Evidence based policies are at the heart of a successful reform for education or workforce development. Different types of research methods can be used for different purposes. Qualitative research can play an important role in developing new programs and helping planners to make more informed decisions about how to invest resources for skills development. Evaluative research can enable us to understand the impact of a certain policy or programs, especially whether they have achieved their intended objectives and the degree to which resources were used effectively. Normally, combinations of different methods or approaches are used to inform decision making processes in education and skills development.
CEI have undertaken a number studies using qualitative and quantitative approaches. Staff at CEI have been professionally trained in a wide range of theoretical methodologies and are able to apply them to practical situations, offering policy orientated solutions to development partners and stakeholders. CEI has been involved a number of evaluation studies that offer donors and also governments with a number of practical options for implementation. Staff at CEI have excellent quantitative skills and have analysed large sets of data to explore trends and understand casual relationships.
Examples of applied research carried out by CEI include a comparative study of skills planning across 15 different developing countries. CEI has also undertaken a quantitative study on the skill needs associated with achieving MDGs in targeted industrial sectors and a study on access to skills and employment for disadvantaged youth in low-income countries. We are also experienced in undertaking research as part of broader activities associated with the preparation of projects for DFAT, World Bank and the ADB.
