The huge amount of money being invested in research and development may not suffice

to accommodate a number of research proposals applying for grants. This puts a restraint on grant
awarding, characterized by a highly wmpetitive and stringent application process. Also, the
process entails effective implementation to ensure that research funds are used for their

intended purpose.

Introduction to Results-based Management (RBM)

A research proposal intended for funding by local and international organizations has been molded
in such a way that it would be resultsor outcome-based. Such results-based management (RBM)
framework is focused on the outcome and impact of the proposed study. The RBM framework is a
unique strategy that revolves around the concepts of planning, doing

or implementing, monitoring, assessing, adjusting, and learning. In the RBM context, consider the
following guide questions:

Big Idea

Good and effective management brings about achievement of results

and fulfillment of goals.

What research question are you trying to address?

What is the foreseeable impact of the research project?

What are the possible outcomes generated at the completion of the research study?

What are the expected output and deliverables?

How long will the research undertaking take? What objectives should you meet to ensure that the
march question will be

answered? What necessary inputs and specific activities must be undertaken to successfully meet

these objectives?

8. What is the projected duration for each individual activity? 9. Who will be responsible for data
collection?

10
When will the data be collected?

Figure 2.2 shows the logical framework of RBM. Each component level in the RBM framework is
interconnected and is linked to one another. Furthermore, the progression expected from a
program or an inquiry, should follow an upward chain of movements, that in. initial contributions,
which are found at the bottom of the chain, are important and necessary to meet the goal of the
research project. Thus, any missing element will break the chain. Pot example, the outcome cannot
come before the output, and the impact cannot come before the outcome. In other words, no
course of actions undertaken, no likely output can be foreseen. and no outcome can be projected.
Therefore in the RBM framework. catch! and deliberate planning and regular monitoring of
programs are critical to the success of the research

project.

The huge amount of money being invested in research and development may not suffice

to accommodate a number of research proposals applying for grants. This puts a restraint on grant
awarding, characterized by a highly wmpetitive and stringent application process. Also, the
process entails effective implementation to ensure that research funds are used for their

intended purpose.

Introduction to Results-based Management (RBM)

A research proposal intended for funding by local and international organizations has been molded
in such a way that it would be resultsor outcome-based. Such results-based management (RBM)
framework is focused on the outcome and impact of the proposed study. The RBM framework is a
unique strategy that revolves around the concepts of planning, doing

or implementing, monitoring, assessing, adjusting, and learning. In the RBM context, consider the
following guide questions:

Big Idea

Good and effective management brings about achievement of results

and fulfillment of goals.

What research question are you trying to address?

What is the foreseeable impact of the research project?

What are the possible outcomes generated at the completion of the research study?
What are the expected output and deliverables?

How long will the research undertaking take? What objectives should you meet to ensure that the
march question will be

answered? What necessary inputs and specific activities must be undertaken to successfully meet

these objectives?

8. What is the projected duration for each individual activity? 9. Who will be responsible for data
collection?

10

When will the data be collected?

Figure 2.2 shows the logical framework of RBM. Each component level in the RBM framework is
interconnected and is linked to one another. Furthermore, the progression expected from a
program or an inquiry, should follow an upward chain of movements, that in. initial contributions,
which are found at the bottom of the chain, are important and necessary to meet the goal of the
research project. Thus, any missing element will break the chain. Pot example, the outcome cannot
come before the output, and the impact cannot come before the outcome. In other words, no
course of actions undertaken, no likely output can be foreseen. and no outcome can be projected.
Therefore in the RBM framework. catch! and deliberate planning and regular monitoring of
programs are critical to the success of the research

project.

mm I’m“

O ne tion~ een B ermlnoo~i

‘ Impact (pane ns to changes In state or condition of beneficiaries)

Intermediate Outcome (refers to changes In practices. performance. or behavior of stakoholdorl)

Immedlate Outcome (obsorvod changes In capabllltlos of stakeholders)

Outputs (products or servlcos arising from the conduct of planned .ctlvitloo)

Actlvltlos I Course of Actions

Inputs or Investments or Resourcos

Fig. 2.2. lnterconnections between RBM key concepts

While conducting an inquiry, the RBM framework offers the following advantages: Focused
managing brought about by careful Big Idea and dehberate plannlng The RBM framework teaches
you

to become adaptable and flexible if needed.

Precise assessment leading to prompt identification and resolution of problems

. Documented support to beneficiaries Well-spent funds

How to Prepare an RBM-based Research Framework

Let us now define some key terminologies most applicable to the RBM framework. A research
problem needs to be addressed in the conduct of an inquiry. In posing a research problem, the
potential impact must be thoroughly considered. In addition, a research problem must address a
speciiic target audience. Its impact may be explained as the consequential benefits derived over a
long period of time and originating from the attainment of the objectives. Once this is clearly set,
plans will be effectively designed to include identilication of expected outcomes and objectives,
contributory to the resolution of the research problem,

Objectives constitute the program’s overall desired accomplishments. Good objectives must also
follow the SMART criteria.

In contrast, outcomes may be defmed as observable changes that are relevant to the

fulfillment of the objectives. An outcome could have multiple outputs. However, the outcomes are
beyond the control of the actual inquiry process.

The huge amount of money being invested in research and development may not suffice

to accommodate a number of research proposals applying for grants. This puts a restraint on grant
awarding, characterized by a highly wmpetitive and stringent application process. Also, the
process entails effective implementation to ensure that research funds are used for their

intended purpose.

