1. WHAT IS OR?WHAT CAN IT DO FOR YOU?WHAT MUST YOU DO FOR IT?

2. Operations Research : Use of systematic research techniques for program decision-making to achieve a specified outcome

5. Diagnostic studies to identify problems

7. Reduction in C-sections

9. Outcomes desired by managersIndependent variables: manipulated by managers Dependent variables: program outcomes

10. Managerial Control Factors Under Control Program systems: training, pricing, information, counseling … Factors Not Under Control Cultural beliefs, location, economic status, religion, education…

12. Identifies program problems and decisions

13. Specifies time, resources, precision

14. Recruits service delivery points

15. Participates in results dissemination

17. WHAT CAN OR DO FOR YOU?

19. Arrives at “best practices” by comparison

20. Tests service delivery innovations

22. What will be the effect of charging for a service?

23. How frequently do you need to supervise your CHWs?

25. Navrongo study: CHW programs increase child-survival

26. Task shifting: Non-physicians can do many things

27. MD’s do

29. CHW retention: For health impacts to occur workers must actually be in the field

31. …Unless you realize that research is usually difficult, requires specialized manpower

33. Relying on inexperienced researchers

34. Relying on researchers not trained in a substantive area – child survival, malaria,

35. Trying to do OR in non-interested affiliates

36. Don’t put OR in your RFA response just to win a project – be serious about doing OR!