VRC Infrastructure activity
Web Content and Usage Analysis

Since the early days of designing the ICT-KM Program it was deemed important to put in place software tools that would allow those responsible within the CGIAR for information products and services over the web to automatically obtain data on usage and thereby be able to make informed decisions on content, services, links and currency, and thus ultimately enhance and promote usage.

Certain questions must be answered in order to manage the delivery of information products and services effectively. What information products or services are accessed by users? Why are these products and services most in demand? Who are the users? From what region/country/institution are the users? What types of users avail themselves of these services? Why are they accessing these specific products and services? Data and information needed to answer these and other questions can be obtained in several ways: quantitative data through web traffic analytics or measurement and analysis of what users actually do with a site, and qualitative data and information through direct interaction with individual users or groups of users through surveys and testing. This combined information can shape recommendations for the continuous improvement in design and structure of content and delivery mechanisms to better manage relationships with customers and deliver maximum benefits to users.

Objectives
To ensure that CGIAR information products and services contribute effectively towards the achievement of CGIAR system mission and goals, and, more specifically:

  • To measure and analyze usage of the information content and services provided through the Virtual Resources Center.
  • To contribute towards improving the design of websites, services and content, with particular initial emphasis on the VRC.
  • To increase usage of information products and services delivered by the CGIAR by improving their accessibility and usability.

Outcomes:

  1. A usage measurement plan developed and implemented for the VRC.
  2. A user requirements analysis plan.
  3. VRC design continuously improved in response to real user needs, thus used more effectively and broadly.
  4. ICT-KM Program Evaluation strengthened considerably, thus informing ICT-KM Program planning.
  5. Lessons learned and good practice notes are available for other sites/products/ services of the CGIAR and beyond.

Lead Administrative Center
International Plant Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI)(as a sub-activity of the Virtual Resources Center Infrastructure activity)

Project Coordinator
Joanna Kane-Potaka , Head of Information Services (IPGRI).

Project Status
Commencement date: January 2005
Planned duration of project: 24 months

For More Information
Contact us at ictkm@cgiar.org


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