TNS-BMRB is able to offer clients a truly global structure for social research. In particular, we are unique in our ability to provide quantitative research capability across the African continent, where we partner with our colleagues in TNS RMS.
The intellectual and operational capability to deliver methodologically complex programmes of evaluation and measurement can be co-ordinated from our offices in Lagos or Kenya, or from our London office for UK based clients. Our focus is on working with our international colleagues to develop robust evaluation methods tailored to local environments and delivered by local teams. Through this partnership we provide access to the best methods experience and ultimately deliver the high quality evidence our clients need to inform decision-making.
TNS RMS and TNS BMRB clients include The World Bank, The UN and UNICEF, The Department for International Development (DFID), and The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Our combined expertise and experience is significant:
Project evaluation: the systematic process of assessing the design, implementation and outcomes of programmes and initiatives. Examples of this work include:
- The African Transformation Project (Uganda, 2006) – Evaluation of the impact of training workshops on participant understanding of the processes that lead to enhanced gender equity.
- Abstinence and Be Faithful for Youth Evaluation (Kenya, 2009) – Assessment of HIV/AIDS behaviour change programs, providing both an impact assessment and baseline data for future research.
Communications research: spanning both the formative stage of campaign design, and evaluation tracking of the success and value of a campaign. Examples include:
- World Bank survey of hand washing methods (Tanzania, 2008): Conducted to both test approaches to measuring attitudes and motivations to hand-washing, and to inform wider communication strategies.
- UNICEF Immunization Plus Days Campaign (Nigeria, 2006-2010): Evaluation of immunization communications impact in Northern Nigeria.
Feasibility studies: to inform challenging research problems and programme development. Examples include:
- School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine – Sanitation TZ (London, Tanzania ,2010): A quantitative investigation of alternative sanitation systems, covering latrine design, service provision and the use of bio-additives.
- Safaricom Foundation (Kenya, 2007) – Baseline survey to measure the feasibility of expanding mobile telecommunications in remote communities, and an assessment of the potential socio-economic impacts on individuals and businesses.
Needs assessment: which helps to identify whether the needs conceptualised by a proposed project actually exists amongst the target population and how best to target resources to meet those needs. Recent work includes:
- Gates Foundation Farmer First Segmentation Study (Mali and Tanzania, 2008): An assessment to expand understanding of farmer’s eeds based around their current wealth, wellbeing status and access to markets.
- Project FinScope – Financial Access Evaluation (Nigeria 2008): a nationally representative study of consumers’ perceptions of financial services and issues, creating insight to how consumers source their income and manage their financial lives.
Behavioural Studies: programs of research undertaken to better understand citizens’ behaviour, actions and attitudes. Recent behavioural studies conducted by TNS include:
- UNICEF Health, Knowledge Attitudes and Practices Evaluation (Nigeria, 2008): Assessing attitudes and practices relating to sexual health across Nigeria.
- Anti-malarial study (Somalia, 2006): A study on usage of Mosquito nets and mosquito repellents in Somali with a Quantitative sample of 600 interviews in selected towns.
Dr Michelle Harrison, CEO, TNS-BMRB (email:
Aggrey Maposa, CEO, TNS-RMS West Africa (email:
Melissa Baker, CEO, TNS-RMS East Africa (email: