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Operational Research for Humanitarians

Maleeha Naseem, Jai Das, Emilie Venables, Sameen Siddiqi, Karl Blanchet, Benjamin Schmid, and Francesca Grandi

Evidence is central to good decision-making both in the humanitarian sector and beyond. Every day, a vast amount of evidence is generated that is relevant to humanitarian actors, much of it through research by academics and practitioners. This evidence can be incredibly valuable. It can help us better understand a situation and make humanitarian action more effective and accountable. The difficulty comes with understanding what evidence is relevant to our circumstances, where to find it, and how to assess its quality.

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Evidence is central to good decision-making both in the humanitarian sector and beyond. Every day, a vast amount of evidence is generated that is relevant to humanitarian actors, much of it through research by academics and practitioners. This evidence can be incredibly valuable. It can help us better understand a situation and make humanitarian action more effective and accountable. The difficulty comes with understanding what evidence is relevant to our circumstances, where to find it, and how to assess its quality.

This course will provide you with the fundamental knowledge and skills to answer these questions and help you better engage with research. It has been developed with you - a humanitarian professional or junior researcher - in mind. The course moves through the core research concepts one-at-a-time and does not require any prior knowledge or experience. We encourage all of you to plan your own learning journey by using this MOOC in a way that is most useful to you.

Content highlights:

• How can research be used for humanitarian practice?

• What are the most appropriate research methods?

• How can I judge the quality of the evidence and whether it is applicable to the context I work in?

• How can populations in a situation of vulnerability be protected during a study?

This course - co-developed in a partnership between academic and humanitarian institutions - is strongly positioned to give you the needed skills and knowledge to build a bridge between research and practice.

We hope that this course will change your perspectives and improve your knowledge and, ultimately, make humanitarian responses more evidence-based. Enjoy!

Enroll now

What's inside

Syllabus

Why conduct research in humanitarian settings
In this first module, we will dive right into the question of why there is a need for research in humanitarian settings. We will explore the difficult decision-making processes in humanitarian settings and how a good decision relies on four different types of inputs. The starting point will be the concept of evidence and how it connects to human biases and professional judgement. By hearing from global experts, implementing practitioners and your fellow learners we will critically explore the value of research by asking why, when and for whom?
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Research questions and study designs
In this second module, we will gain a foundational understanding and skills around research and its processes, methods, and core terminology. We also explore ways of answering the key question of "What evidence is good enough?". This will help us to gain the skills to examine common study designs and identify each of their strengths and weaknesses. With this foundation, we will then - in the next module - explore how the concept of quality becomes a little more blurred when implementing research in humanitarian settings.
Conducting research in humanitarian settings
In this module, you will gain a solid understanding of how the key characteristics of humanitarian settings are affecting how we can (or cannot) apply the study designs that we covered in module two. We will explore how, to overcome these common challenges, we need to adapt and combine our study designs and tools. At the end of this module, you will be equipped with a slightly different research toolbox, one that is more appropriate to be used in humanitarian settings. Throughout this module's journey, we will be heavily guided by practical examples and existing projects.
Ethics and community engagement
The fourth module will delve into one of the most critical aspects of good research practice: Ethics. Having explored the potential benefits of research in humanitarian settings earlier, we will focus here on the potential risks and ethical dilemmas when conducting research. We will start with reviewing some infamous historical examples of unethical research, like the Tuskegee study. Together, we will then establish good practices of how we can systematically and genuinely integrate ethical considerations and risk mitigation into our research projects. As part of that, we will specifically look into community engagement as one of the many powerful tools that we have. This module will also help you understand many of the core research ethics processes, such as informed consent and ethical review boards.
Translating knowledge into action
With this final module, we will connect all our insights and learnings by returning to our initial questions on the value of research in humanitarian settings. This time, we will focus on the “how”, by seeing how we can ensure that our research is valuable and how to translate the evidence that we have generated into actionable recommendations. We will explore common pitfalls of sharing evidence and learn about approaches and tools that have proven themselves useful over time. Beyond learning a step-by-step process, we will learn to appreciate the importance of contextual approaches that take existing power dynamics into account.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Develops knowledge and skills for understanding research in humanitarian settings, which are crucial for informed decision-making
Taught by experts in humanitarian aid and research, including Karl Blanchet, Maleeha Naseem, and Francesca Grandi
Provides a solid foundation for professionals working in humanitarian settings, researchers, and students interested in conducting research
Examines ethical considerations and community engagement, emphasizing responsible research practices
Focuses on translating research knowledge into actionable recommendations, bridging the gap between research and practice

