This document summarizes an operations research (OR) methods training session for CORE Group members. It provides an overview of OR and its objectives in improving maternal and child health programs. It discusses common OR study designs and challenges in implementation. Examples of programming barriers addressed through OR under the Child Survival and Health Grants Program are given. Brainstorming challenges and opportunities for OR in participants' programs was also conducted. Recommendations to build INGO capacity in OR were requested.

1. Operations Research: Methods, Challenges, Emerging Lessons, and Opportunities Florence Nyangara (MCHIP) May 12 th , 2011: 2:00 – 3:30 PM CORE Group Spring Meeting, Baltimore, MD

5. Operations Research Lens

11. OR Studies by the Child Survival & Health Grants Program (CSHGP) OR Study Designs by Level of Rigor Number of CSHGP’s OR Studies Using the Design Experimental Cluster-randomized, pre/posttest design with intervention & control groups 1 Quasi-Experimental Designs Pre/posttest study design with intervention & control group 9 Pre/posttest intervention only design 5 Post-test only design with intervention & control groups 0 Posttest intervention only design 0 Longitudinal cohort study of intervention and comparison groups 1 Non-Experimental Design Descriptive study design (focus groups, key informant interview, and observations) 1

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