Working with the Poverty Reduction Practice Network to Produce/Present Recommendations on Network Effectiveness

UNDP's extensive knowledge networks are designated in its current Strategic Plan  as a `core competency' and `unique capability' as well as a `main comparative advantage' in development programming. As one of the original e-discussion frames established over the last decade, and a key component in this knowledge development system architecture, the Poverty Reduction Practice network (PRNet) connects UNDP practitioners around the world in substantive knowledge-sharing and institutional capacity development.  Country Teams at field levels in each country  sign on to the network as needed, share common practice, seek consultation on new initiatives, and address management issues in collaborative groups which form around collective concerns. The research design will incorporate virtual assessments of network accessibility, utility and impact in three countries, each from a separate UNDP region. Indicators will be defined in collaboration with UN staff, and will include measures such as staff incentives to join the network, topic identification/selection, platform effectiveness, knowledge management, and HQ support. Contacts with COs using consistent (qualitative) survey protocols in interviews with field staff, will provide  primary data, analysis of which (and additional substantive materials) will then proceed during January-March 2009 towards policy definitional goals as specified by UNDP and the team.  Assessment of the substantive scope and degree of engagement of country offices in PRNet, as well as examination and analysis of impact on program directions can be helpful in refining network characteristics and functionality. Assisting UNDP in such assessment is the focus of the planned MIA/MPA capstone project. The faculty advisor for this workshop was one of the originators of these kinds of electronic interactions in the UN system, and is quite familiar with both the background and operations of PRNet.