Author: Research Editor

WFP, World Bank, and MOSA: Verification of Databases for National Poverty Targeting Program (NPTP)

The key objective of the study is to provide the WFP/World Bank/ Ministry of Social Affairs / NPTP Central Management Unit (CMU) at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers with verification of the eligibility of households which are currently included in the NPTP database. Eligibility is assessed through a Proxy Means Test (PMT) which was formulated in coordination with the WFP. InfoPro was commissioned to verify the data.

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ILO: Beneficiary Surveys

Evaluate the program in comparison to goals. The Employment Intensive Infrastructure Project (EIIP) is a program launched by the ILO. It is focused on sustainable asset creation for local communities through investment in infrastructure projects. Now in its fourth phase, the program identified and executed 23 key local infrastructure projects. Surveys were conducted with local beneficiaries and the various stakeholders to evaluate the program in comparison to target goals highlighting any unintended and/or negative repercussions through a study.
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UNOPS: Assessment and Rehabilitation Plan SIMA Sustainable Integrated Municipal Actions – Lebanon

Identify priority areas for prospective projects and interventions in Beirut and Bourj Hammoud Municipalities. Verify the selection of projects identified in a previous phase, select additional projects of benefit to the communities under study, and conduct a peace, conflict, and gender analysis for all projects. An Integrative Rehabilitation Plan was also prepared. Selected projects were mapped, a maturity appraisal of the proposed projects was conducted, a cost estimate and implementation schedule of each project was also developed. Data was gathered through primary and secondary research.

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UNDP: Non-Health Covid Response to Covid 19 Impact Analysis

End of project evaluation. Evaluated two projects: ‘Reducing the direct economic downturn impact on vulnerable Communities in Lebanon’ and ‘Labour Intensive Forest Activities with Vulnerable Communities in Lebanon’ in conformity with OECD /DAC evaluation criteria: Relevance/Coherence, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Relevance, and Sustainability.

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Humanity and Inclusion: Data Collection Services

Humanity and Inclusion (HI) wants to monitor the needs of the various marginalized groups and assess the effectiveness of the HI programs and the work being carried out by their partners. As its data collection arm, InfoPro has conducted several studies to monitor HI activities. A mixed methodological approach has been utilized. Methodology: 1,825 face-to-face and telephone surveys with beneficiaries.Read more

Mercy Corps: Final Program Evaluation

A study for Mercy Corps to conduct a final program evaluation for its 3amaly project. The project’s objective is that women and youth are empowered and valued for playing an active economic role within their households and communities employment. It is designed to improve livelihood opportunities for women and youth (aged 15-34) in Tripoli, Saida, Lower Chouf, and the city of Nabatiyeh. The OECD-DAC methodology was utilized. Methodology: 35 Key Informant Interviews with stakeholders and 12 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with beneficiaries and mentors.

Save the Children: End of Project Evaluation

A study for Save the Children to conduct an end of project evaluation for the ‘Reducing Vulnerabilities for Refugees and Lebanese Host Communities and Strengthening Lebanese Civil Society’ project that it is conducting with Nabad in Bekaa. The two-year project targets male and female youth from refugee and host communities. It aims to build their capabilities to transition successfully into adulthood. The OECD-DAC methodology was utilized. Methodology: 24 Key Informant Interviews with stakeholders, 8 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with Youth and Caregivers, and a survey with 400 Youth.

UNICEF: Monitoring of Education and Hygiene Supplies

To support children’s access to education, UNICEF, part of its partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, provided education supplies as well as hygiene and Personal Protective Equipment / Material to schools. To evaluate the processes and the final outcomes of the support provided, UNICEF commissioned InfoPro to conduct a Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM) and to gain insights on the quality of the assistance given to the targeted schools and population. Methodology: Key Informant Interviews and Observations at Public Schools, DOPS Centers, and CERD Training Centers / Warehouse.

