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In simple terms, the definition of a service is the art to translate a research outputs or development activity into a standard workflow in order to produce a desired result at a fixed price. The price is determined on the basis of the prices of the local economy. The product of this activity is a so called service template. It is used for the provision of standardized routine services for out scaling. In the process research outputs and development activities are transformed into products which are negotiable in the real economy. Thus, the result of an investment for their dissemination is calculable.
Services templates are defined designed by experts in exchange with involved service providers according to the steps below. They Templates are documented on the AfricaRice wiki according to the steps below.
Step 1- Conception
The definition of a new service template usually starts with a brainstorming exercise for gathering ideas by screening research productsoutputs, routine procedures and best practice that might be interesting for out-scaling. Simplicity and the evaluation of demand by looking at the potential benefits for beneficiaries and service providers and beneficiaries are key.
Step 2 - General description of service
The description should comprise the following points:
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Price: The price of the service
Step 3 - Define a work-flow
Services consist of a set of subsequent tasks that are organised in a work-flow towards a specific output. They require They require the involvement of various agents with complementary skills. Each task includes one or several activities that are carried out by a single agent without having to interact with another agent. It is recommended to start from the end and to think of the last task first in order to keep a clear focus on the result.
Step 4 - Definition of tasks
All tasks are defined according to the following structure:
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Result: This is a list of the products that must result from the task in quantitative and qualitative terms. For each product the proof and source of verification on the internet must be indicated.
Task manager: The person or organization that carries out the task. For each task the required professional and social skills must be defined.
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Duration: Time during which the task must be completed.
Step 5 - Elaborate instructions
Description of the methodology, rules and regulation which have to be observed during the execution of the various tasks to get a desired result.
Step 6 - Forms
A minimum of three forms are required for work flow management:
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Further forms might be required for the gathering of additional data and information.
Step 7 -
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Pricing of services
Pricing is done in negotiation with concerned service providers. Basically a price of a task is determined by adding up all expenditures for goods and services that are required to carry out the task and the honorarium of the service provider.
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3. Define payment schedule: Since many service providers are poor, three cases are distinguished:
Case 1 - Tasks below 50€: The total amount is paid upon delivery. All activities are pre-financed by the service provider.
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4. Pricing of a service: The price of a service is the sum of the tasks.
Step 8 - Quality management
For all task tasks quality criteria and control procedures are defined. It includes procedures for the payment of a premium to encourage the delivery of high quality services. Quality control criteria and procedures should be straight forward and objective.
Step 9 - Optimisation
Work-flows are optimised in an iterative and participatory process with the aim to improve the effectiveness and cost efficiency.
