4.7 CONSTRAINTS

OBJECTIVES

  • Participants can identify the practical constraints that can limit or bias the data-gathering process, especially in stable and crisis and unstable contexts, as well as possible strategies for handling different constraints.

OUTLINE

In the process of framing information needs, many of the considerations covered in previous parts of this module are ultimately filtered by practical constraints. The most common constraints of time and other resources are compounded in crisis and unstable contexts by issues of access/security among others. Planning and design of M&E activities requires awareness of the most likely constraints. Such awareness allows alternatives to be sought and the limitations of data collection and analysis to be clearly identified. This part includes one session.

SESSIONS

4.7.1 CONSTRAINTS AND CONCERNS IN DATA GATHERING

See text above for Part 4.7 "Outline".

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  • Constraints and concerns in data gathering

    Small "buzz groups" are used to allow participants to exchange their own experience and the range of constraints that can be encountered. Constraints and examples are recorded on VIPP cards. Plenary feedback from groups is used to compile a master list. Possible solutions are then explored in plenary.
    Special considerations in crisis and unstable contexts are either drawn out in the above (if participants have sufficient experience) or are drawn out by the facilitator providing examples of different contexts.

    • CCS
  • Constraints and concerns in data gathering
    • OH
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    • LINKS TO OTHER SESSIONS
    MODULE 4 - DESIGN AND MANAGEMENT
    This session should be dealt with prior to discussing the content of Module 4. Clearly identifying constraints is very useful when discussing design and management issues; it helps put things in context and identify challenging issues.

    MODULE 5.2 - METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES
    Clearly identifying constraints is an important part of defining the data collection methodology, as a good methodology should ensure that constraints are identified and handled.


    REFERENCE MATERIALS

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