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We provide advisory and research services several sectors and areas, centering on the integrated nature of social/institutional analysis, knowledge management, and strategic communication. Specific areas of expertice include capacity building, participation, networking, and social entrepreneurship. We work in both developing and transition economies, and primarily in the following sectors: agriculture, coastal zone management, fisheries, and rangeland management.
Supras engages in five core areas of concern and expertize: (1) Networking, (2) Projects and operations, (3) Publishing, (4) Research, and (5) Training and capacity-building.
NETWORKING
Focus on networks that to a large extent utilize and depend upon Information and Communication Technology (ICT) – specifically Internet and email – as means of communication. There are two key aspects of ICT-based networking: (1) Key characteristics of modern networking, incl. the increasing complexity of the subject matter, the fact that it increasingly is virtual in character, and efforts to scale ICTs up, means that knowledge management becomes increasingly important, and (2) Networks that emphasize knowledge management may evolve into Communities of Practice (CoPs). Supras has been involved in setting up and managing several networks and CoPs, specifically for the World Bank. Presently, Supras is involved in coordinating CBNRM Net (www.cbnrm.net), which has proved to be a great learning experience for understanding the importance of the relations between technology and society in applying and optimizing the role of networks in a developmental context.
PROJECTS AND OPERATIONS
Operational work, often in connection with preparing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating development projects. The emphasis is on social and cultural aspects of natural resource management (NRM) and knowledge management. Sectors covered includes coastal zone management, fisheries and rangeland management. In geographic terms, the focus presently is on Middle East, South Asia, and West Africa.
PUBLISHING
Publishing activities covers: (1) A newsletter and several online publiation series, (2) Websites, and (3) Blogging. Done in collaboration with CBNRM Networking (www.cbnrm.com).
RESEARCH
Addresses several interrelated areas of concern, including culture and NRM, ICTs and development, knowledge management, language and communication, networking, and strategic communication. The context is globalization. The research as a rule has a clear applied orientation and rationale. The output is often in the form of project reports and papers read at conferences or published in journals. Another output is CBNRM Net Papers.
TRAINING AND CAPACITY-BUILDING
Comprise organization of and participation in training and capacity-building activities, organization of seminars and workshops, and lecturing. It also covers the training that CBNRM Net does as part of its day-to-day operation. Finally, in some cases the consultants in developing countries and countries in transition that are listed on the Supras site as staff / local consultants should be understood as a case of on-the-job-training.
STAFFING
Supras has a decentralized management. The home office is managed by only one person. In addition Supras operates a roster of consultants that are called upon for relevant operational or other work. The roster includes people in a number of countries, incl. Ghana, Mauritania, Morocco, and Yemen
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Social/institutional analysis, knowledge mgmt. and strategic communication:
Years of Operation:
7
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