VIII. Division of Labour

With the steps outlined for completing the research outlined above, it is necessary to determine a realistic division of the labour involved. In the ACE Project, the partners followed a strategy which involved a equal division of labour and tasks. That is, each organization had some responsibility for writing the overall project. In the case of EPIC, a different approach is recommended. Within the research pipeline, partner organizations are to be assigned components of the labour for which they will pay.

It is recommended that the labour be divided in the follow way:

The Research Pipeline

Step 1: Introductory Research: This step should be completed by IFES in Washington, DC. Through the F. Clifton White Resource Center, IFES currently has the information infrastructure to complete this type of work. It already collects information for the Election Information System and can apply this knowledge to the methodology necessary in the introductory research for this project. Outside the many resources available in the F. Clifton White Resource Center, the Foundation is in close proximity to major research institutions and libraries which would house much of the information that is sought after for the database. These institutions include: The Library of Congress, Georgetown University Library, Johns Hopkins University (SAIS/Washington) Library , Brookings Institution Resource Center, US Institute of Peace Resource Center, National Endowment for Democracy Resource Center, to name only a few. Finally, the team of interns which will be required for this work are readily available through many of the major educational institutions which are located in the Washington, DC environment. In some instances, foreign language background will be required. Foreign students from around the world come to this city to study and can be accessed relatively easily.
Step 2: Targeting 'Outside' Experts: This stage will involve targeting 'outside' experts, disseminating the information that has been collected to-date to them, ensuring that they confirm and provide the information collected, and then inputting the data into the system. It is recommended that International IDEA complete this work. The staff at International IDEA have many contacts in international institutions and non-governmental organizations and can use that to access key individuals.
Step 3: Engage 'In-Country' Staff Person (paid): Here, it would be the responsibility of the United Nations to engage and train the staff in countries where additional research will be required. With offices in many countries, and ability to access contacts in IDEA member countries and countries where IFES has a field presence, the United Nations has the comparative advantage necessary for this step.
Step 4: Have Election Authorities confirm: Through the Election Information System, the F. Clifton White Resource Center has, to-date, established direct contact with and maintains a contact list for research personnel in over 60 countries. These individuals have worked with IFES to confirm the election-related data collected for EIS. By the time EPIC is ready to do so, the number of countries already involved will number over 100. As a result, it recommended that this task be left to IFES.

Infrastructure for the Research Pipeline

International IDEA has already expressed interest in developed the online database and has already gained experience in this area through. It is recommended that International IDEA take the lead in designing and organizing the electronic infrastructure that will be necessary for the research pipeline.