RESEARCH AND ANALYSIS
Gathering the information you need to make sound decisions.
Needs assessments
Understanding the needs of clients and customers is fundamental to sound planning and program implementation. Needs assessments can contribute quantitative (statistical) and qualitative (narrative) information on the demographics, living situations, strengths, challenges and unmet needs of a population or client group. Information can be collected through a combination of online surveys and virtual or in-person “key informant” interviews and group discussions. We are very skilled to assist you in this work.
Feasibility studies
Not all great ideas are destined to succeed. A feasibility study considers the social, economic, environmental, financial and organizational factors that will contribute to the success of a project or venture. Sector-specific analysis examines the strengths and weaknesses, risks and benefits of proceeding. The study provides the information and a process for deciding for or against a direction or the changes needed before proceeding. Organizations often benefit from a dedicated outside team to carry out the work, bringing objective and broadened perspectives to the work.
Environmental scans
We live in a rapidly changing world and up-to-date knowledge of your sector gives your organization the advantage of understanding and foresight. A well-planned environmental scan provides information on trends, emerging promising practices and models, potential allies and partners, and business and funding opportunities. Focused internet scans, follow-up inquiries, straightforward reporting and group discussion of results fosters innovation and excellence. We have significant experience in many sectors including Indigenous Peoples and northern and remote communities. Our approach is to work collaboratively with knowledge holders, leveraging their insights for the environmental scans.
Partnership health assessments
All partnerships go through ups and downs and many encounter roadblocks to achieving their goals – unresolved conflict, lack of focus or external stressors. Experienced partnership brokers can use existing tools and processes to assess the “health” of a partnership based on the ever-growing body of knowledge on successful collaborations. A third-party assessor, a role we can fulfill, can gather confidential feedback, review partnership structures and processes and facilitate solution-based discussions.