Research has found that IM4DC programs have enabled alumni to translate learning into practice and to bring about positive changes to their work and organisations.
The research was conducted by The Accelerated Learning Laboratory (ALL) at The University of Western Australia. ALL consolidated data from two research studies and online surveys.
ALL found that participants have developed their leadership capability, initiated innovative activities and changes, strengthened their networks, and can potentially contribute to the improvement of social, economic, and environmental status of their home countries if more time is given and if continuous support is provided.
The research resulted in recommendations for further enhancing impact, including: involving key personnel and decision makers in the IM4DC training; providing focused, systemic training to develop participants’ change management skills; following up with alumni to support their change initiatives; creating platforms to share innovative and effective practices among alumni, among others; and building cross-national forums and networks to sustain community of practice.
The report on this research can be downloaded at: https://im4dc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Alumni-Impact-Completed-Report.pdf
ALL also examined the program deliverers’ perspective. This research identified positive outcomes for university staff and their institutions in the form of intellectual, reputational, research, and collaboration and networking benefits.
The report on the program deliverers’ perspective can be downloaded at: https://im4dc.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/IM4DC-Internal-Evaluation-Completed-Report.pdf
ALL is also completing a series of Tracer Studies that seek to identify longer term impacts by conducting retrospective analysis through six in-depth case studies, each involving an alumnus or a group of alumni. The study aims to identify and understand the changes that occurred after their participation in the IM4DC program, how IM4DC participation is linked with these changes, and the process by which these changes can translate into wider impact related to one or more of their programs. The report will be finalised in May 2015.