Strengthening humanitarian networks: Applying the network functions approach

This note by Ben Ramalingam (ALNAP), Enrique Mendizabal (ODI) and Ed Schenkenberg van Mierop (ICVA) offers a simple, flexible and powerful methodology — the network functions approach (NFA) — that can be applied to analyse and strengthen humanitarian and development networks. Based on research undertaken at ODI and elsewhere, the NFA suggests there are six overlapping functions that different networks perform in varying combinations. Through reflection on a network’s current activities and how they relate to each of these functions, the NFA helps those facilitating, acting within or supporting networks to work towards an ‘ideal’ functional mix. The aim is for network strategies to be honed, thinking clarified, activities sharpened and ultimately, humanitarian performance improved.

Knowledge and Learning in Aid Organizations: a literature review with suggestions for further studies

This SADEV working paper by Anna Krohwinkel-Karlsson is a state-of-the-art review in the area of internal efficiency intended for policy-makers and practitioners with a particular interest in organizational development, as well as for internal use. It looks in particular at analyses of knowledge and learning and argues that these would benefit from more systematic reflection on the various types of causes of organizational change, the various types of effects, the normative assessment of results and intertemporal documentation challenges.