Challenges and Solutions in Quantitative Research for Non-Profit Organizations

This qualitative two-site case study examined the capacity building practices that Children’s Services Councils (CSCs), independent units of local government, provide to nonprofit organizations (NPOs) contracted to deliver human services. The contracting literature is replete with recommendations for government to provide capacity building to contracted NPOs, yet there is a dearth of scholarship on this topic. The study’s purpose was to increase the understanding of capacity building provided in a local government contracting setting. Data collection consisted primarily of in-depth interviews and focus groups with 73 staff from two CSCs and 28 contracted NPOs. Interview data were supplemented by participant observation and review of secondary data. The study analyzed capacity building needs, practices, influencing factors, and outcomes. The study identified NPO capacity building needs in: documentation and reporting, financial management, program monitoring and evaluation, participant recruitment and retention, and program quality. Additionally, sixteen different types of CSC capacity building practices were identified. Results indicated that three major factors impacted CSC capacity building: CSC capacity building goals, the relationship between the CSC and NPOs, and the level of NPO participation. Study results also provided insight into the dynamics of the CSC capacity building process, including unique problems, challenges, and opportunities as well as necessary resources. The results indicated that the CSCs’ relational contracting approach facilitated CSC capacity building and that CSC contract managers were central players in the process. The study provided evidence that local government agencies can serve as effective builders of NPO capacity. Additionally, results indicated that much of what is known about capacity building can be applied in this previously unstudied capacity building setting. Finally, the study laid the groundwork for future development of a model for capacity building in a local government contracting setting.

This research paper explores the administrative challenges faced by non-profit organisations (NPOs) operating in Durban, South Africa, through the insights of NPO founders. Using a qualitative methodology, the study employs semi-structured interviews with NPO leaders across sectors, including education, health, and community development. Findings reveal that NPOs in Durban face significant obstacles, particularly in sustaining funding, addressing human resource constraints, meeting regulatory compliance requirements, and building capacity. Many NPOs struggle to secure adequate financial support due to intense competition for limited grant funding and reliance on unpredictable government funding, thereby affecting their operational effectiveness. Additionally, high staff turnover and reliance on volunteers exacerbate human resource challenges, hindering service delivery. Regulatory burdens further complicate operations, as navigating complex compliance requirements demands significant time and resources. The study underscores the need for enhanced training and capacity-building initiatives to equip NPO leaders with essential management and administration skills. The paper concludes with recommendations to foster the digital transformation of the administrative process among NPOs. By addressing these administrative challenges collectively, NPOs in Durban can enhance their effectiveness in serving the local communities.

Problem definition: Many nonprofit organizations (NPOs) serve distressed individuals who seek relief from hardships such as domestic abuse or homelessness. These NPOs aim to maximize social impact by allocating their limited amount of resources to various activities. Academic/practical relevance: NPOs that serve distressed individuals face a complex task because their clients are often unable to articulate their specific needs. As a result, NPOs are driven to not only offer a variety of services to fulfill different needs, but also engage in advisory activities to minimize mismatches between services clients receive and their true needs. Methodology: We develop a model to study an NPO’s service portfolio and effort allocation decisions under resource constraint. Clients’ progress from distress to resolution is stochastic and depends on the NPO’s efforts in different stages of the service offering. Results: We show that it is optimal for resource-constrained NPOs to offer fewer services and invest more in advisory activities when different types of clients are not evenly mixed in the population, when delays in achieving resolution can significantly blunt the social impact created, when the loss of impact due to not serving a fraction of clients is low, or when there is a limited amount of earmarked funds. Otherwise, it is optimal for NPOs to diversify their service offerings and invest less in advisory activities. Managerial implications: Many NPOs are drawn to maximize the number of clients they serve by increasing the number of services they offer. However, we show that, depending on the characteristics of clients and services, NPOs might be able to generate higher social impact by prioritizing the speed of resolution rather than focusing on the number of clients who achieve resolution. We also present a practical application of our model in the context of domestic abuse.