UNRWA: Mid-term Evaluation

A study for UNRWA to conduct a mid-term evaluation of their WAHET (or Sustainability in Education and Environmental Health for Palestine Refugees in Lebanon) project. The project which is 48 months in duration has two objectives: 1) to ensure Palestine refugees in camps have access to adequate and sustainable water infrastructure and services and 2) to provide access to quality, equitable and inclusive basic education for school-aged children. The OECD-DAC methodology was utilized. Methodology: 36 Key Informant Interviews with stakeholders, 14 Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with beneficiaries in the camps, and field visits to the project’s sites.

UNICEF: Perspective on Health & Hygiene Needs and Barriers

A study for UNICEF to identify the actual health and hygiene needs of Informal Tented Settlements (ISs) to assist in evolving health and hygiene activities. Methodology: In-depth interviews with key actors and Focus Groups Discussions (FGDs) with refugees residing in ISs.

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World Bank: Economic Impact of Women (Lack Of) Mobility

Women’s and girls’ mobility and employment are severely affected by transportation infrastructure. As a result, the World Bank is conducting research to better understand the impact of public transportation system shortcomings on women’s mobility patterns and socioeconomic empowerment. The main objective of this study is to collect household data and information in Greater Beirut and Greater Amman areas in order to better understand women’s and men’s mobility needs, barriers, and employment status and aspirations, along with other demographic information. Methodology: CAPI surveys and FGDs in Beirut and Amman.Read more

OXFAM: Analyzing voter behavior in times of crises

A research study for Oxfam Lebanon focused on analyzing voter behavior in the current context and climate that Lebanon is going through in four electoral districts. The research helped understand the reasons for voter inclination and revealed factors necessary to create political change in a complex and deteriorating context. Methodology: A quantitative CATI survey with a large sample.Read more

UNICEF: Assessment of Support Provided to Children in Contact with the Law

UNICEF was interested in conducting a qualitative assessment of the support provided to children in contact with the law by three of its partners working on justice for children project. The focus of the study was to assess how these partners were responding to children in contact with the law and how they adapted their case management working procedures in light of the developments/crises that have been taking place in Lebanon. Methodology: Key Informant Interviews with all three partners and their staff, in addition to in-depth interviews with beneficiaries’ caregivers.Read more

Save the Children: Evaluation of Vocational and Entrepreneurship Programs

Save the Children Lebanon (SCL) implemented vocational and entrepreneurship trainings to support the generation of income in some of the most vulnerable localities. Caregivers and 1,074 youth were supported to access the job market. To evaluate the performance of the project, the OECD DAC methodology was utilized. Methodology: KIIs with employers, SCL staff members, and partner staff members and a CATI survey and focus groups discussions with program participants who underwent VT and ET trainings.Read more

UNDP: Social Appraisals and Business Plans

Conducting for UNDP seven simplified economic and social appraisals and 13 business development plans for a selection of small and medium sized projects. For the appraisals, a qualitative and quantitative assessment of the macro, meso and micro level economic and social impacts expected from the projects will be conducted. This will be complemented by a SWOT analysis, financial plan, considerations on the sustainability of the investment, and recommendations. For the business development plans, a needs assessment and action plan, business development services, and a Rapid Cost-Benefit Analysis will need to be undertaken. Methodology: KIIs, CAPI surveys, and focus group discussions.Read more

SANAD: Needs of Small Businesses

A three-fold study for SANAD TAF on MSMEs and their needs for future financial and non-financial support: Assess the situation of small businesses and their challenges, to identify topics needing capacity building, and identify well-positioned local institutions able to provide financial and other support to MSMEs. Methodology: Desk research, Key Informant Interviews, and a survey with MSMEs in Greater Beirut and Tripoli.

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FAO: Technical Assessment of the Fruits, Vegetables and Nuts Value Chain

In-depth technical assessment for FAO of the fruits, vegetables and nuts (including pulses) value chains, to assess: 1) Mapping the Value Chains 2) Presenting options for improved productivity and value addition and 3) Assessing gaps in available technology and capacity of potential agriculture centers. Methodology: Interviews with actors in the sectors of agriculture and food processing, in addition to in-depth interviews with market actors and stakeholders such as middle-people, importers, smallholder farmers / small-scale food processors, agriculture and agro-food cooperatives, and MSMEs.

