Planning & Design

Needs Assessment:

Identifying needs with precision is critical for successful project designing of interventions. It provides specific inputs regarding the geographical area, the severity and urgency, and demographics of the targeted group. ISRF conducts needs assessment to capture all the needs of target community, factoring in the following:

  • Priority areas of funding organization
  • Capabilities of implementing organization
  • Programme feasibility
  • Availability of financial and human resources
  • Avoiding duplication and integrating with or leveraging existing resources/interventions

Needs Assessment Project: ISRF conducted a Needs Assessment regarding study on “Improving Knowledge, Attitude, Access And Practice Of Water And Sanitation (Wash) And Menstrual Hygiene Management”. It involved 100 schools in and around Chennai City, Tamil Nadu, India. The client was Rotary Foundation and Rotary Club of Guindy, Chennai

Vulnerability Assessment

In a resource-scarce setting, assessment of vulnerabilities of socially and economically marginalized communities help in the design and implementation of appropriate programmes and projects in the areas of health, disaster management and livelihood. ISRF has a bouquet of exclusive vulnerability assessment tools that can be customized to meet the specific needs of a situation and deploy them swiftly.

Stakeholder Analysis

For large, multidimensional and multi-sectoral programmes, ISRF would recommend stakeholder analysis. This would be particularly helpful in prioritising objectives and resolving contradictions, conflicting interests between stakeholders (government agency and CSO, employer and employee, any two stakeholders tied by a power equation) by facilitating their resolution keeping in mind the broader project objectives.

Baseline Survey

A planning and implementation tool, the baseline survey helps in monitoring progress and measuring impact. At ISRF, we advise clients to undertake baseline surveys and ensure that the survey is designed as per programme indicators. We consider baseline surveys as an exercise of utmost importance and should be followed up by midline and endline surveys. A baseline survey designed and executed by ISRF would set benchmarks, identify project priority areas and articulate measurable outcomes. It could be done as spadework for project design, in which case, it will help in formulating activities. If done immediately after the launch of the project, it will measure the status quo – ie., the situation prevalent before the project activities begin.

Process-driven approach

  • Brainstorming and consultation
  • Pre-study spadework – including review of literature and study of programme documents
  • Protocol and research tools;
  • Review of tools
  • Translating into local language
  • Pre-testing
  • Developing project-specific question guides
  • Capacity building sessions by domain experts for the field staff
  • Data collection
  • Data analysis and reporting
  • Team of field in-charge, vertical head and domain expert deliberate and finalise “Discussion and Recommendations”