Social Analysis Systems

Welcome to Social Analysis Systems (SAS²), an international initiative supporting learning and dialogue grounded in action. Through a community of practice, website and publications, the initiative provides access to an integrated collection of practical tools and strategies for collaborative inquiry, planning and evaluation in complex settings involving multiple stakeholders. The tools and strategies are theoretically informed, fully participatory, flexible and relevant to many sectors and fields of study.

Initiated at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada with support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), SAS 2 is now used by practitioners around the world in many sectors and from villages to boardrooms. People in the voluntary, academic, private and government sectors are using the SAS2 approach for:

  • Community-based research;
  • Organizational learning;
  • Project planning and evaluation;
  • Public engagement.

Through this work we hope to engage people and mobilize knowledge for the common good, thereby promoting democracy in the realm of knowledge creation and contributing to innovation in the many ways that knowledge is created, shared and used.

Concepts outlines the conceptual foundations of SAS² and describes the skillful means used to achieve results that are both evidence-based and people-based.

Instructions introduce the Process Management (PMt) approach embedded in SAS². PMt and a planning tool called Process Manager support continuous planning and inquiry in the middle of uncertain and complex situations where multi-stakeholder collaboration is needed. The Instructions also provide guidelines on how to select, sequence and scale techniques to meet a group’s specific needs.

Tools presents techniques for social analysis and a range of all-purpose techniques to mobilize people and knowledge in a complex world.

Results contains a searchable database of SAS² results from around the world in fields ranging from natural resource management and organizational development to education, public sector planning, local economic and community development, and governance. It also links to a Guide to SAS2, published in book form and online by SAGE Publications and IDRC.

Partnerships presents the institutional partners and SAS² Certified Instructors and Practitioners involved in the ongoing evolution of the SAS² initiative. Contact these organizations and individuals for information on SAS2 training in your region.