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Operational Research for Humanitarians with these activities:
Read 'Doing Development Research' by L. Riddell
Build a strong foundation in research methods for humanitarian settings by reviewing a foundational text in the field.
Show steps
  • Read 'Doing Development Research' by L. Riddell, paying particular attention to chapters on research design, data collection, and analysis.
  • Take notes and highlight key concepts, especially those related to ethical considerations in humanitarian research.
Brush up on research terminology
Strengthen your foundational knowledge by reviewing key research terminology and concepts, ensuring you have a solid understanding of the vocabulary used in the field.
Browse courses on Research Methods
Show steps
  • Review course notes and materials
  • Consult online resources and glossaries
  • Engage in discussions or quizzes to test your understanding
Find resources on research methods
Provides a solid foundation for the course by reviewing some basics about research methods.
Browse courses on Research Methods
Show steps
  • Search for books, articles, and online resources on research methods
  • Review the resources and make notes
  • Discuss with peers on an online forum
15 other activities
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Contribute to a peer learning group
Engage with fellow learners to exchange ideas, discuss concepts, and collectively enhance your understanding of research in humanitarian settings.
Browse courses on Research Methodologies
Show steps
  • Connect with other learners through discussion forums or online platforms
  • Participate in regular discussions, sharing your insights and experiences
  • Seek feedback from peers and offer your own perspectives
Identify mentors in the humanitarian research field
Seek guidance and support from experienced professionals in the humanitarian research field to enhance your learning.
Show steps
  • Identify potential mentors who have expertise in your research interests.
  • Reach out to mentors and express your interest in their guidance.
Complete online tutorials on study design
Strengthens knowledge of study design, which is a core concept covered in the course.
Browse courses on Study Design
Show steps
  • Find online tutorials from reputable sources
  • Watch the tutorials and take notes
  • Apply the concepts learned to a scenario
Organize and review course materials
Enhance your retention by compiling and organizing notes, assignments, and other course materials, ensuring easy access for future reference and revision.
Browse courses on Research Ethics
Show steps
  • Maintain a dedicated notebook or digital document
  • Summarize key concepts and examples
  • Include references and links to relevant resources
Use RStudio for data analysis
Develop skills with RStudio, a widely-used data analysis and visualization software, for use in your humanitarian work.
Browse courses on RStudio
Show steps
  • Learn the basics of RStudio, including how to import data, clean data, and create visualizations.
  • Complete beginner-level tutorials on data analysis using RStudio.
Volunteer with a humanitarian organization
Gain practical experience in humanitarian work while applying your research skills to real-world situations.
Show steps
  • Identify a humanitarian organization that aligns with your interests and research focus.
  • Contact the organization to inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in volunteer activities that involve data collection, research, or project implementation.
Take Coursera courses on data analysis and research methods
Expand your knowledge and skills in data analysis and research methods by completing additional online courses.
Browse courses on Data Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify Coursera courses that align with your interests and career goals.
  • Enroll in and complete the selected courses.
Create a poster presentation on research ethics
Enhances understanding of research ethics and improves presentation skills.
Browse courses on Research Ethics
Show steps
  • Research and gather information on research ethics
  • Design and create a visually appealing poster
  • Present the poster to peers or instructors
Attend a research conference
Provides exposure to current research trends and networking opportunities.
Show steps
  • Research and identify relevant conferences
  • Register and attend the conference
  • Network with researchers and professionals
Volunteer at a local research organization
Provides practical exposure to research and complements the course content.
Show steps
  • Contact local research organizations
  • Inquire about volunteering opportunities
  • Attend training and orientation
  • Participate in research activities
Develop a research project proposal
Apply your understanding of research design and methods to develop a proposal for a research project in a humanitarian setting.
Browse courses on Research Design
Show steps
  • Identify a research question and objectives that align with the needs of a humanitarian organization.
  • Develop a research design that outlines the methods you will use to collect and analyze data.
  • Write a research proposal that includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, expected outcomes, and ethical considerations.
Enhance your understanding with supplementary resources
Complement the module content by seeking out tutorials that provide further insights into specific topics, such as research methods or ethical considerations.
Browse courses on Humanitarian Settings
Show steps
  • Identify topics where you want to expand your knowledge
  • Search for reputable online tutorials or video resources
  • Allocate dedicated time for these tutorials
Conduct a mock research study
Provides practical experience and tests knowledge gained in the course.
Browse courses on Research Methods
Show steps
  • Define the research question and objectives
  • Design a study protocol
  • Collect and analyze data
  • Write a report on the findings
Apply research principles in a practical setting
Solidify your understanding by initiating a project that allows you to apply research principles and methodologies in a practical context, such as designing a research proposal.
Browse courses on Ethics
Show steps
  • Identify a research question or problem
  • Develop a research plan and methodology
  • Conduct data collection and analysis
  • Prepare a report or presentation
Develop a research dissemination plan
Plan how you will share your research findings with humanitarian practitioners and policymakers to ensure its impact.
Browse courses on Research Dissemination
Show steps
  • Identify the target audience for your research findings.
  • Develop a dissemination strategy that outlines the methods you will use to reach your audience.
  • Create materials such as presentations, reports, or infographics to communicate your findings effectively.

