The CGIAR system template draws on existing templates from several research programs and Management Information Systems (MIS) and incorporates many comments from across CGIAR, in particular from the MEL COP.

Note about annual reporting on 2017: The annual report template for 2017 requested a list of outcome case studies, with a very brief description of each (see point 2 of this template) and links to the MIS system for more details.

Understanding that most case studies were unlikely to be on the MIS in this format by the reporting deadline in July 2018, CRPs were kindly requested to attach outcome case studies to the annual report (in this format where possible), or provide another link to the full documents (e.g. in sharepoint).

The purpose of an outcome/impact case study is to document and evidence one or more outcomes/impacts of CGIAR research.

This is useful for regular reporting, for building and maintaining an archive of CGIAR successes, outcome leads, i.e. observed changes with high potential to further mature over the next three to five years with some more investment, and also for helping to select cases for further study.

This template is being introduced to bring consistency to outcome/impact case study reporting across CGIAR, in particular by incorporating it into the main Management Information Systems.

Section 3 of the template: The case study may describe outcomes or impacts that vary in maturity and scale, from early behavior changes in ‘boundary partners’ (CGIAR sphere of influence) to long-term, large-scale ex-post changes in health, wealth or environmental factors to which CGIAR research has contributed (sphere of interest): see Figure 1 below.

All stages of maturity are important and interesting for reporting.

There is particular demand, however, for case studies that document ex-post, at-scale impacts showing linkages to the CGIAR Strategic Results Framework System Level Outcomes and targets.

Research programs are encouraged to invest (with partners, such as SPIA) in relevant ex-post Impact Assessments wherever possible.

Sections 7-8 of the template: Statements in the description should be supported by appropriate references (similar to a peer reviewed paper) with references listed separately.

References can vary in origin and quality, as described below, but they do need to support the statements made.

Figure 1 CGIAR MEL framework

Link to CGIAR Outcome Impact Case Study Template : please click here

Ideally you would use an online Management Information System to fill the template and submit your CRP's or Platform's Outcome / Impact Case Studies.

If you cannot do so, then please fill the template in word version and submit it that way together with your Annual Report.