The updates in the US code of federal regulations 30 CFR Part 250 Oil and Gas and Sulphur Operations in the Outer Continental Shelf, released in 2016, relate to, among other things, real-time well monitoring on critical well operations including cementing. The regulations do not assume that onshore-based staff would assume operational control, but rather that onshore expertise can assist the offshore location in determining anomalies before they become critical issues. Currently, cement job monitoring is often limited to the acquisition of pressure, rate, and density measurements. Based on those measurements, a basic evaluation is performed during the job. A new software tool has been developed to improve the ability to interpret and diagnose critical job parameters while the cement job is in progress. The real-time cement monitoring (RTCM) simulator combines data from the cement job design with acquisition data from the cement unit and rig to provide a detailed picture of the operation by comparing acquired values with predictions computed in real time. Data acquired during the cement placement are processed by a hydraulics simulator incorporated into the software to provide key information about the fluids' position in the annulus, comparative trends of acquired versus simulated surface pressures, density quality assurance and quality control, and real-time visualization of dynamic well security. Based on the real-time estimation of the fluids' position in the annulus and other key parameters measured during the job execution, a contingency plan can be followed, thus avoiding the need to wait on a detailed post-job analysis of the raw acquisition data. This paper describes the methodology of the software and how it helps to diagnose the cement barrier placement in deepwater wells. The real-time monitoring of the cement job starts with the evaluation of the pre-job circulation and ends with the final displacement. With the real-time capabilities, experts can remotely view operations and provide recommendations during the cementing operations and immediately advise on post-cementing rig activities. Through case studies from the Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Canada, the process and benefits will be shown to improve barrier verification as early as possible in the well construction phase. The novelty of the software is that it can be used to diagnose the quality of cement jobs during the execution stage. Synchronized visualization of wellbore schematics showing fluids position, equivalent circulating density (ECD) progression, and combined measured versus simulated surface pressures are critical to help determine the position of fluids in the annulus and provide early verification of a barrier.

EDCTP: a genuine north–south partnership

Non-profit organizations increasingly operate in volatile environments where both catastrophic crises and routine disruptions can threaten mission delivery. This article distinguishes between crisis planning, which targets rare but high-impact events such as natural disasters or epidemics, and contingency planning, which addresses more probable disruptions like funding gaps or staff turnover. Drawing on case studies from the Ebola outbreak and the COVID-19 pandemic, it demonstrates how preparedness strategies help organizations adapt swiftly, sustain service continuity, and protect beneficiaries. The article argues that integrating both approaches into a unified framework is a strategic necessity for organizational resilience, financial sustainability, and long-term trust building.

The privacy and security of medical data is the most important aspect of Health Information System (HIS) as healthcare is totally reliant on data for treatment and research. The main purpose of HIS is to improve treatment processes by providing the latest information about the patient. The healthcare data consist of medical history, path lab records, medication history, diagnosis and treatment details, genetic and sexual information and profession. The privacy of the patient is becoming a concern for healthcare organizations because of the increasing threats and attacks. Moreover, using blockchain-based infrastructure would empower the patients whilst maintaining the security and privacy of the data and providing quality healthcare services. Healthcare providers are moving towards decision-making processes for the advancement in diagnostics, which require the availability and accessibility of accurate data, which is provided by HIS. The healthcare systems will be technically advanced to provide real-time patient monitoring.

The number of different types of non-profit organizations in Ukraine is constantly growing. Work of this organization in accordance with the signs of non-profit is aimed at meeting the needs of members of these organizations: economic, cultural, gender, religious, age, social, professional, and so on. There is a need to create a system that promotes the development of special, professional skills in non-profit organizations and the development of projects to raise funds for the activities of these organizations. Fundraising is a tool for finding sources of material and financial resources for those who need them. The development of fundraising in Ukraine has a positive effect on the growing importance of non-profit organizations that are able to help the state in solving social problems of society and provide support in research projects and works. The International Code of Ethics for Fundraising highlights the basic principles of its work – respect, honesty, transparency and characterizes the ethical standards of activity. The dominant method of fundraising of Ukrainian non-profit organizations is the development and submission of social projects. The article examines the use of fundraising as a tool for the development of non-profit organizations in Ukraine, an effective mechanism for attracting and using extra-budgetary resources focused on finding sources of social programs, research projects, and non-profit organizations. The concept of fundraising is generalized and its definition is given. The subjectivity, tasks, principles and features of fundraising are analyzed. The content of the main components and tools of fundraising is systematized. Influencing factors that stimulate and limit the development of fundraising are typified. Motivated measures for further development of fundraising with the aim of: social partnership; capacity building; stimulating charity; transparency of non-profit organizations. Fundraising in Ukraine is definitely gaining momentum, introducing a new type of thinking, a new look at charity, volunteering and business. A well-thought-out fundraising system can not only become a powerful source of material and financial resources, but also provide an opportunity for effective development of a non-profit organization.