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ILO: Feasibility Study and Framework of a Referral Network on Post-Training Support Services

A feasibility analysis for ILO for a referral network system, develop a framework for a blueprint referral network system including implementation scenarios and risk analyses given the current context of the country. Methodology: Conduct Key Informant Interviews with Stakeholders, Map Existing Platforms and Providers of Skills Development and Post Training Support Services, identify potential international linkages, create a framework of the proposed referral system, and assess its feasibility. Methodology included conducting Key Informant Interviews with stakeholders, map existing platforms and providers of skills development and post training support services.
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EU: Final Evaluation of Afkar III Programme

The DAC framework for evaluation was utilized to assess the extent to which the EU financed project has met its objectives. Methodology: Desk Research, Key Informant / In-Depth Interviews, and focus groups with project beneficiaries.

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World Bank: Three Case Studies on Gender Workforce Diversity

Three case studies from the private sector in Lebanon commissioned by the World Bank. They focus on 1) Family Friendly Policies (FFPs) 2) Anti-Sexual Harassment and Safe Work Environment and 3) Women in Leadership Positions. Methodology: Desk research, in-depth interviews with top management, and focus groups with employees.

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UNDP: Household Assessment of e-Waste

A household statistical assessment of e-waste in Lebanon to gain a better understanding of the sector and the necessary measures required to improve its status. Methodology: Nationwide household CATI.

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World Bank and Ministry of Education: Education Impact Evaluation

Impact Evaluation study for The World Bank in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE). Baseline and an end-line surveys with coaches, teachers, and school principals. A student perception survey and classroom observations were also conducted. The impact evaluation will assess the following: coach content knowledge, teachers’ received dosage on coaching of core practices, perception of coaching session quality, teacher satisfaction, classroom instruction, students’ perception of their teachers and their academic engagement.

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UNICEF: Haddi Integrated Child Grant Program

A project for UNICEF to collect data for a baseline survey for the impact evaluation of ‘Haddi’ (Next to me) the Integrated Child Grant Programme, to measure how and to what extent the child grant increases households’ purchasing power for children, reduces negative coping strategies, and facilitates access to services, in an inclusive manner. Methodology: CATI.

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AVSI: Integration of Child Protection in Education

AVSI in collaboration with War Child Holland and Terre des Hommes Italy is undertaking a two-year programme titled “Back to the Future II” (BTF II). The programme seeks to promote the enrolment and the retention of refugee and vulnerable Lebanese children aged between three to 17 years old in formal education. InfoPro was commissioned to assess and provide evidence-based recommendations on the impact of child protection (CP) integration in the education response within the Back to the Future programme. Methodology: Desk Review, nine Key Informant Interviews, six Focus Group Discussions, and 280 surveys with caregivers and children.

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Chemonics: Baseline Surveys for Several Value Chains Under the Agriculture and Rural Empowerment (ARE) Activity

The Lebanon Agriculture and Rural Empowerment (ARE) Activity implemented by Chemonics aims to equip the agribusiness sector and rural communities with the technical and financial resources to generate increased productivity, sales, and exports, improving producer income. InfoPro was commissioned to monitor ARE’s activities in order to identify the success of its program and to inform future activities. The sectors assessed included 1) the dairy value chain 2) Fresh and Processed Vegetables value chain 3) Herbs value chain 4) Grapes, Stone Fruits, and Citrus and 5) Potatoes, Alliums, and Fodder. Methodology: Desk research, a quantitative survey with 1,000 farmers, and in-depth interviews with 150 retailers, wholesalers, cooperatives, MSMEs.

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FAO and Fair Trade: Gender Value Chain Analysis

Market system study in Akkar, North, and South Lebanon, and Baalbek-Hermel. The study provided updated information on the current status of four value chains (Plant Product, Agro-Food Processing, Animal Production, and Fisheries and Aquaculture), using a gender perspective. Methodology: 30 Key Informant Interviews, 28 focus groups, and a quantitative survey with 1,400 farmers/herders, fishermen / women, and firm owners.

