Few firms have as much experience assessing the capacity of local data collectors as QGS. We regularly advise clients on the ability of firms all over the world to carry out methodologically sound research. In countries where capacity is low, we help local data collectors improve project management systems, collect, process, and analyze data, and improve quality control.  For example, after the Libyan revolution in 2012, we moved in quickly to help a new local firm recruit and train moderators in Benghazi to help gather opinions about Libya’s radically changed political environment. The following year, we prepared a Tripoli-based firm’s stable of male and female moderators from all over the country to manage and moderate groups with minimal supervision. We always count moderator briefings as part of on the ground focus group management; often that includes helping a moderator refine his/her technique or try a new approach to get below top of mind responses.

Quality research is expensive and technical, but sometimes, budgets and logistics do not permit organizations to contract with professional data firms. QGS can help. In 2013, we trained 12 novice Liberian NGO activists who had never seen a focus group to recruit and moderate a simple project. Christine Quirk can transform a group of complete novices into competent basic moderators in a weekend’s training.