Governance
Evidence-driven public policy choices are central to the successful development of all of the countries across the region. Unfortunately, public policy analysis is too often a hostage to political agendas. Our independent analysis of the public policy environment and governance structures is vital as part of the analysis of most development projects. However, it is also useful because by making public policy discussions accessible we aim to widen the participation in public-policy debates.
Economic Development
Research is the cornerstone of economic development work. GeoWel can offer an understanding of economic development work that integrates an analysis research into particular sectors and products with analysis of the business and governance environment.
In particular we can provide:
Politics
Objective assessment of reforms in politics are hard to find in the region. We provide analysis in order to facilitate advocacy on key issues and we provide training for public advocacy groups on how to use research to support their arguments. We also offer analysis of the political climate to help national and international organizations make decisions about their role in oversight and investment.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Our monitoring and evaluation process goes beyond the requirements of most organisations as it is always designed to have the greatest impact on the improvement of existing projects or the development of future projects.
Our understanding of the local context allows us to look beyond the obvious and immediate consequences of a develop project. This allows us to evaluate not only the outputs and the outcomes of projects but also their broader social impact. It also allows us to understand the ways in which the project may have been influenced by a range of variables, like the governance environment or changing economic conditions. This can help to ensure that future projects learn the lessons of the past.
Training
GeoWel Research provides technical assistance, helping organisations to develop their research and analysis capacity. This is usually done through a heavily practical ‘learning-by-doing’ approach that ensures trainees actually develop a high quality research product as part of their training.
Research, analysis and writing training is at the core of our work at GeoWel Research. Internally, GeoWel staff are always working to collectively train one another and develop their skills. In addition, much of the team are academics who have worked as research trainers for years.
Dr Welton, the Executive Director, before setting up GeoWel Research, was an academic lecturer and taught research methods in the UK as well as across the region. David Jijelava continues to teach research methods at Tbilisi State University.
Business Development
GeoWel research can offer a range of different research services for businesses who are looking to move into the regional market-place or expand their activities. The GeoWel team generally also has extensive experience in market, value chain and general economic analysis.
In addition, Dr George Welton, the Executive Director, is a trained auditor who used to work in Corporate Turn-Around for KPMG in London. He has extensive experience in business planning and project development work in the UK, Russia and Georgia.
We offer:
Business/Project Planning
We can help businesses that plan to expand their operations or engage in new activities to develop business plans including cash-flow planning, profit and loss estimates and return on investments based on different financing structures.
Early project evaluation and preparatory due diligence
We can analyse the feasibility of particular ideas. Our researchers have already done this in the Georgian parking, utilities and telecoms sectors and the property sector in both Georgia and Russia.
This can be as simple as investigation work or it can be as complex as preliminary business planning including cash-flow analysis and earnings projections based on different business models.
This can be combined with market surveys. We are particularly well placed to connect with local businesses as we have a full list of Georgia’s registered and active businesses and a national network of surveyors that we can draw upon. As members of the American Chamber of Commerce we are also well placed to contact the large international organisations based in Georgia.
Country risk analysis/Sector analysis
Tailored country risk analysis can offer responses and data on specific concerns that will differ across industries. We can also provide sector analysis that will offer clear summaries of the market place in a particular area including analysis of the existing operators, likely demand for particular products and economic, social and political risk factors.
Social Impact Analysis
Many companies now undertake social impact analysis as part of a possible project or privatisation bid, or as part of their belief in Corporate Social Responsibility. By combining an understanding of business analysis and economic/social development work, GeoWel is ideally located to undertake this kind of work.