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ILO: Simplified Economic Assessment Study in Saida

A simplified Economic Assessments (SEA) for the ILO that aims at assessing the feasibility of the revival of the Abul Abed coffee shop strip in old Saida. Methodology: Desk Research, Primary Research – Key Informant Interviews, In-Depth Interviews, Focus Groups, and observations, and an Economic Impact Assessment of the Project at the at the micro, meso, and macro levels.

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USAID and Palladium: Microfinance Demand Survey

Palladium and USAID kick started the support the Livelihoods and Inclusive Finance Expansion (LIFE) project in Lebanon. The aim of the project is to economically empower the unbanked, low-income, and underserved micro clientele ad simultaneously link vulnerable entrepreneurs with micro-finance institutions who will provide them with customized business management training, technical know-how, mentoring, and basic business development skills. The aim of the project is to also to strengthen the capacity of microfinance institutions (MFIs) and the Lebanese Microfinance Association (LMA) so that they can increase their range of products and services and expand their reach of borrowers to include microenterprises with an emphasis on higher-risk, conflict affected areas, including new, unbanked, and existing microenterprises, and low-income women-headed households. In order to gain a better understanding of entrepreneurship in Lebanon and to assist the Central Bank, in understanding the microenterprise landscape, InfoPro was commissioned to conduct a National Market Demand Survey among the general population and micro-enterprises. The aim of the survey was to profile micro-entrepreneurs and potential micro-entrepreneurs, identify the financial services they currently utilize, their demand for additional financial services, and how they are distributed across the various Lebanese governorates / Mohafazat. The findings of the survey helped InfoPro forecast the potential market value for micro-finance institutions among both the general population and micro-enterprises. It also helped reveal the areas that should be concentrated on. InfoPro interviewed 2,000 households and 1,200 micro-enterprises nationwide.Read more

NDI: Citizens Attitude Toward Socio-Economic and Political Developments

The National Democratic Institute (NDI) commissioned InfoPro to conduct a nationwide public opinion survey and a series of focus groups to capture Lebanese citizens’ perceptions, expectations, and attitudes towards the current political and economic situation. Methodology: 10 focus groups and a quantitative survey with 2,400 individuals.

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IFC: Digital financial services and the digitization of agricultural value chains

IFC aimed to increase access to financial services in Lebanon by providing financial institutions with Investment and Advisory Services. IFC appointed PPI and InfoPro to carry out an opportunity sizing/mapping of the financial services sector. An additional focus of the study was to identify opportunities (such as digitalization) for stakeholders within value chains, particularly with regard to supporting financial inclusion of small holder crop farmers. Methodology: Quantitative survey with 1,380 farmers, households, and MSMEs.

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IFC: Market Assessment of Asset-Based Lending (ABL) with focus on Supply Chain Finance (SCF)

Assessment for IFC of Asset-Based Lending (ABL) products in Lebanon with a focus on the SCF market. The study provided: 1) Review and quantification of the overall potential of SCF, demand for SCF, supply, and uncovered gaps across major industries, 2) Recommendations about possible actions for financial institutions in Lebanon to tap into the SCF opportunity, 3) List of the SCF technology platforms with their related key features and characteristics. Methodology: Desk research, Key Informant Interviews, Focus Group discussions, and surveys with MSMEs.

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UNDP: Dealing with the Past Monitoring and Evaluation

Provide M&E support to UNDP by conducting a baseline, mid-line, and end-line study. The study measured results achieved across all components of the project. Methodology for each phase: CATI, focus group discussions, and Key Informant Interviews with implementing partners.Read more

World Vision: Child Protection, Advocacy, and Livelihoods Baseline Survey

Baseline evaluation to provide clear evidence of children’s well-being pre and post World Vision’s Child Protection and livelihood interventions. Methodology: Desk Research and 2,920 Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) with caregivers.

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USAID: Qitabi 2 Baseline Assessment

A study for QITABI-2 project implemented by World Learning and financed by USAID. Gathering baseline data by surveying students and teachers in Grades 2, 3, and 6 in public and private schools. The project will enhance the provision of educational services in Lebanon and specifically the skills of children in reading, math, writing, and social and emotional learning (SEL) skills. Methodology: Assess schools and conduct surveys with principals, teachers, and students.Read more

GIZ: Development of Deprived Urban Areas in North Lebanon

A study for Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to assess the ‘Local Development Programme for Deprived Urban Areas in North Lebanon’ Programme, targeting vulnerable women and youth and aims to reduce social frustration linked to poverty and unemployment in Tripoli. A baseline and end line survey were conducted to measure the contribution of inter-communitarian exchange and program activities on positive attitude towards people of other communities. Methodology: CATI.