Career center

Learners who complete Operational Research for Humanitarians will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Humanitarian Aid Worker
Humanitarian Aid Workers provide assistance to people in need during emergencies and disasters. They work with a variety of organizations, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international organizations, and governments. The Operational Research for Humanitarians course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Humanitarian Aid Worker by providing a strong foundation in research methods and project management. You will also learn how to apply these skills to real-world problems in the humanitarian sector.
Development Researcher
Development Researchers conduct research on development issues, such as poverty, inequality, and gender equality. They use a variety of research methods, including surveys, interviews, and data analysis. The Operational Research for Humanitarians course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Development Researcher by providing a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis. You will also learn how to apply these skills to real-world problems in the humanitarian sector.
Epidemiologist
Epidemiologists investigate the causes and distribution of diseases. They use a variety of research methods, including surveys, interviews, and data analysis. The Operational Research for Humanitarians course can help you develop the skills needed to become an Epidemiologist by providing a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis. You will also learn how to apply these skills to real-world problems in the humanitarian sector.
Data Scientist
Data Scientists gather and analyze data to solve complex problems. They use statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to build models that can predict outcomes and identify trends. The Operational Research for Humanitarians course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Data Scientist by providing a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis. You will also learn how to apply these skills to real-world problems in the humanitarian sector.
Research Analyst
Research Analysts conduct research and analyze data to provide insights and recommendations to businesses and organizations. They use a variety of research methods, including surveys, interviews, and data analysis. The Operational Research for Humanitarians course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Research Analyst by providing a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis. You will also learn how to apply these skills to real-world problems in the humanitarian sector.
Operations Research Analyst
Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and analytical techniques to solve problems in a variety of industries, including healthcare, transportation, and manufacturing. They use data analysis, modeling, and simulation to identify and solve problems that can improve efficiency and productivity. The Operational Research for Humanitarians course can help you develop the skills needed to become an Operations Research Analyst by providing a strong foundation in research methods, data analysis, and modeling.
Program Manager
Program Managers plan, implement, and evaluate programs and projects. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including donors, beneficiaries, and implementing partners. The Operational Research for Humanitarians course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Program Manager by providing a strong foundation in research methods and project management. You will also learn how to apply these skills to real-world problems in the humanitarian sector.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze policies to provide insights and recommendations to policymakers. They use a variety of research methods, including surveys, interviews, and data analysis. The Operational Research for Humanitarians course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Policy Analyst by providing a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis. You will also learn how to apply these skills to real-world problems in the humanitarian sector.
Consultant
Consultants provide advice and guidance to businesses and organizations on a variety of topics, including strategy, operations, and marketing. They use research and analysis to identify problems and develop solutions. The Operational Research for Humanitarians course can help you develop the skills needed to become a Consultant by providing a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis. You will also learn how to apply these skills to real-world problems in the humanitarian sector.
Statistician
Statisticians collect, analyze, and interpret data to provide insights and recommendations to businesses and organizations. They use a variety of statistical methods, including descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, and regression analysis. The Operational Research for Humanitarians course may help you develop the skills needed to become a Statistician by providing a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis.
Data Engineer
Data Engineers design and build data systems and infrastructure. They work with a variety of data sources, including databases, data warehouses, and big data platforms. The Operational Research for Humanitarians course may help you develop the skills needed to become a Data Engineer by providing a foundation in data management and analysis.
Systems Analyst
Systems Analysts design and implement computer systems. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including users, business analysts, and developers. The Operational Research for Humanitarians course may help you develop the skills needed to become a Systems Analyst by providing a foundation in systems thinking and analysis.
Software Developer
Software Developers design, develop, and test computer software. They work with a variety of programming languages and technologies. The Operational Research for Humanitarians course may help you develop the skills needed to become a Software Developer by providing a foundation in computer science and programming.
Project Manager
Project Managers plan, implement, and evaluate projects. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including project team members, stakeholders, and sponsors. The Operational Research for Humanitarians course may help you develop the skills needed to become a Project Manager by providing a foundation in project management.
Business Analyst
Business Analysts analyze business processes and systems to identify areas for improvement. They work with a variety of stakeholders, including business users, IT professionals, and executives. The Operational Research for Humanitarians course may help you develop the skills needed to become a Business Analyst by providing a foundation in business analysis.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Operational Research for Humanitarians.
This comprehensive handbook provides a state-of-the-art overview of the field of qualitative research. It covers a wide range of topics, including research design, data collection and analysis, and the ethical and political dimensions of qualitative research.
Provides a critical perspective on the politics of humanitarian aid. It valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and students who are interested in learning more about the challenges and opportunities of humanitarian action.
Provides a critical perspective on the role of aid in ending poverty. It valuable resource for researchers, practitioners, and students who are interested in learning more about the challenges and opportunities of humanitarian action.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of social research methods. It covers a wide range of topics, including research design, data collection and analysis, and the ethical and political dimensions of social research.
Provides a comprehensive overview of research methods in the social sciences, including both quantitative and qualitative approaches. It valuable resource for students and professionals who are new to research or who want to refresh their knowledge of research methods.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of quantitative methods in psychology. It covers a wide range of topics, including statistical modeling, data analysis, and research design.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of mixed methods research. It covers a wide range of topics, including research design, data collection and analysis, and the ethical and political dimensions of mixed methods research.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of international humanitarian law. It covers a wide range of topics, including the history of international humanitarian law, the law of armed conflict, and the protection of civilians.

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