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Using Data Sharing to Improve Coordination in Peacebuilding Report of a Workshop by the National Academy of Engineering and United States Institute of Peace: Roundtable on Technology, Science, and Peacebuilding (2012) / Chapter Skim
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4 Using Data for Impact
Pages 25-34

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From page 25...
... Patrick Vinck, research scientist at the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, described some of these new capabilities. New Software Thanks to new software, data collection and analysis are increasingly characterized by both precision and speed of acquisition.
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From page 26...
... An especially useful way to summarize data is through the use of maps. For example, the LRA Crisis Tracker is a real-time data collection and mapping platform that tracks the atrocities of the Lord's Resistance Army in Africa.1 Vinck also cited the Satellite Sentinel Project, in which the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative is involved, that seeks to deter atrocities by focusing world attention on threats to civilians.2 This project uses what a few years ago would have been military-grade satellite data for the purposes of protection and warning.
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From page 27...
... Vinck pointed to the PeacebuildingData.org project in Liberia (Figure 4-1) , in which an online data set presented using Google Maps allows users to create indicators that are of interest to them.
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From page 28...
... The organization then defines a representative sample for data collection, with particular attention to ensuring that the data accurately capture the populations about which statements are to be made. It does sample size and power calculations, applies valid randomization methods to the population, and develops indicators to accurately measure
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From page 29...
... This transparency encourages others to try to replicate the evaluation technique, validate the published data, and build on previous results. UNDERSTANDING FRAMES OF REFERENCE Stephen Lowe, geospatial information officer in the Office of the Chief Information Officer at the US Department of Agriculture, discussed some of the issues that arise in interagency data sharing.
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From page 30...
... Understanding the framing correctly can enable the proper use of technology within the data acquisition workflow. For example, in certain contexts, data can be collected automatically by a sensor detecting activity in realtime in its vicinity or it
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From page 31...
... For example, community mapping using volunteers can empower people in communities by identifying emergent issues, grounding conversations in context, and depicting local knowledge and values. DISCUSSION Kevin Brownawell, interagency professional in residence, US Institute of Peace (USIP)
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From page 32...
... Peacebuilders also need to understand research design and the problems with flawed research approaches. "Training needs to be done on how to use and access data and also how to judge and understand data." Richard Boly, the director of e-diplomacy at the State Department, agreed that a centralized database under the control of a single entity is not feasible, and added that citizen-generated data can both validate data generated by the government and result in data generated independently from the government.
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From page 33...
... Anne Ralte, senior advisor in the Office of the Director of Human Resources for USAID, mentioned the Standardized Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transitions (SMART) system, a USAID initiative.3 As indicators for humanitarian systems, the system uses the overall mortality rate, which is a crude and somewhat controversial indicator, and the nutritional status of children under age six.
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From page 34...
... New capabilities depend critically on improving the information flow among .org, .gov, and .com information domains. Thus, collaboration in a decentralized framework will be essential to the creation of data-sharing mechanisms for peacebuilding.
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Key Terms

  • harvard humanitarian
  • humanitarian initiative
  • data acquisition
  • data gathering
  • subjective data

  • research design
  • information officer
  • policy disagreements
  • repayment rates
  • tralized data

  • published data
  • data accurately
  • precise data
  • objective data
  • updating data

  • controversial data
  • allow data
  • validate data
  • gather data
  • useful data

  • data generated
  • online data
  • interagency data
  • involving data
  • shared data

  • frames incorporate
  • people tend
  • successful peacebuilding
  • effort required
  • sensor detecting


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