Researcg Consultants for a Project on Recognition of Prior Learning by Joint Policy Advisory Group

1. CITY & GUILDS CENTRE FOR SKILLS DEVELOPMENT
EVALUATION OF LABOURNET RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING
Invitation to tender
Contents
BACKGROUND OF THE CONSULTANCY...................................................................................... 1
OBJECTIVES ................................................................................................................................ 2
SCOPE ........................................................................................................................................ 2
EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND PRODUCTS.................................................................................... 2
PROFILE OF THE CONSULTANT .................................................................................................. 3
METHODOLOGY ......................................................................................................................... 3
SCHEDULE AND LOGISTICS ........................................................................................................ 4
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ..................................................................................................... 4
OVERALL TIMEFRAME ............................................................................................................... 4
SHARED VALUES ........................................................................................................................ 4
CONTRACT, MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING .......................................................................... 5
SUBMITTING YOUR PROPOSAL ................................................................................................. 5
CONTACT DETAILS ..................................................................................................................... 5
BACKGROUND OF THE CONSULTANCY
The Joint Policy Advisory Group of Manipal-City & Guilds (JPAG) have been
approached by LabourNet (LN), a Bangalore-based NGO, to work with them on an
action research project to pilot a model of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and
evaluate its success in facilitating pathways of learning and improved employment
opportunities for people working in the informal economy in India. The opportunity is
for JPAG to work with City & Guilds Centre for Skills Development (CSD) to develop
this evaluation and to use this as the basis for advocacy work on RPL in India,
helping to establish good policy and practice and to further MCG’s role as a thought
leader in Indian skills.
The Manipal-City & Guilds Joint Policy Advisory Group wishes to invite bids for a
process evaluation of the LabourNet (LN) RPL programme.
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2. OBJECTIVES
In collaboration with CSD, the commissioned research partner/consultant will design
research tools and conduct research activities to gain an understanding of:
 The credibility of the assessment designed by LabourNet
We aim to understand how assessment processes align with the principles of
validity, reliability, authenticity, sufficiency, concurrency, accessibility, adequacy of
feedback, transparency)
 The relevance and consistency of the assessment with the core
performance outcomes and skills for the relevant trades
We aim to understand how the core competencies were established, if they reflect
the trades’ actual practices and to what extent the assessments capture the
relevant competences.
 The overall significance of the RPL program
We aim to understand how assessment processes and the RPL programme are
integrated within LN’s overall organizational strategy; how the program interacts
with other labour market stakeholders; and how the programme interacts with the
current institutional environment, and how it might interact with anticipated
developments in education, training and employment policy and regulation.
The evidence raised will be utilized to:
 Provide recommendations to improve LN assessment practices
 Highlight good practice in conducting RPL activities
 Develop key messages and recommendations for policymakers and other
stakeholders on the value of RPL for India labor market
SCOPE
It is expected that research fieldwork will be conducted in two separate research
phases. The commissioned researcher will observe an estimated 100 worker
assessments per research phase , conducting in depth interviews with an estimated
20 – 25 per cent of these workers. The research activities will be limited to the
Bangalore area.
EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND PRODUCTS
1. Raw data – covering transcripts of interviews and records of observations, in
English and in electronic form.
2. Interim report
The interim report will be produced in English after the first field collection of data and
will includea sunthesis of data and the provisional research findings
3. Final report
The final report will be produced in English and will:
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3.  Document LN current assessment practices in the framework of the
organization strategy and in the framework of the wide labor market
 Provide recommendations to improve LN assessment practice
Please note: Manipal-City & Guilds will reserve the right not to publish the final
report. If we decide not to publish it, we will not be obliged to give any reason for our
decision. If we do publish it, we shall apply our own design template to the finished
report; however, we will fully acknowledge your authorship on the cover and within
the report.
PROFILE OF THE CONSULTANT
Essential
 Ability to conduct and report research in English & Kannada, as evidenced in
previous reports.
