RAPID Outcome
Mapping Approach
Simon Hearn, ODI
16 April 2010
Bern, Switzerland
Policy makers do not...
Identify the problem
Commission research
Analyse the results
Choose the best option
Establish the policy
Implement the policy
Evaluation
Policy processes are...
Cabinet
Donors
Policy
Formulation
Agenda
Setting
Parliament
Decision
Making
Civil Society
Monitoring and
Evaluation
Ministries
Policy
Implementation
Private
Sector
Slide: John Young, ODI
Forms of influencing
Evidence / science
based
Advising
Advocacy
Cooperation
(inside track)
Confrontation
(outside track)
Lobbying
Activism
Interest / values
based
The six lessons
Policy processes
and social
realities are
complex
Research plays
a minor role in
policy and
practice
But it is possible
for research to
play a role
Must understand
landscape
Policy and social
entrepreneurs
need a set of
skills
Intent is
necessary!
ROMA steps
RAPID
Start by defining
your policy
objectives
Outcome
Mapping
An analytical framework
External Influences
Socio-economic and cultural
influences,
donor policies etc
The political context – political
and economic structures and
processes, culture, institutional
pressures, incremental vs radical
change etc.
The links between policy
and research communities –
networks, relationships, power,
competing discourses, trust,
knowledge etc.
Map political
context
Identify key
stakeholders
The evidence – credibility, the
degree it challenges received
wisdom, research approaches and
methodology, simplicity of the
message, how it is packaged etc
Identify
desired
changes
Develop an
engagement
strategy
Analyse
internal
capacity to
affect change
Establish
Monitoring
and learning
systems
The AIIM tool
High
General level of
alignment
1. Map actors on
the matrix
2. Identify which
are the most
influential
3. Who do you
work with
directly?
Develop
enthusiasm to
address topic
Learn in
partnership
Develop
awareness
and
enthusiasm
Challenge
existing
beliefs
Low
Low
Map political
context
Identify key
stakeholders
Identify
desired
changes
Develop an
engagement
strategy
Interest in
specific topic
Analyse
internal
capacity to
affect change
High
Establish
Monitoring
and learning
systems
Types of policy change
Discursive
changes
Procedural
changes
Content
changes
Attitudinal
changes
Behavioural
changes
Map political
context
Identify key
stakeholders
Identify
desired
changes
Develop an
engagement
strategy
Analyse
internal
capacity to
affect change
Establish
Monitoring
and learning
systems
Force Field Analysis
Your influence
on the force
4
4
Positive forces
Plan:
Funds
2
1
CSOs
2
2
Public demand
?
Map political
context
Minister of Trade
puts forward propoor trade and
complementary
policy
programme to
the cabinet by
April 2008
?
?
Total = ?
Identify key
stakeholders
Identify
desired
changes
Your influence
on the force
Negative forces
Develop an
engagement
strategy
MEF
5
*
2
Time
3
1
?
?
?
?
?
Total = ?
?
Analyse
internal
capacity to
affect change
Establish
Monitoring
and learning
systems
SWOT Analysis
• What type of policy
influencing skills and
capacities do we have?
• In what areas have our
staff used them more
effectively?
• Who are our strongest
allies?
• When have they worked
with us?
• Are there any windows of
opportunity?
• What can affect our ability
to influence policy?
Map political
context
Identify key
stakeholders
Identify
desired
changes
Strengths
Weaknesses
Opportunities
Threats
Develop an
engagement
strategy
Analyse
internal
capacity to
affect change
Establish
Monitoring
and learning
systems
The Three Stages
OUTCOME
MAPPING:
Building Learning
and Reflection into
Development
Programs
Sarah Earl, Fred Carden,
and Terry Smutylo
http://www.idrc.ca/en/ev-9330-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html
Map political
context
Identify key
stakeholders
Identify
desired
changes
Develop an
engagement
strategy
Analyse
internal
capacity to
affect change
Establish
Monitoring
and learning
systems
For example:
For example:
•RAPID Framework
•Drivers of Change
•Power Analysis
•SWOT
•Influence Mapping
•Force Field Analysis
•AIIM
•Stakeholder analysis
•Influence Mapping
•Social Network Analysis
•Force Field Analysis
Start by defining
your policy
objectives
For example:
•Log Frame (flexible)
•Outcome Mapping
•Journals or impact logs
•Internal monitoring tools
For example:
•Progress Markers
•Opportunities and
Threats timeline
•Policy Objectives
•AIIM
•Force Field Analysis
For example:
For example:
•Policy entrepreneur
questionnaire
•SWOT
•Internal performance
frameworks
For example:
•Publications, public relations
•Media and events
•Negotiation and advice
•Develop a network or coalition
•Research
•Force Field Analysis