Social studies

SANAD: Outcomes of Micro-Credit Provision to Syrian Refugees

September 21, 2017

Study to determine needs for financial and non-financial services among Syrian refugees nationwide, commissioned by SANAD. Testing and verifying data compiled through a previous qualitative segment, as well as quantify estimates that were provided. Assessment of employment status, sources of income, business training, the financial services that are available to them, and their potential interest in taking a loan. The market size of creditworthy refugees was assessed. Methodology: representative sample of 640 refugees.
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Market Study for the Mahmoud Abbas Loan Program

February 28, 2017

A market study for the Mahmoud Abbas Foundation (MAF) to develop a student’s loan program for Palestinian refugees residing in Palestinian camps in Lebanon. Methodology: interviews with 250 Palestinian students, three focus groups, interviews with banks and micro-finance organizations. Designed several loan schemes and conducted feasibility studies in order to assist MAF in selecting the best loan program.
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UNICEF: Out-of-School Study

January 1, 2017

A study for UNICEF to uncover reasons of dropping out of Syrian refugee students enrolled in a schools run by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE). Methodology: five focus groups with Syrian refugee women who have children between six and 17 years of age which are out of school. The focus groups were held in various regions in Lebanon.
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UNICEF: Third Party Monitor for School Enrollment

June 13, 2016

A study for UNICEF to monitor the number of children attending school. Methodology: 951 visits to public schools were carried out.
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UNICEF: Enrollment in Public Schools

February 22, 2016

A study for UNICEF to assess the enrolment procedure and quality of education at public schools, highlighting differences in the treatment of Lebanese and Syrian children, as well as differences between the first and second teaching shifts, and timing and effectiveness of the distribution of ‘school-in-a-box’ (SIB) kits, and the usefulness of the distributed items. Methodology: Seven focus groups with Lebanese and Syrian participants residing in various areas in Lebanon. Lebanese or non-Lebanese caregivers of children between three and 17 years of age who are enrolled in public schools.
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UNICEF: Winterization Cash Assistance Program Assessment

January 1, 2016

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

CGAP (World Bank) and Microfinance Center: Indebtedness Level of Microfinance Clients

October 5, 2015

Study commissioned by The Microfinance Center and CGAP to measure the indebtedness level of microfinance clients and factors leading to them. Recommendations on prevention. Methodology: qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative segments.
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UNICEF: Third Party Monitoring: Cross-Border Entry Points

April 8, 2015

A study for UNICEF to monitor the vaccination process running in four cross border entry points on the Lebanese-Syrian border and the performance of a partner operating under the immunization program in those centers. Methodology: 112 ad hoc visits to monitor the vaccination process and the performance of the partner. In each of the visited centers, field monitors evaluated the number of passengers receiving vaccines, Inventory status (maintenance of vaccines temperature, availability of polio and measles vaccines, availability of red and blue vitamin A, the state of each vaccine vial), daily registration including number of individuals receiving each vaccine and number of pregnant women.
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UNEP: Capacity Building for Sustainable Public Procurement

January 1, 2012

A study for UNEP to identify opportunities for the contribution of public procurement to the achievement of national sustainable development targets. The expected results from the pilot project were to develop an SPP action plan and policy draft, creation of a website portraying SPP activities, and reporting on lessons learned. Methodology: Desk research and in-depth interviews with businesses, supply chain partners, and procurement officers in various ministries and experts in sustainable public procurement in local and international organizations. In collaboration with UNDP / UNEP / Institute of Finance, drafted a SPP Policy and Action Plan to achieve the targets and ensure that public procurement fully contributes to sustainable development and a green economy. A workshop was organized presenting the draft SPP policy plan.
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The Effect of Foreign Labor and Minimum Wage on the Labor Market

November 28, 2008

A study initiated by InfoPro. Salary comparisons, benefits and social allowances. Real variations identified in salaries of foreign vs. local labor across skill sets. Reaction of company owners to an increase in the minimum wage and its quantitative impact on business. Methodology: 350 in-depth interviews with companies, economy, and labor experts.
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ILO: Labor Market Demand Survey

July 14, 2008

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

Mystery Shopper for Electronics Retailer

January 24, 2022

A study commissioned by a network of household electronics to assess outlets and personnel performance at all branches. The elements included: External and internal premises, Employee appearance and hygiene, Customer care, Behavior and attitude, and Technical knowledge. Methodology: two waves per year.
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Market Share and Perception Analysis of a Lighting Solutions Company

February 14, 2020

Market share study for a large lighting solutions company. Issues addressed: Positioning versus the competition, Brand perception, Selection process utilized in deciding on suppliers of lighting systems, Message to be communicated, SWOT, identification of unmet needs. Methodology: In-depth interviews with contractors / developers, architects, and electrical engineers and consultants.
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World Bank: PSD Flagship Report

