Table 2 Advantages and disadvantages of the revised structure of ‘The Union-MSF model’ in Asia, 2013
From: Operational research capacity building using ‘The Union/MSF’ model: adapting as we go along
Revised structure | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
Extended duration of module | • Allowed new knowledge on sourcing published literature and organizing references to be imparted to participants | • Increased costs due to additional accommodation, conferencing and per-diem expenses |
• More individualized time devoted to analysing and interpreting data | • Increased time away from duty station for faculty and participants | |
• Improved manuscript titles and abstracts. Less stress and fewer hours worked beyond course schedule for both participants and faculty | ||
• Improved opportunities for social networking and alumni links between participants and mentors | ||
Increased number of facilitators | • For Modules 1 and 3, facilitator numbers were standardized to two for three participants allowing more individual time per participant | • Increased costs |
Strengthened milestones for Module 2 | • Increased priority accorded to data entry and analysis | • Increased burden on the participants and the facilitators to meet milestones |
• Increased hands-on support to participants in analyzing data | • Increased burden on the module coordinator and course co-ordinator to monitor the achievement of milestones |