Empowering Field Researchers

Field research is key to creating effective policies and promoting sustainable development. But as development challenges become more complex, the way we do research also needs to evolve. Researchers must stay ready to adapt to new trends, tools, and methods to advance knowledge and keep their work relevant and impactful. To support this, the World Bank launched the Manage Successful Field Research e-Learning course. This program gives professionals worldwide the resources needed to stay ahead of these changes. 

The e-Learning course, organized by the Institute for Economic Development in collaboration with DIME Analytics, established a groundbreaking approach to empowering professionals with necessary knowledge and skills. Breaking location and time barriers, this course offered participants an interactive learning experience to improve research practices in development contexts. By fostering open, reliable, and data-driven insights, it helps advance the World Bank’s mission of ending poverty, boosting shared prosperity, and supporting sustainable development on a livable planet. 

Over multiple sessions, professionals from different backgrounds gathered to exchange knowledge and ideas. This dynamic engagement drew over 6,000 participants from across the globe, leveraging the Institute's innovative learning platform. Participants from diverse countries—including Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Pakistan, India, China, Indonesia, Canada, France, The Netherlands, among many others—came together to learn and share insights on field research methodologies. 

The program combined video lessons, recommended readings, and quizzes with peer-reviewed activities and virtual group discussions. These elements encouraged active engagement and fostered a collaborative learning environment, prompting over 800 interactions among participants.  

“As a researcher, I have been challenged on many things during the learning [course] and I have gained new perspectives on how to write research proposals and how to successfully conduct them,” said Loice Kipngetich who joined the course from Kenya. 

These exchanges proved to be very valuable to the global field research community. To measure the pedagogical impact and knowledge utilization post learning, the Institute and DIME Analytics developed a unique impact evaluation methodology. For this course, participants reported a 77% increase in perceived skills, with knowledge scores showing a 30% improvement between pre- and post-assessment. Additionally, 86% of trainees said they will apply the newly acquired knowledge in their professional work–-further solidifying the course’s real-world development impact. Finally, 93% of participants said they would recommend the course to their peers and colleagues. 

“This course has greatly enhanced my skills in designing, monitoring, and managing successful field research. The topic on ensuring data quality and strategic communication of research impact has provided great insight and clarity, which can be very useful in my work,” said Chikaodili Mary-Kate Anene ép. Deng who joined this course from France.  

Looking ahead, future editions of Manage Successful Field Research will continue to evolve, staying ahead of trends and development challenges. Plans for in-person workshops and a new online edition will continue offering field researchers opportunities to collaborate and strengthen their skills.  

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