 Ability to collate and synthesise qualitative and quantitative data, and to
deliver preliminary analysis of data, as evidenced in previous data sets or
project reports.
 Experience of programme evaluations, preferably in the fields of education
and training, assessment, and labour market services.
 Experience of the research methods outlined above, as evidenced in recent
research reports.
 Specialised training in coding and analysing qualitative data.
 A university degree in social sciences
Desirable
Prior research/evaluation or familiarity with:
 Workplace education and training
 Learning and employment assessments
 Curriculum development
 Occupational standards
 Technology assisted assessment and learning (e-learning and m-learning)
 Programmes focussed on trades and/or the construction sector (including
plumbing, carpentry, masonry and painting)
A Masters’ or doctorate degree in social sciences.
Prior research activity conducted in partnership with international partners.
Prior research reports produced for business and policy audiences.
Referees
Research consultant will require two referees related to projects completed within the
last two years.
METHODOLOGY
Fieldwork research methods are likely to include a mix of the following:
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4.  On site observation
 One to one interviews
 Focus groups
 Participatory research methods.
Data gathered through fieldwork will be synthesized by the research consultant and
presented with to research commissioner along with raw data and preliminary
analysis. This will be used to inform a qualitative evaluation, which will include
practical recommendations for the subsequent development of the programme.
The key informants will have to represent the following stakeholder groups:
- LN management team
- LN knowledge development team
- LN eternally hired assessment team (management and field team)
- Workers
- Employers and relevant trade representatives
SCHEDULE AND LOGISTICS
The researcher is expected to collect the field data in two stages: after LN will have
completed 1.500 assessments (1st or second week of June 2012) and the second
one when LN will have completed 3.000 assessments (last week of July 2012). The
interim report is expected not later than the 3 weeks after the first collection of field
data, the final report is expected not later than 3 weeks after the second collection of
data. Comment [cs1]: NB timeframes are
provisional at this stage
The researcher is expected to organize its own logistics, in accordance with LN work
schedule and requirements.
REPORTING REQUIREMENTS
The selected researchers are responsible to produce Fortnight Reports to JPAG,
these reports will be sent to Chris Sims via e-mail
The Fortnight Reports will follo format.provided by CSD
Before starting any data collection activity, the selected researchers and CSD will
agree on the research methodology and tools. CSD has the right to review, request
clarifications and amendments before the data collection starts.
Comment [cs2]: To be completed
OVERALL TIMEFRAME
SHARED VALUES
The selected researcher will have to formally commit to CSD research principles. Comment [cs3]: NB these will be
provided to the successful candidate
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5. CONTRACT, MANAGEMENT AND REPORTING
JPAG is leading on the commissioning and project management of this report, and
day-to-day liaison will be with Chris Sims. He will also review the draft report and
authorise its publication.
SUBMITTING YOUR PROPOSAL
Please submit your proposal by email to Chris Sims
(chris.sims@manipalcityandguilds.com) by noon on Monday 14th May 2012. The
proposal must include –
 Outline the approach you would take to conducting the research and
producing the report.
 A timetable for producing the report.
 A detailed project plan including resources for each output in an overall
budget.
 Details of quality assurance processes.
 Examples of relevant past research.
 Referees.
 The names and biographies of the people who will work on this project.
Any enquires can be sent via e-mail to Chris Sims not later than the 12th of May
2012
CONTACT DETAILS
Chris Sims / Rajat Khawas
Joint Policy Advisory Group
Manipal City & Guilds , 256 , Ground Floor, Okhla Ind Estate,Phase-3| New Delhi-
110020. INDIA
Phone: 91 11 4055 5000 (Switchoard) Handphone:+91 98181 86348 | Fax: 91 11
4055 5032 .
Email: chris.sims@manipalcityandguilds.com
Email: rajat.khawas@manipalcityandguilds.com
Visit us at : http://www.manipalcityandguilds.com
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