"This manual is the result of initial activities developed together with our partner in Peru, the Asociación ETC Andes. It is an attempt to develop a method which will help people to document their experiences, focusing on the detailed description and analysis of a set of activities carried out in
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the field and their results and impact. The method has proved to be adaptable enough to be relevant for many different circumstances – it can be used to document single, short activities, projects, or for longer and more complex programmes. As our work in Latin America and elsewhere has shown, it can be carried out by community based groups or organisations, NGOs, networks or large institutions. We think that this manual can be a very useful guide for all those who understand the importance of drawing lessons from the activities they are implementing in the field. We do hope it will stimulate field level practitioners to deepen their learning and share this with others in an organised way, and thus to build new and relevant knowledge." (Foreword, pages 7-8)
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"The idea of capturing, storing and sharing knowledge so as to learn lessons from the past and from elsewhere – overcoming the boundaries posed by time and space – is far from being a new one. In recent years, a growing movement has emphasised the improved application of knowledge and learning a
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s a means to improve development and humanitarian work. The movement has led to the widespread adoption of learning and knowledge-based strategies among the range of agencies involved in such work, including donor agencies, multilaterals, NGOs, research institutes, and the plethora of institutions based in the South, including national governments, regional organisations, and indigenous NGOs. This guide is aimed at staff working in all such organisations. There are 30 tools and techniques contained here, divided into five categories: i) Strategy Development; ii) Management Techniques; iii) Collaboration Mechanisms; iv) Knowledge Sharing and Learning Processes; and v) Knowledge Capture and Storage. Many of these tools are simple and trying them out requires nothing more than the desire to try something new, and the drive to ‘get on and do it’. Undertaking them effectively requires effective – sometimes advanced – facilitation and communication skills. Here, we have aimed to provide comprehensive accounts of how to apply such techniques, with a focus on the requirements of potential facilitators." (Introduction, page 2)
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"Communities of practice (CoPs) provide people with a desire to address, discuss, and share their knowledge on a particular topic or issue with the means to do so. The USAID Knowledge for Development Strategy identifies such communities as vital to allowing USAID to reach its full knowledge-sharing
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capacity and improve its business process. We recognize that creating and maintaining a community requires dedication and direction. USAID’s 'Communities@USAID Technical Guidance' was developed to assist in this process. Designed to be an easy “how to” manual for those launching and sustaining a community, the guidance steps you through the process from beginning to end." (Preface)
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"This introductory user's guide to systems analysis and systems design focuses on building sustainable information systems to meet tomorrow's needs. It shows how practitioners can apply multiple participatory perspectives in development, so as to avoid future problems. As a practical guide, it is pr
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esented to be readily comprehensible and is organized to enable users to concentrate on their goals efficiently, and with minimum theoretical elaboration. The chapters follow the sequence involved in planning an information system, explaining key words, the time involved in each step, ending with a tutorial or exercises." (Publisher description)
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"This book is written for managers of NGO and community organisations. It aims to help them to think critically about what kinds of information they, their organisations, their staff, and their project partners need. It discusses how they can access such information, manage it, and communicate it in
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the most effective and equitable way. The approach it describes is illustrated with case-studies from Oxfam's experience and other sources." (Oxfam Publishing catalogue 2003)
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"Documenting and Communicating HIV/AIDS Work” is a toolkit of participatory activities that aims to build practical skills among NGOs/CBOs responding to HIV/AIDS in developing countries. It is a resource to help such groups improve the quality of their programme work and external relations – by
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recording, learning from and sharing their lessons and results. “Documenting and Communicating HIV/AIDS Work” is based on the practical experiences and participatory approaches of the International HIV/AIDS Alliance. The toolkit is designed to be used by organisations and trainers who support NGOs/CBOs. It can be used flexibly, with one or a group of NGOs/CBOs, and during training workshops or technical support visits. The toolkit has five sections that cover the concepts, planning steps and skills involved in carrying out effective documentation and communication work, as well as Information cards about developing specific products." (Summary)
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