Strategy Survival Guide

Strategy Survival Guide Version 2.1
Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit
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Strategy Development > Research & Analysis > Tasks
Gathering knowledge
The starting point for this phase of the project is to gather relevant data, information, and knowledge to build
an accurate understanding of the issues in hand, and the effectiveness of past and present policy responses.
There are many different data types & sources available, and also many methods for gathering new
knowledge, including surveys and interviews and focus groups. The data, sources and methods used will
depend very much on the nature of the project. Each type of knowledge has distinct sources, grammars, and
appropriate methods of use and interpretation. The key challenge is to strike the right balance between
quantitative and qualitative types of knowledge.
Before initiating any new research effort it is important to identify existing data and critically appraise it to
ensure it is of sufficient quality, perhaps using methods such as systematic reviews or meta-analysis as
outlined in The Magenta Book. Early links should be established with the full range of government
specialists (economists, scientists, social researchers, statisticians etc) as well as those in the wider
academic and research community in order to seek advice and avoid duplication of effort.
The design of this phase should be informed by the structure developed when clarifying the issues using
techniques such as issue trees in the last phase. This will enable the data gathering and analysis process to
be hypothesis led and avoid the need to ‘boil the ocean’ of all available sources. Although options should not
be blocked off and the information gathering process unduly narrowed, the process will be more efficient if
the team’s efforts are focused around its emerging notions of the way forward. It is important to regularly
revisit the hypotheses in the light of the emerging evidence from the data.
Gathering Sponsor & Stakeholder Perspectives
Understanding the different perspectives of the sponsor and key stakeholders is a crucial part of the
knowledge gathering process. Taking time to understand the sponsor's perspectives will make it easier to
ensure that the project answers their key concerns. It will also provide understanding of the political context
behind the issue or problem. Similarly, it is important to be fully informed about the perspectives of different
stakeholders. Interviews with key stakeholders, including experts, practitioners and frontline staff – who often
have a richer understanding of the position than managers or experts – will assist the stakeholder mapping
process and should feed into the stakeholder engagement plan. Listening to different perspectives can
provide new lenses for looking at the issues and suggest alternative solutions.
Managing the Knowledge Gathering Process
It is crucial to factor in sufficient time for the knowledge gathering process. New sources will undoubtedly
emerge as the process proceeds, which will require additional time to investigate – for example, interviewees
may suggest other people to interview. However, it is also important that the team is not distracted by areas
that are not the core focus of the project.
Where significant data and knowledge do not currently exist, new research may need to be commissioned.
The conclusions of this research may not be available within the time scales of the project, however
strategies need to be designed to be flexible enough to respond to new knowledge as it emerges.
Useful links:
> data types & sources
> surveys
> interviews and focus groups
> The Magenta Book
Strategy Survival Guide – Strategy Development
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