Nonprofit organizations have emerged as being indispensable in promoting community development, advocating for citizens’ rights, and improving citizens’ well-being. Local government leaders have demonstrated an investment in the role nonprofits play in strengthening civil society and have pursued nonprofit capacity building as a tool to both engage and develop nonprofit organizations. In an effort to both increase the capacity of nonprofit organizations and decrease the adverse effects of resource dependence, the City of San Diego, in 2016, partnered with the University of San Diego to design a nonprofit capacity building program titled The Nonprofit Academy. Over a period of three years, 735 organizations participated in the program, and a sample of these organizations was used to examine the prevalence of the internal and external factors that contribute to local government nonprofit capacity building and, concomitantly, their impact on nonprofit dependency. This study used an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design. Data collection and analysis occurred over three phases: qualitative interviews of program participants selected through purposeful sampling; the development and distribution of a new survey instrument; and data collection and interpretation of findings. The results of this study indicate that local government nonprofit capacity building in the City of San Diego has a positive impact on the number and the diversity of applications being submitted for funding. The diversity of applications included age range, size, service type, and new geographic locations. Among the four core dimensions of nonprofit capacity identified by the Marguerite Casey Foundation: leadership capacity, adaptive capacity, management capacity, and technical capacity, there was a strong positive correlation found between technical capacity and adaptive capacity within a core group of participants, and also a strong negative correlation between management capacity and technical capacity. This study identified an actionable typology of local government nonprofit capacity building that serves as a framework to guide local governments in the design of capacity building initiatives to both engage and develop nonprofit organizations to expand services and build a better society. Local government nonprofit capacity building can contribute to financial growth and increased partnerships for small and emerging nonprofit organizations.

Capacity building in nonprofit sport organizations: Development of a process model

Abstract: It is only since the new millennium that assessments of policy and systems change initiatives have been given much attention in practice or in research. A comprehensive literature review of advocacy in human services non-profit organizations (NGOs) has found a “lack of systemic, rational evaluation and measurement of the effectiveness of advocacy.” Similarly, in a survey of 211 NGOs that undertake advocacy, only one in four (24.6 percent) reported that this work had been evaluated. While the survey was conducted in the United States, it is likely that Canadian NGOs are in a similar situation, not because of a lack of interest or value for evaluation but, rather, because assessing systems change initiatives is challenging territory and NGOs face considerable resource and time constraints that put such evaluation low on the priority list. This article provides a review of key insights from advocacy evaluation practice and research that may help orient and inform NGOs as they decide on evaluation strategies. I will outline the state of the field of systems- and policy-change evaluation in North America as well as its benefits and challenges. Finally, a synthesis of the main steps in advocacy evaluation planning and implementation offers a broad map to NGOs seeking to enhance this practice in their own organizations.

Principal investigators in nonprofit research organizations often play the role of project managers. Although nonprofit grant writing and technical reporting are covered well in the literature, there is a lack of published insight into financial analysis for young principal investigators. This technical manager's notebook article aims to provide insights for financial analysis of principal investigators who perform research in nonprofit organizations. This article also provides simple but often overlooked best practices on nonprofit research financial planning, tracking, and reporting. The exercises presented in this article can aid young principal investigators.

This comparative study delves into the intricate regulatory compliance mechanisms governing data privacy in Nigeria and the United States. Employing a qualitative methodology, this research synthesizes existing literature and case studies to highlight the pivotal role of data protection regulations in safeguarding personal information in an increasingly digital world. The analysis begins with an exploration of the conceptual framework of data privacy, emphasizing key principles such as transparency, accountability, and data minimization. It then meticulously examines the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and the diverse U.S. legal landscape, including the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). The main findings reveal significant differences in regulatory approaches, with Nigeria's centralized enforcement by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) contrasting sharply with the U.S.'s fragmented state and federal oversight. Case studies underscore the challenges faced by both jurisdictions in ensuring compliance, ranging from resource constraints in Nigeria to the complexities of navigating multiple regulatory requirements in the U.S. The study concludes that while both countries emphasize the importance of data privacy, their divergent legal landscapes reflect unique cultural, economic, and operational contexts. The research recommends harmonizing data protection standards, enhancing enforcement mechanisms, and fostering greater public awareness to address the evolving challenges of data privacy. This study contributes to the global discourse on data privacy by offering insights into the strengths and weaknesses of different regulatory frameworks, thereby providing a roadmap for policymakers, businesses, and other stakeholders to navigate the complexities of data privacy compliance. Keywords: Data Privacy, Regulatory Compliance, Nigeria, United States, Data Protection, Legal Frameworks.

