writing• Clear focus /purpose (why are you writing it and for whom) • Simplicity • Brevity/concise (no verbosity)• Clarity • Communication • Emphasis• Evidence based • Passion and control• Coherence /logical sequence • Analytical • Ethics of writing (anonymity, consent of people, avoid plagiarism )

Ways to report the social change and impact ?

Evaluating social change

‘’… those development programs that are most precisely and easily measured are the least transformational, and those programs that are most transformational are the least measurable.” (Former USAID president Andrew Natsios (2010)

Define case study Case study research excels at bringing us to an understanding of a complex issue or object and can extend experience or add strength to what is already known through previous research. Case studies emphasize detailed contextual analysis of a limited number of events or conditions and their relationships. Researchers have used the case study research method for many years across a variety of disciplines. Social scientists, in particular, have made wide use of this qualitative research method to examine contemporary real-life situations and provide the basis for the application of ideas and extension of methods. Researcher Robert K. Yin defines the case study research method as an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context; when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident; and in which multiple sources of evidence are used (Yin, 1984, p. 23).

Steps of case study writing

• Determine and define the research questions• Select the cases and determine data gathering

and analysis techniques• Prepare to collect the data• Collect data in the field• Evaluate and analyze the data• Prepare the report

The case study report• Title • Background/context • Statement of Problem • Justification • Action/ intervention • Description of the process/ methodology /strategy • Analyze the outcomes/successes • Analyze issues /challenges • Identify lessons learnt • Draw conclusions • Recommendations/implications

How Indian model is different from FOCUS model?

Analyzes different examples of case studies in CBDRM

• Local examples, international examples• Identify the framework of case study• Compare differences and similarities of

FOCUS model and Indian model

Task: Can you write a case study now?

• Recall a training event/experience that stands out in your mind in terms of its success/failure or challenges or it was a happy or disappointing experience.

• Ask a question about the experience/training• Describe what happened, when, where?• How ?• Why did it happened?• What does it mean ?• What are its implications ?

Questions?

Case study review criteria

• Clarity of the purpose • Clarity of the language • Strong evidence • Logical sequence • Case study Framework followed• Good quality and action oriented Pictures• There are lessons for others to learn• Layout an design

Rating : 1-2-3-4-5 (unsatisfactory-excellent )