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Finding the most practical, sustainable, and scalable solutions for our clients.

Our strength is in our approach.

We ensure in-depth understanding of the issue through client consultation and desk research; dirty our hands in the field to gather additional data, relevant information, and consumer insights and preferences. We analyze all inputs and integrate these with best practices from across the world. This approach is appreciated by our clients as it gives them the best outcome, each time.

No pre-conceived notions; no force-fitting of models; no off-the-shelf solutions.

Our Core Sectors

Agriculture (click to expand)

Farm sizes in India and most other developing countries are becoming smaller with each passing generation. Farmers can lose income due to crop loss and their income from harvest is uncertain. We work with government agencies, international organizations, farmer producers organizations, support institutions, and financial institutions to minimize vulnerabilities and increase farmers’ income.

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Financial Inclusion (click to expand)

Finance is the backbone of all economic activities. Poor and vulnerable often find it difficult to access appropriate financial services from formal financial institutions. We work with government agencies, regulators, banks, financial intermediaries, microfinance institutions, non-banking finance companies, aggregators, and last-mile service providers. Our work includes these stakeholders develop appropriate products, build and manage delivery channels, increase efficiencies, design convenient and easy-to-use interface and processes, develop and implement grievance redress strategies, and ensure data security.

Women Empowerment (click to expand)

Women and girl child often face discrimination, violence, and bias within the household and the society at large. They are denied access to health services and education; are not allowed to participate in community decision making; and are expected to stay confined to household matters. We work with government agencies, international organizations, civil society organizations, community based organizations, women groups, and NGOs to empower women and sensitize the community members.

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Our Services

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PROJECT DESIGN
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RISK ANALYSIS AND MITIGATION
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MONITORING AND EVALUATION
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IMPACT ASSESSMENT
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MARKET RESEARCH
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OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
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TRAINING
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VALUE CHAIN ANALYSIS
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MARKET SCOPING

About Us

We are a team of professionals passionate about inclusive growth. We strongly believe that most of the development challenges can be best addressed if governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector work in unison. Our teams are best placed to work out such solutions as they have worked around the world, successfully implementing large projects for some of the largest businesses, government agencies, and international development organizations.

Our Team

Deodatt Singh

Mukesh Sadana

Anand Raman

Vartika Shukla

Vinay Tuli

Our Advisers

Nilotpal Pathak

Shipra Deo

Blog

Resounding Success of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana: But Can You Spot The Elephant in The Room?
More than 422 million accounts opened under PMJDY have proved to be a boon for the poor and vulnerable households. Transfer of government support, especially during the pandemic, has been quick, efficient, and transparent, compared to the pre-2014 era. However, …
The Future of ATMs and POS Devices: Any Guesses?
UPI transactions are increasing phenomenally. This blog is an attempt to view the wider canvas by adding ATM and POS transactions; analyzing and comparing the three.
Making Sense of UPI Transactions
UPI has seen a phenomenal growth in transactions since its launch in 2016. The potential to democratize digital payments is immense. However, some more work on awareness generation, and basics about the benefits and risks associated with digital payments can …
More Blogs

OUR IMPACT

Contact Us

contact@revamprd.org
+91-9792-909-572
+91-7897-345-556

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Copyright ©2020 Revamp Research and Development (Revamp) | Follow us:

Organizations do not work in isolation; there are countless risks inflicted by internal and external factors. We help organizations identify all possible risks, categorize them as important or worth ignoring, and develop a mitigation strategy. The steps to be taken by each vertical/department are clearly laid out and become part of the routine operations. Each organization is unique, and so are the risks, their likely impact, and mitigation.

We have conducted risk analysis assignments for large banks, microfinance institutions, digital payment service providers, aggregators, non-banking finance companies, and government agencies in Asia and Africa. 

Our work on value chain analysis goes beyond identifying actors and their roles.

In one such project, our teams  worked with rural communities in dairy, poultry, and food & beverages value chains to identify the role of women of the households and their participation in decision making. By connecting the value chains to digital finance and digital platforms, women’s role in more than 1,000 households was formalized. They got control over the resources and transactions that were otherwise conducted without their knowledge and consent.

In another project, we conducted value chain analysis to identify opportunities to increase household income by finding process inefficiencies and market distortions. The results were incorporated in program design by the client.

Our experts have worked in the corporate world and the development sector, and carry a deep knowledge of both. This combination places them in a strong position to conduct robust market scoping projects. Examples of such projects completed by our teams-

Our teams conducted country assessment in four countries in South Asia for a multilateral development agency. The assessment covered the overall digital ecosystem in general, and digital connectivity, policy environment and regulations in particular. A gender analysis in the context of access to digital tools in these countries was also conducted. The report formed the basis for the funding of a multi-year program in the region. 

A study conducted in Vietnam focused on the status of mobile banking and branch-less banking in the country, and assessed the potential for these services. Specific tasks included: secondary research, conducting interviews with the senior management of banks and financial service providers, and the central bank. The final report included the general banking structure in the country, customer needs and gaps in the present financial services delivery, microfinance institutions and their coverage, advent of mobile wallets and agent-based banking. The report concluded with certain recommendations on the manner in which the central bank and government could create an enabling environment in the country to promote uptake and usage of mobile financial services.    