This paper presents a novel case study on the application of coiled tubing (CT) intervention to resolve a drill stem test (DST) blockage in an exploration ultra-deep subsea well, evaluate the operational challenges faced and assess the effectiveness of the intervention. Additionally, the paper aims to derive best practices and lessons learned to enhance future coiled tubing operations in similar environments, ultimately contributing valuable insights to the industry for improved decision-making during subsea well interventions. This study employs a case history methodology, analysing data collected from the coiled tubing intervention during the DST blockage in the ultra-deep subsea well. The approach includes a detailed review of operational reports, real-time monitoring data, and performance metrics. Procedures involve assessing the specific techniques used in the coiled tubing application, such as management and fluid circulation methods. Contingency procedures included acidizing, cleanout, and N₂ unloading. The process includes evaluating the outcomes of the intervention, documenting challenges faced, and synthesizing lessons learned to formulate best practices for future subsea operations. The coiled tubing intervention successfully cleared the DST blockage, restoring wellbore flow and enabling further testing of the ultra-deep subsea well. Real-time telemetry confirmed effective debris removal, with pressure stabilization observed post-intervention. The operation encountered challenges such as high-pressure limitations and debris lift, which were mitigated through adaptive procedures and real-time adjustments. Observations highlighted the importance of precise tool selection, as high-pressure rotary jet for soft deposits, while milling assemblies addressed hardened obstructions. The use of real-time monitoring significantly improved operational efficiency and reduced intervention risks. The conclusions drawn from this case study emphasize that CT intervention is a viable and efficient solution for DST blockages in deepwater environments. Lessons learned include the necessity of robust pre-job planning, contingency strategies for unexpected obstructions, and advanced wellbore monitoring for optimizing intervention success. This case history provides valuable insights for future deepwater interventions, helping improve operational reliability, minimize non-productive time, and enhance well performance. This paper presents a case study of coiled tubing intervention in an ultra-deep subsea well first time done in Malaysia, addressing DST blockages under extreme conditions. It provides practical insights into tool selection, real-time monitoring, contingency planning, and adaptive strategies to overcome deepwater challenges. By sharing lessons learned and operational best practices, the paper enhances existing literature and offers engineers valuable guidance to optimize future interventions, improve well productivity, and reduce operational risks in similar environments Well Background The Well UDWM-1 is an exploration oil well, operated by PETRONAS Carigali SDN. Bhd. (PCSB). The well was designed to be drilled by a 7th generation dual derrick DP-3 drillship. For an ultra-deep subsea environment of 2810(m) / 9222(ft) Fig. 1. The seabed temperature was 3° Celsius and the reservoir temperature was 147° Celsius with a maximum reservoir pressure of 9170 psi. The well was targeted to be drilled vertically through a carbonate reservoir with no deviation as a part of a major field development project, the Well TD was 5200 m measure depth (MD). Well completion was planned with a 9-5/8″ liner with shoe depth at 5196 m (MD). The well was temporally completed with a (DST) Fig. 2, using 4-1/2″ OD tubing and run with TCP and subsea assembly on 4-1/2″ tubing. Before landing the string, Motion Compensated Coil Tubing Lifting Frame (MC-CTLF) and Riser Sealing Mandrel (RSM) were installed and landed the DST string. A Permanent packer was installed, and the well was perforated with the TCP guns. The well was perforated between 4767(m) and 4827(m) to assess reservoir productivity. The total depth (TD) for the DST was 4786(m) MD, with a minimal internal restriction of 2.25″. coiled tubing intervention has been identified as a contingency option in the event the well does not flow naturally as expected. The operation falls under Pressure Category (PC) 3, with a maximum anticipated surface pressure (MASP) of 4,290 psi. Formation conditions include a temperature of 167°F and a reservoir pressure of 7,057 psi. The wellbore fluid is oil-based, with a density of 10.3 ppg. No hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) or carbon dioxide (CO₂) contaminants are present.

Advanced data analytics provides non-profit organizations with powerful methods to enhance decision-making, optimize resources, and improve program outcomes. This article synthesizes predictive modeling, machine learning, big data integration, real-time monitoring, advanced statistics, and visualization, showing how they can be embedded into organizational strategy and operations. Ethical considerations, including privacy, security, and fairness, are emphasized alongside the cultivation of a data-driven culture supported by leadership and continuous staff development. By adopting an integrated and responsible approach, non-profits can increase transparency, strengthen efficiency, and generate measurable impact. The article outlines practical strategies for creating adaptive, sustainable analytics practices that keep organizations responsive to evolving community needs and technological change.