The Case for
Co-operative
Intelligence!
Nick Matthews: Chair UK Society for
Co-operative Studies
The Potential : Zen-Noh Worlds
Largest Co-op: Turnover $US56 billion
Knowledge is Power
• Never has the UK movement been so rich in
data.
• Smaller number of retail societies.
• Better quality questions.
UK Society for Co-operative Studies
• Publishers of an International Journal jointly with Canadian
and Irish Co-operative Studies Societies.
• Network of advocates for Co-operation from academia and
the sector.
• UK Academic Co-op Sector very small.
• Function of mutual incomprehension!
What do we want from
Co-operatives UK today?
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Core tasks for 2012 and beyond…
Co-operative Advice.
Co-operative Collaboration -networks and people.
To Campaign for Co-operation.
Co-operative Intelligence.
Co-operative innovation and growth.
Co-operative Performance
• The key tool is the Cooperative Performance
Monitor.
• Health Risks:
• “Comparison on past
performance, but not an indepth analysis of the current
context or future prospects
of individual societies.”
Business Performance
• A lot has happened since 1844.
• Need new benchmarks against
competition in sectors in which
we operate.
• Customised to match up to the
business mix of individual
societies.
• Co-op comparisons are useful but
we are not in competition with
one another!
• Need to benchmark with best in
class!
International Comparisons
• We are not alone.
• Excellent examples of
good co-operative,
performance &
innovation from
overseas.
• Has to be captured in
ways that UK societies
can use.
Case Studies of Successful Business
Innovation
• Now Co-op Societies have regained their confidence
new business opportunities are being seized.
• Good case studies can help spread best practice.
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Co-operative Performance II – Best practice in
being Co-operative!
• How can we be better co-operatives?
• Need good case studies on member and staff
engagement & democratic practice.
• Spreading ideas and best practice.
Developing Co-operative Intelligence
• We need to invest in turning
our data into intelligence.
• Based on CPC to design
appropriate research and to
commission it.
• May involve independent
researchers rather than
Universities!
• Better intelligence means
better quality decision
making means better
business.
We need to be more Intelligent for when the
World Comes to Manchester
• Expo 2012
Manchester
• Plus Co-op
Congress
• A Week of Article
6
• Huge chance to
learn!
The case for better research
KPIs and KCESPIs
Alex Bird www.consultancy.coop
PIs
• Performance Indicators
• We can all come up with Performance Indicators,
but…………….
• Key is the word
• Look for those indicators that reflect performance
in other areas……..
• If profit is good, then chances are efficiency is too
CESPIs
• Co-operative, Social, Environmental Performance
Indicators
• Can have Key Indicators as well – KCESPIs
• If Membership turnover is low, chances are they’re
happy with the offer – or too apathetic to leave!
Researching KPIs & KCESPIs
• Consider what Indicators are relevant to you
• Consider if any are Key Indicators
• Key Indicators help to find a way through a sea of
data
• Choose a researcher who understands the subject
as well as how to research
• Set a budget and timetable that make sense
• Be open about budget – do you just want the
cheapest researcher?
Researching KPIs & KCESPIs
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Qualitative versus Quantitative Data
Quantitative is so much easier to analyse
Look for patterns (correlations) in data
Tables and graphs can help
Correlation does not indicate a causal relationship
Only knowledge of the subject can identify that
You may not end up with QED standard proof
Researching KPIs & KCESPIs
• Qualitative Data can be revealing
• Need to ask Open Questions to avoid driving the
answers – risk of bias
• Qualitative Data analysis needs an understanding
of the subject
• Objectivity is hard to achieve
• Difficult balance between teasing out issues and
driving the answers
Researching KPIs & KCESPIs
• If possible Questionnaires should be tested
beforehand
• Web or telephone research is lower cost, but…..
• Researchers need to use their eyes and nose
• People often give the answers they think you want
to hear
• When questioned about community facilities
people always say they’d like a gym or swimming
pool – but then they go to the pub!
Reporting
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Needs to be comprehensive to give credibility to the research
Needs to be short and sweet so ordinary people can understand
Needs lots of big words and references to satisfy academics
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So…..consider who and what the Report is for, before its written
Researching KPIs & KCESPIs
Any questions?
Co-operative Performance: the case for
better research
A view from applied academia
Rob Rowlands
Centre for Urban & Regional Studies,
University of Birmingham
Knowledge is
power, Mr Watts
The “Flawed Imagination”
• The funding of research changes its nature
• Narrows rational and effective options
• Evidence is the goal:
▫ Expectations of outcomes
▫ Is often used politically
▫ Open to challenge by those who don’t like its
implications
▫ Findings become steered
• Together undermine an objective approach
Commission on
Co-operative &
Mutual
Housing
Drivers
Opportunity
&
Environment
Inputs
Outputs
Politics
Enquiry
Testimony
Research
Opinions
Knowledge
&
Insight
Confirmation
of Beliefs
Bargaining
Power
To begin
During
After
• Establish a clear
question/problem
• Keep an open mind
• Appoint the right researchers
• Agree a clear strategy
• Provide appropriate resources
• Accept the results
• Use the information to help
your business