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Assessment of the Lebanon Our Story Intervention

A study to assess SAT-7’s ‘Lebanon Our Story’ program. It targets youth 15 to 25 years old, belonging to all religious or belief groups, including displaced Syrians, Palestinians, and Armenians. Assess success in reaching intended outcomes and objective. Methodology: CATI, Focus Group Discussions conducted with intended audiences.

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ACTED: Building Resilient Communities: An Integrated Approach to Livelihoods and Income Generation for Vulnerable Populations

A study for ACTED to evaluate their multi-sector program. The main objective of the program was to Address Root Causes (ARC) of conflict and instability in Lebanon by creating for vulnerable individuals’ sustainable income-generating and livelihood opportunities. The program was implemented in Akkar, Tripoli, Mount Lebanon, Beirut, and Saida. 1,500 individuals, 19 SDCs, 3 TVET Institutes, 1 Vocational Training Center, 22 Artisans and 75 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) were targeted across Lebanon. The aim of the study was to assess the extent to which the project has met its objectives and to provide an external opinion on the relevance and performance of the project, as compared to the original plan. Methodology: 18 key informant interviews, 15 in-depth interviews and CATI surveys with 350 beneficiaries.

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World Bank: Impact of the 2019 Crisis on Private Enterprises in Lebanon

The study was commissioned by the World Bank. It aims to measure the impact of the crisis on key components of the private sector including sales, profitability, employment, finances, and expectations of the future. Two surveys at different intervals with the same panel of firms were planned to better understand the implications of the crisis, coping mechanisms utilized, and recovery path. Methodology: A quantitative survey with 532 firms.

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ACTED: Food Security Value Chain Study

A Food Security Value Chain Assessment. The objective was to identify food value chains critical to food security, key bottlenecks and impediments to agricultural production along selected value chains, and propose solutions and recommendations to alleviate efficiency bottlenecks. A desk research exercise was conducted to identifying gaps in available information. A list of the basic food commodities for vulnerable population groups especially those affected by the Beirut port blast was identified. A prioritization matrix was prepared and four value chains were selected. A full value chain analysis across the four products selected was then conducted. Methodology: Desk research, Methodology: Desk research, 20 key-informant interviews (KIIs) with sector experts and representatives, and a quantitative survey with 208 farmers, cooperative members, business owners, and other market actors along each step of the value chain.

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World Bank and MOSA: Verification of Databases for National Poverty Targeting Program (NPTP)

The key objective of the study is to provide the World Bank/ Ministry of Social Affairs / NPTP Central Management Unit (CMU) at the Presidency of the Council of Ministers with verification of the eligibility of households which are currently included in the NPTP database. Eligibility is assessed through a Proxy Means Test (PMT) which was formulated in coordination with the World Bank. InfoPro was commissioned to verify the data. Methodology: 30,000 CAPI Surveys conducted nationwide.Read more

USAID and Palladium: Final Performance Evaluation of the LIFE Project

A final evaluation was conducted of the Livelihood and Inclusive Financial Expansion (LIFE) project, administered by Palladium and financed by USAID. Methodology: Desk Research, focus groups, and an analytical report on the financial needs of microenterprises and alternative ways of local micro-financing.

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Staff performance for a Medium Sized Bank

The main objective of the study was to evaluate the bank’s branch appearance and performance of staff members. The bank’s staff were evaluated through scenario simulations to assess their knowledge of the various products and services offered. Methodology: Data collection was based on face-to-face and telephone mystery shopper interviews with the customer service officers, sales agents, and telesales personnel. Four mystery shopper waves were conducted on a quarterly basis over a period of one year.

