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R Number:
R7127
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Contractor:
WEDC, Loughborough University
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Dates:
September 1998 to March 2000
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Development of guidelines for the dissemination of KAR research projects based on literature review, case study analysis and consultation with stakeholders (contractors and users of research).
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Executive Summary
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Objectives
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To improve the impact of KAR research through the identification and comparison of appropriate dissemination strategies.
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Methodology
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Phase 1
Literature review
Case study analysis
Key informant interviews
Phase 2
In-country workshops
Field study visits
Key informant interviews
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Results And Conclusions
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Phase 1
An analysis of the literature on the need for improved dissemination indicates that the production of research outputs should not continue without a critical consideration of the value, usefulness and impact of those outputs. Attention to the effective dissemination of research in order to realize its true potential and benefits for fellow researchers, academics, policy makers and practitioners is therefore central to development.
Constraints to effective dissemination focus around barriers which prevent the researcher from disseminating their work (time, resources, perception of dissemination) and barriers to the application of research (institutional disincentives, lack of interest from policy makers). Indicators of the impact of dissemination are briefly touched on, stressing the methodological problems involved.
Analysis of the case studies surveyed indicates a degree of consensus with regard to the approach to dissemination, particularly over the need for identification of target audiences for the research; through the decentralization of dissemination activities to intermediaries; and reliance on a variety of dissemination media to enhance exposure to findings.
Much dissemination of research, as practised by UK based research contractors, fails to meet certain fundamental criteria (research cannot be used unless it is available to those who might best use it, at the time they need it, in a format they can use and with findings that are comprehensible and adaptable to local circumstances).
The recommendations arising from this report are divided between those specific to research contractors and those specific to research commissioners (in this case DFID). With the former, the emphasis is on developing a stronger strategic framework to guide dissemination activities (including dissemination plans, reference to planning checklists, disaggregating outputs according to audiences and seeking to incorporate dissemination throughout the project, rather than at the project end). For the latter, emphasis is placed on improving the monitoring of dissemination activities, and building a system of incentives into the research contract which will encourage researchers to give a higher profile to disseminating research results.
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Further Information
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List of Publications
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Saywell, D.L and Cotton, A.P. (1999) Spreading the Word..? Practical Guidelines on Research Dissemination Strategies. WEDC, Loughborough University
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Contact Details for Further Information
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A.P. Cotton and D.L. Saywell
WEDC, Loughborough University
Leicestershire LE11 3TU
UK
Tel: +44 1509 222885
Fax: +44 1509 211079
Email: d.l.saywell@lboro.ac.uk
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