Step-by-Step Implementation Guide

graph TB
    P1["📋 PHASE 1: Research Planning<br/>15-20 min"]
    S1["Step 1: Define Problem Scope"]
    S2["Step 2: Set Research Objectives"]
    S3["Step 3: Prepare Documentation"]

    P2["🤖 PHASE 2: AI-Assisted Research<br/>30-40 min"]
    S4["Step 4: Customize MCP Prompt"]
    S5["Step 5: Execute AI Research"]
    S6["Step 6: Quality Verification"]

    P3["🌳 PHASE 3: Tree Construction<br/>25-35 min"]
    S7["Step 7: Extract Core Problem"]
    S8["Step 8: Map Root Causes"]
    S9["Step 9: Identify Effects"]

    P4["💬 PHASE 4: Stakeholder Prep<br/>15-20 min"]
    S10["Step 10: Convert to Questions"]
    S11["Step 11: Plan Validation Approach"]

    P1 --> S1 --> S2 --> S3 --> P2
    P2 --> S4 --> S5 --> S6 --> P3
    P3 --> S7 --> S8 --> S9 --> P4
    P4 --> S10 --> S11

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Phase 1: Research Planning

Step 1: Define Your Problem Scope

• Write a clear 1-2 sentence problem statement
• Specify affected population and geographic area
• List what you already know

Problem: Young adults aged 18-25 in rural Nyanza region, Kenya, have limited access to stable employment.

Step 2: Set Research Objectives

• Causes and effects you need to understand
• Interventions the research should help you design
• Stakeholders you'll eventually need to engage

Step 3: Prepare Documentation System

• Create a folder for sources
• Start from the Problem Tree template
• Track evidence (E) versus assumptions (A)

Phase 2: AI-Assisted Research

Step 4: Customize Your MCP Prompt

• Copy the MCP template
• Replace placeholders with your context

Step 5: Execute and Review AI Research

• Run the prompt, save outputs immediately
• Scan for errors or red flags

Step 6: Quality Verification

• Check credibility of 3-5 sources
• Verify key statistics against original sources
• Flag anything that looks like assumption

Phase 3: Problem Tree Construction

Step 7: Extract and Organize Core Problem

• Refine the problem statement
• Specify who, what, and where
• Remove any causes or solutions

Step 8: Map Root Causes by Levels

• Level 1: direct causes
• Level 2: underlying causes
• Level 3: structural causes
• Tag each cause (E) evidence-based or (A) assumption

Step 9: Identify Effects by Time Horizon

• Immediate (0-6 months), medium-term (6 months-2 years), long-term (2+ years)
• Impact levels: individual, family, community, and system
• Tag each effect (E) or (A)

Phase 4: Stakeholder Preparation

Step 10: Convert Assumptions to Questions

• Turn each (A) item into an open-ended question
• Avoid leading questions
• Aim for 8-10 questions

Step 11: Plan Validation Approach

• Identify who can answer your questions
• Decide how you'll reach them: focus groups, interviews, meetings
• Update your tree based on what you learn

Quick Reference Checklist

Common Questions

• Generic results? Add more geography and population detail
• Deep enough? Stop once you reach something actionable
• Skip Phase 2? MCP is optional but saves hours