Marketing Plan for High Value Agricultural Products

An agricultural property management company that specializes in producing high quality stone and pome fruits in Central Bekaa was selling its produce to the wholesale market at bulk market prices that seriously undervalue the uniqueness of their premium range of goods. InfoPro developed a marketing plan for the branded produce and investigated opportunities in the market that can be targeted to realize a higher return for its value added products. Methodology: Desk review and face-to-face in-depth interviews with market players and the purchasing managers / owners of Hotels, restaurants, specialty stores, catering businesses, and large supermarkets

UNICEF: Winterization Cash Assistance Program Assessment

Assessment of the Winterization Cash Assistance Program provided by UNICEF and the Ministry of Social Affairs (MOSA). The study provided feedback on the relevance, effectiveness, and the quality of service provided by the program. The study covered the Bekaa, North, and Mount Lebanon. Methodology: –Focus Group discussions with beneficiaries, MOSA directors, coordinators, and social workers.Read more

IRI: Lebanon Polls Study

The International Republican Institute (IRI) was interested in obtaining public opinion data by conducting a multi-wave survey. The surveys assess public perceptions of government institutions, political parties, policy priorities, political participation, and political reform. Methodology: Nationwide CATI.

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ILO: Labor Market Demand Survey

The aim of the study conducted for the ILO was to assess demand in the Lebanese Labor market, to gain perspective of the private sector regarding labor demand and requirements which at a later stage became a part of their labor policy. The study provided in-depth information on recruitment methods and difficulties, payment policies, allowances and benefits provided, in addition to employee experience and education. Methodology: In-depth interviews with upper management at companies across the country and a number of their employees.Read more

CNRS: Survey on Innovation in the Industrial and ICT Sectors

A study to assess innovation in the Lebanese industrial sector and the ICT sector commissioned by The National Council for Scientific Research (CNRS) in collaboration with the World Bank. The objective was to revitalize these sectors by assessing innovative measures being carried out. Methodology: Enterprise survey.Read more

Location Analysis for a Small Sized Bank

The client was considering the option of opening two new branches. Four potential locations were assessed, of which two were selected by the client for further evaluation. A supply and demand analysis of banking activities was conducted. A detailed profile of the residential sector as well as the corporate activity in the areas understudy was provided. In-depth information on respondents’ usage and attitude towards the banking sector and available market opportunities were assessed. Methodology: Desk research, mapping of businesses and retail outlets, face-to-face household interviews, and corporate interviews.

Location Analysis for a Large Sized Bank

The client was interested in assessing the feasibility of opening a new branch. Two potential locations were assessed – Aley and Rabieh. A detailed profile of the residential sector as well as the corporate activity in the areas understudy were assessed. Methodology: Desk research, mapping of businesses and retail outlets, face-to-face household interviews, and corporate interviews.

Location Analysis for a Medium Sized Bank

The client was considering the option of opening a new branch and relocating an existing one. In order to assess the commercial viability of the endeavor, a location analysis study was conducted for the areas of Hazmieh and Ashrafieh. The client was provided with a detailed profile of the residential and commercial segments in order to reveal respondents’ usage and attitude towards the banking sector. The population profile the areas under study were also benchmarked to the profile of the Greater Beirut population in order to compare key profile differences. Methodology: Desk research, mapping of businesses and retail outlets, face-to-face household interviews, and corporate interviews.

UNDP: Business Plan for a Job Creation Center

The UNDP and the Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development (HF) were planning to create a Job Creation Center in Beirut. InfoPro’s mission was to conduct a business plan for the establishment and sustainability of the Job Creation Center that includes a market assessment, a feasibility study, and an implementation plan. Methodology: In-depth interviews were conducted with the UNDP / Hariri Foundation team and recruitment agencies in the Greater Beirut area. A survey was also conducted with youth in search of employment.Read more

IT Company Valuation

A company specialized in providing professional services and software solutions to the telecom sector, commissioned InfoPro to design a business plan that enables its five-year expansion strategy. The business plan included a strategy to acquire new potential customers in existing markets and enter new markets, expansion of human resource assets to meet the needs of to their actual, up-coming projects and opportunities, and a comprehensive feasibility study. Methodology: Desk review and face-to-face interviews with staff members and other market players.

