http://www.search4dev.nlOnline library for Dutch development cooperationenwww.kit.nldpcmedewerkers-uba@uva.nldpcmedewerkers-uba@uva.nlSat, 18 May 2013 23:10:50 CEST/d/dprn/graphics/bbhead.gifhttp://www.search4dev.nlhttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/440107http://www.search4dev.nl/record/440107In 2010 PSO invested heavily in the design of an innovative learning instrument which was intended to improve capacity development and which was referred to as the Thematic Learning Programme. PSO ran several programs simultaneously to test the instrument in practice. Unfortunately, PSO will not be able to refine what it has learned from the tests because the organisation is going to cease to exist after 2012. In this report we share our lessons learned from the Thematic Learning Programme with a specific focus on fragile states with the aim that development practitioners and other interested parties can use and benefit from them. For assessing the definitive impact of the programme and more particularly to asses whether the recommendations are in fact being adopted a longer time horizon would be required: up to 6 month - one year more. In May 2010 PSO prepared a Thematic Learning Programme which focused on fragile states. A core group was formed which, in turn, invited Agriterra, Care, Impunity Watch and ZOA to join the TLP. The research was performed from mid 2011 until the beginning of 2012 and detailed case reports were prepared. This document describes the steps that were taken during the course of this TLP and summarises the main findings of the four separate research projects.F. Bieckmannhttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/439583http://www.search4dev.nl/record/439583This booklet was published to commemorate the discontinuation of PSO. PSO was an association that consisted of Dutch development organisations. PSO wished to contribute to structural poverty alleviation. The way of doing so was to reinforce civil society organisations in developing countries through capacity building.PRactiesTekst in de Dophttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/407691http://www.search4dev.nl/record/407691The nine Dutch development organisations and one Belgian NGO that were considering to join the PSO Thematic Learning Programme (TLP) on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation (PM&E) were struggling with various issues before deciding to join. How to balance accountability and learning? How to ‘measure’ and gain insights into processes of (behavioural) change? How to combine figures and stories? This learning brief describes the setting up of a collaborative action research process which centred on these questions with the participating organisations. The experiences in this ongoing programme may provide insights into the dynamics of setting up a joint action research initiative in which all those involved are learning from their own practice, as well as from each other. This learning brief also aims to illustrate that finding time and space to really reflect and learn is vital for change, but is also increasingly difficult in current times in which people, organisations, sectors, communities and even whole countries in the aid environment are being assessed for delivering measurable, observable and clearcut results. Furthermore, and in any event, learning is key for doing things better and doing better things, and thus obtaining relevant results. Action research (AR) can support this. This is one of the key features of this process that responds to a serious deficit in the development sector: learning from practice for better results.A. MaarseC. TemminkJ. van OngevalleH. HuyseS. SoalE. Boutylkovahttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/407690http://www.search4dev.nl/record/407690Networks pose different challenges than conventional organisations. This publication showcases 5 different networks’ stories written by the key persons involved, the co-authors of this publication. These stories reflect on each network’s context at the time and what the key persons did in order to enhance the health of their network. It also shows the key persons’ quests to transform their networks and the impact the action research had on the former. For analysis purposes used the Free Actors in Networks (FAN) approach was used, which provided a different way of looking at network relations and at who plays a role in improving network connectivity. The action research was initiated by PSO in April 2010 with four Dutch development organisations and a network secretariat based in the Netherlands. These organisations are involved in North-South networks and wanted to understand the perspectives of their network partners.K. FaberE. WielingaA. GaffarG. IsmaelF. Ng'ambiS. RaiV. RiccoV. SandjojoR. Sigithttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/397460http://www.search4dev.nl/record/397460Diversity perspectives refer to the goals, norms and procedures that organizations may have in mind when implementing and managing diversity at the workplace. The present research investigated the impact of such organizational diversity perspectives on the organizational outcomes of effectiveness and innovation, employee satisfaction, and a sense of inclusion among employees. Moreover, we examined the organizational diversity climate and attitudes of individual employees towards diversity as possible factors underlying the successful functioning of diversity at the workplace. Results confirmed that the different perspectives organizations may hold on diversity have distinct impacts on organizational outcomes, which will be discussed in detail in this paper. We end this paper with discussing the implications and relevance and by giving some practical recommendations based on our findings.M. de Ritterhttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/397459http://www.search4dev.nl/record/397459This report is written in contribution to the second Barefoot Guide to Learning Practices in Organisations and Social Change. It is about taking up the challenge for each of us to learn more about ourselves. Why should we do that? How does that contribute to learning and to social change? What route does the journey of selfknowledge and personal growth take? What can we use on that journey?A. Aarnoudsehttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/388403http://www.search4dev.nl/record/388403The purpose of this literature survey is to assist the Writers Collective of the Programme on Learning Practice and Social Change in designing and developing the Barefoot Guide II on Organisational Learning for Social Change. It does so by presenting a selection of existing materials on the purpose, thinking (theories and models) and practices of organisational learning. As an overview, there is minimum commentary and analysis, but sufficient information is provided to prompt the reader to find the original texts most relevant to her/his area of interest for further study.A. AarnoudseS. Hillhttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/388402http://www.search4dev.nl/record/388402Tear organised a three-day reflection workshop in Padang, Indonesia, in August 2010. All partners involved in the Asia Appeal 2009 participated in the workshop by presenting the most challenging constraint they faced and their approach to dealing with it. By being part of the process of joint learning, they have been able to increase their ability to be better prepared for future disasters in the affected area. By making the nine case studies presented and discussed during the workshop available to the public, this publication aims to show the experiences and lessons learned during relief response in a disaster-prone area, in the hope of informing and inspiring others in similar processes.J. Boersma (edt)M. Zonneveld (edt)http://www.search4dev.nl/record/388401http://www.search4dev.nl/record/388401This is the 2010 annual report of PSO. PSO is an association that consists of Dutch development organisations. PSO wishes to contribute to structural poverty alleviation. The way of doing so is to reinforce civil society organisations in developing countries through capacity building.PSOhttp://www.search4dev.nl/record/376238http://www.search4dev.nl/record/376238This document reports on the process entitled ‘Strengthening Monitoring and evaluation in development projects that deal with complex social contexts’ which was carried out within the framework of the Development Policy Review Network (DPRN) and organised by HIVA – Research Institute for Labour and Society, VVOB, Vredeseilanden and PSO.J. Van OngevalleC. Temmink