Introduction to Results-based Management (RBM)

A research proposal intended for funding by local and international organizations has been molded
in such a way that it would be resultsor outcome-based. Such results-based management (RBM)
framework is focused on the outcome and impact of the proposed study. The RBM framework is a
unique strategy that revolves around the concepts of planning, doing

or implementing, monitoring, assessing, adjusting, and learning. In the RBM context, consider the
following guide questions:

Big Idea

Good and effective management brings about achievement of results

and fulfillment of goals.

What research question are you trying to address?

What is the foreseeable impact of the research project?

What are the possible outcomes generated at the completion of the research study?

What are the expected output and deliverables?

How long will the research undertaking take? What objectives should you meet to ensure that the
march question will be

answered? What necessary inputs and specific activities must be undertaken to successfully meet

these objectives?

8. What is the projected duration for each individual activity? 9. Who will be responsible for data
collection?

10

When will the data be collected?

Figure 2.2 shows the logical framework of RBM. Each component level in the RBM framework is
interconnected and is linked to one another. Furthermore, the progression expected from a
program or an inquiry, should follow an upward chain of movements, that in. initial contributions,
which are found at the bottom of the chain, are important and necessary to meet the goal of the
research project. Thus, any missing element will break the chain. Pot example, the outcome cannot
come before the output, and the impact cannot come before the outcome. In other words, no
course of actions undertaken, no likely output can be foreseen. and no outcome can be projected.
Therefore in the RBM framework. catch! and deliberate planning and regular monitoring of
programs are critical to the success of the research
project.

mm I’m“

O ne tion~ een B ermlnoo~i

‘ Impact (pane ns to changes In state or condition of beneficiaries)

Intermediate Outcome (refers to changes In practices. performance. or behavior of stakoholdorl)

Immedlate Outcome (obsorvod changes In capabllltlos of stakeholders)

Outputs (products or servlcos arising from the conduct of planned .ctlvitloo)

Actlvltlos I Course of Actions

Inputs or Investments or Resourcos

‘Based on Canadian lntemational DevelopmentAgency's Results Chain

Fig. 2.2. lnterconnections between RBM key concepts

While conducting an inquiry, the RBM framework offers the following advantages: Focused
managing brought about by careful Big Idea and dehberate plannlng The RBM framework teaches
you

to become adaptable and flexible if needed.

Precise assessment leading to prompt identification and resolution of problems

. Documented support to beneficiaries Well-spent funds

How to Prepare an RBM-based Research Framework

Let us now define some key terminologies most applicable to the RBM framework. A research
problem needs to be addressed in the conduct of an inquiry. In posing a research problem, the
potential impact must be thoroughly considered. In addition, a research problem must address a
speciiic target audience. Its impact may be explained as the consequential benefits derived over a
long period of time and originating from the attainment of the objectives. Once this is clearly set,
plans will be effectively designed to include identilication of expected outcomes and objectives,
contributory to the resolution of the research problem,

Objectives constitute the program’s overall desired accomplishments. Good objectives must also
follow the SMART criteria.
In contrast, outcomes may be defmed as observable changes that are relevant to the

fulfillment of the objectives. An outcome could have multiple outputs. However, the outcomes are
beyond the control of the actual inquiry process.

An outcome statement contains information on the following. . performance to be demonstrated

. specific learning acquired from the performance

. standard for an acceptable performance

Consider this statement:

Students should know the concepts of managing a research program.

This outcome statement is poorly stated because it does not include any specific learning to be
acquired from knowing and that no criterion is mentioned which will determine the acceptability
of the performance.

This is an improved version:

At the end of this course, students are expected to formulate research problems, objectives, and
outcomes in accordance with the results«based management logical framework.

The improved outcome statement has successfully incorporated an action word that is, formulate,
a speciiic learning, that is, “...research problems, objectives and outcomes,” and a standard, that
is, “in accordance with the results-based management logicalframework.”

Performance indicators are identified to gauge whether or not you have achieved the studys
outcomes and objectives. Did the expected outcome take place? If it did, what observations are
noted with the attainment of the outcome? A good performance indicator is tied to a specific
outcome, is cost-effective, and is determined by concerned stakeholders. In writing a performance
indicator, it should be clearly and explicitly stated. Relating to the improved outcome statement,
possible performance indicators are (1) number of research proposals or (2) assessment reports.

‘ Reflect Upon

Reflect on your New Year’s resolution. Were you able to achieve the desired outcome? If yes,
what were the performance indicators that told you that you have successfully achieved the target
outcome?
What Have I Learned So Far?

1. Describe the RBM framework. How is it important in attaining the goal of your inquiry?

2. Differentiate output from outcome. Give an example of an output and of an outcome.

Outputs are results of performing planned activities. Outputs can be differentiated from outcomw
as summarized in Figure 2.2. Outputs are in tangible and measurable form, can be a product or
service rendered, and these facilitate the advancement of the inquiry leading to a realization of
intended outcomes as these are within the control of the inquiry process.

On the other hand, outcomes are generally what transpires when you render service or come up
with a product. These can be observed and described, however, outcomes cannot be

and are beyond the control of the actual inquiry process.

Again, referring to the example previously given, possible outputs for such outcome include

1. a well-drafted research proposal; and

2. conducted learning assessments.

What Have I Learned So Far?

Classify each item as as an input, activity, output, outcome, or impact. 1. Alleviating poverty 2.
Farmers participating in a storage dam project 3. Improving crop production 4. Developing and
constructing hydropower projects 5. Providing inland fish production within affected families