World Bank: Women Entrepreneurship in Formal Private Sector: A Gender Focused Investment Climate Assessment (ICA)

The aim of the study for the World Bank was to assess women’s entrepreneurship in Lebanon and the obstacles faced by women working in the private sector. The study assessed gender differences regarding firm level productivity and simultaneously provided information on company structure, finances, and labor. Methodology: In-depth interviews with the general managers of female owned businesses.Read more

Water Project Final Evaluation

A study for a NGO consortium by Gruppo di Volontariato Civile (GVC), Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli (CISP), and Arab Countries Water Utilities Association (ACWUA). End-line evaluation of a three-year project (MyahCon) that strengthens infrastructural and managerial capacities of local water establishments in 12 communities in the North, Bekaa, and the South. Methodology: Key Informant Interviews with stakeholders, Focus Group Discussions with beneficiaries, and individual interviews.

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World Bank: PSD Flagship Report

The objective of the study was to identify the reasons behind the low level of private investment to GDP, firm-level productivity, economic diversification, and exports of non-traditional products in Lebanon by focusing on the environment faced by firms in the region, the role of public policy in improving it, and the way in which the political economy of State-business relations may be hindering progress on reforms. InfoPro assisted the World Bank in creating a road map on how to maximize the contribution of the private sector to future growth and job creation. Methodology: Desk review and face-to-face interviews with experts on a variety of topics.Read more

Taxi Concept Test Study for a Large Consultancy Firm

A consultancy firm has a client who was considering the potential of setting up a taxi company in the Greater Beirut area. The client was interested in testing several concepts. Methodology: 1,500 street intercept interviews conducted with current taxi / taxi service users and car owners. A survey was also conducted with 75 five star, four star, and three star hotels.

Entertainment Center Feasibility Study

The client was planning to introduce a new entertainment center targeting children and adolescents in a prominent mall. The main objective of the study was to assess the feasibility, receptiveness and potential market demand for of such a concept. Methodology: Intercept interviews with individuals with children and a financial feasibility plan across alternative scenarios.

Concept Testing of Short-Term Loans

The financial institution client wanted to test the utilization of very short-term loans among low-income potential users. The main objective of the study was to determine the concept’s penetration as well as to test some of its potential features. The study surveyed individuals who fall into the client’s target market. Methodology: The study consisted of face-to-face interviews with non-bankerized respondents.

Taxi Concept Test Study for a Large Consultancy Firm

The client was considering the potential of setting up a taxi company in the Greater Beirut area. The client was interested in testing several concepts. Methodology: 1,500 street intercept interviews conducted with current taxi / taxi service users and car owners. A survey was also conducted with 75 five star, four star, and three star hotels.

Customer Satisfaction Survey for a Large Insurance Group

A large insurance group was interested in carrying-out a customer satisfaction survey in order to assess the satisfaction of their clientele with the services that they are providing. The study measured clients’ satisfaction based on several evaluation criteria such as: Performance, service, credibility, and reliability. The measure of loyalty and switching intentions were also incorporated in the study design. Methodology: Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI) with the group’s clientele.

Customer Satisfaction Survey for a Medium Sized Bank

The study evaluated clients’ satisfaction with the bank’s products / services, quality of service, and employees. The study also assessed the satisfaction of clientele dealing with competitive banks. The study findings helped establish a comparative customer satisfaction assessment of the
bank under study and its competition. Methodology: a combination of face-to-face and Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI).

Impact of the Strengthened Euro on the Lebanese Economy

The objective was to assess the changes the private sector faced due to the appreciation of the Euro. The study was undertaken in collaboration of the Ministry of Finance. The findings were compiled into a publication. Methodology: Desk research and in-depth interviews with companies operating in the country’s top trading sectors, focused on foodstuffs, textiles, pharmaceuticals, cars, and petroleum.

Euro Med Agreement Awareness Study

The main objective of the study which was funded by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Foundation was to gain qualitative insight from companies in the trade sector on their awareness of the Euro-Med agreement, their perceptions of its advantages and disadvantages as well its potential benefits. Methodology: In-depth face-to-face interviews with company general managers selected from a list of small, medium, and large importers and exporters currently operating in the Lebanese market.