January 2, 2020

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

EU and CISP: Secondary Analysis – Improving Access to Safe Drinking Water for Lebanese and Syrian Refugee Communities in Northern Lebanon

June 15, 2017

A study for The Comitato lnternazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli (CISP), an EU funded project: ‘Improving access to safe drinking water for Lebanese and Syrian refugees communities in Northern Lebanon’. A baseline ‘Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices (KAP)’ and ‘Willingness to Pay’ survey was conducted by CISP among a representative sample of the target population to assess their actual interest in the project and their willingness to pay for the water supply system. Analysis of collected data, produce and present a final report for the baseline survey.
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ANERA: Mapping and Assessing Needs of Existing Rural Hospitality Businesses

June 19, 2014

A study for American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA) on rural tourism and alternative lodgings. It aimed to expand, solidify and institutionalize the rural hospitality infrastructure and encourage activities of responsible tourism. Methodology: Mapping lodgings countrywide. Face-to-face interviews with 60 lodging owners. Assessed the conditions of the buildings and grounds to see whether they conform to statutory and safety requirements. Mapped the services provided by the guesthouses and the support services available in the direct vicinity of the lodgings. Capacity and occupancy rates as well as booking methods and prices were established. Assessed the marketing tools utilized by the lodgings and the linkages with other local attractions. The information gathered allowed to formulate a gap analysis which helped identify the volume and high level boundaries of work needed on the ground to improve the physical infrastructure, service quality, and ancillary services of the sector.
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MIT Enterprise Forum Impact Survey

October 23, 2013

A study for the MIT Enterprise Forum (MITEF) of the Pan Arab region, a promoter of entrepreneurship and innovation. The forum, in partnership with Abdul Latif Jameel Community Initiatives, organizes on a yearly basis an MIT Enterprise Forum Arab Startup Competition. The Competition brings in a total of 2,000 to 4,000 applications on a yearly basis. The survey measured the impact the Arab Start-Up Competition Quantify a set of key performance indicators related to the competition semi-finalists. The indicators developed assessed the following: Number of ideas turned into startups as a result of the Competition, Number of startups that are still in business to date, Number of Full-Time vs. Part-Time jobs created, Number of clients acquired, Market Size, Average annual revenue, Profile of people on the team, Percentage of females with a leading role, Number of startups that are no longer in business, Benefit from the Competition: trainings, business coaching, media exposure, prize money, networking, connections, MIT brand helped them raise (additional) capital, win other competitions, get incubation, get acceleration, media coverage, etc. Methodology: Interview a pool of semi-finalists and applicants to the MIT EF Arab Startup Competition.
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Usage and Attitude Survey of Petrol Stations

January 1, 2012

Brand image and positioning study for a network of gas stations. Understand current market position and the consumer behavior. Methodology: large sample household survey. The survey helped identify awareness level and perception of petrol stations in general and the client in specific. It estimated the market share of the various petrol stations, the process utilized by consumers in selecting a gas station to deal with, and other pertinent issues.
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Relief International: ICT Business Sector in Rural Areas

May 26, 2011

Study for Relief International to assess the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) business sector in rural areas. Explore demand and supply for ICT techniques and services and the role of microcredit in supporting and boosting the sector. The study offered guidelines to develop microloan products targeting ICT businesses, small businesses and ICT graduates in rural areas. Methodology: Desk research identified vocational training centers which have ICT specialization and identified small businesses and small ICT businesses in the areas under study. Field survey with 352 graduates and senior students selected from 114 IT academies, vocational training centers, Cisco networking academies, and Microsoft certification centers to identify the types of certifications that they have and whether they intend to open businesses, financing sources and budgets that they would require, and the types of collateral that they have and that would help them finance their ICT needs. In-depth interviews with the owners of small businesses to identify recruitment needs for ICT personnel and lacking skills.
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World Bank: Business Survey of War Losses, Damages, and Needs for Recovery

January 1, 2006

A study for the World Bank. The aim of the study was to identify the indirect and direct damages incurred by individuals and the private sector post the July 2006 war and to prioritize their current needs so as to be able to formulate a recovery and rehabilitation plan. The study assessed the impact on businesses and included in-depth interviews with the owners of the biggest businesses that were directly targeted during the war, in-depth interviews with a sample of small enterprises located in war-affected area, and in-depth interviews with a panel of companies selected from the Productivity and Investment Climate Assessment survey. Assessed the economic impact of the war on businesses belonging to a variety of sectors and their current and future needs. It included in-depth interviews with key business leaders in a variety of organizations and sectors, in addition to a compilation of common needs across various sectors. Assessment of the needs of households and the displaced. Methodology: interviews with 400 SME’s, 2,000 individuals, and 50 in-depth interviews with large businesses.
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Concept Testing of Short-Term Loans

June 22, 2005

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.

Category: Social studies