Mukesh Sadana has 20 years of extensive experience in the development sector particularly in designing and managing large  projects, developing strategy, and leading multi-sectoral teams. He is an expert in digital financial services, digital identities, social protection payments, policy, regulation, monitoring, evaluation, qualitative and quantitative research. Mukesh has worked extensively on the use of technology in health, financial inclusion, agriculture, and social protection.

He has worked with leading financial institutions, mobile network operators, regulators, consumer goods companies, and multilateral agencies in India, Indonesia, Kenya, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malawi, Papua New Guinea, Vietnam, and the Philippines.

Before joining Revamp, Mukesh was working with USAID as a Digital Development and Financial Inclusion Specialist. Earlier, he worked with ICICI Bank, Amul, and Microsave Consulting. Mukesh holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Rural Management from the Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA).

We conduct impact studies not only to measure achievement versus target but to capture the overall changes effected by the program activities in the lives and surroundings of the target communities. Multiple activities that are conducted as part of a project over a long duration bring about not only the intended outcomes; they also induce and influence changes in the people and places in the project location. These unintended outcomes could be positive or may not be so beneficial to the communities impacted by the project. We collect all relevant data, information, and stories related to the impact on communities to present a holistic picture in the assessment report.

An example of our approach is the impact assessment of a financial inclusion program in Nigeria conducted by our team. We studied the adverse impact of financial exclusion and the opportunities created for the target population by the program. We analyzed the data and information to identify the areas/sectors in which the development impact of financial inclusion was most visible. To the client's surprise, some of the highly impacted sectors were not even part of the program design.  

 

It is not unusual for an implementation team to get engrossed in the day-to-day operations and lose sight of the larger goals of the program. Therefore, for any long-term program, monitoring of activities becomes imperative. The purpose of monitoring is not to find faults, but to help in course-correction where required. Similarly, regular periodic evaluations help achieve the targets and avoid any surprises at conclusion of a project/program. We help our clients develop a relevant and robust monitoring and evaluation plan, ideally at the program design stage. Subsequently, we work alongside the project management team to monitor and evaluate the progress.

A few examples of projects undertaken by our teams are

  • Conceptualized, designed, and conducted a survey to evaluate the impact of a large financial inclusion program in India. The study was designed to find the actual presence of banking agents against the numbers reported by the banks, duplication in the accounts opened under the scheme, availability of digital identity cards with the beneficiaries, and linkage of identity with the accounts. The results were shared with the Government of India and led to improvement in implementation for subsequent phases. 
  • Conducted market assessment, operational review and due diligence for a large microfinance institution in India. Also conducted responsible for conducting process assessment and comparison with industry standards, detailed assessment of high PAR areas, adequacy of compensation levels across key bands, and recruitment process efficiency. The report   the core market in terms of market share movement, disbursement growth by value and volume, PAR delinquency trends, headroom for growth, indebtedness level, market player specific strategies, customer segmentation. The output from this study helped in finalization of a USD $150 million investment. 

Well begun is half done. In the context of project management and implementation, this adage applies to a well-researched and well-thought project design. We strongly believe that project design is as much of an art as a science. A robust project design will include clearly defined objectives, activities, timelines, budget, team structure, roles and responsibilities, monitoring and evaluation plan, learning and dissemination plan, and will identify risks and mitigation strategies. A well though project will also be sustainable and scalable. Our teams have worked on all aspects of a project, viz., project development, project implementation, , and project evaluation; therefore they are able to deliver best project designs. 

Recently, our experts designed a multi-million-dollar program in South Asia on digital connectivity and strengthening of MSME capabilities to participate in the digital ecosystem. The program elements include enabling the micro and small enterprises to benefit from access to digital tools, and empowering them to participate in policy dialogues. Another focus area of the program is creating awareness on cyber hygiene among the masses. Other examples of our work include project design of programs on empowering adolescent girls, climate change impact, increasing household income, and natural resource management.  

Data tells only part of a story. The story is complete only when one knows the context and has access to all relevant information pertaining to the data. We conduct research for our clients to not only collect data, but also stories, thoughts, insights, ambitions, sorrows and joys of target customers to present a complete picture to decision makers. We focus on primary research so that our clients receive the latest and direct inputs from the ground through a mix of quantitative and qualitative research.

A few examples of projects completed by our teams:

  • Consumer research to identify the real, perceived, and potential risks in mobile phone based Micro-insurance (M-insurance) business models across nine countries in Asia and Africa. Specific tasks included designing, conducting and analyzing the results of detailed consumer research on the risks experienced by digital finance consumers, identification of the consumer protection issues in conformity or in violation of prevailing regulations, gaps in service delivery, and grievance redress system.
  • Qualitative market research to define market segments, product roadmap, pricing, and distribution strategy for a bank and a Mobile Network Operator (MNO) to implement digital financial services in a South East Asian country. 
  • Research to assess and present the case of microfinance institutions as potentially viable business correspondent channel through which banks could reach the low-income populations in a cost-effective manner. The report identified the strategic and operational options for MFIs to modify their structure to function as business correspondents for banks, highlighting potential challenges and benefits of the business. 
  • Research to identify saving patterns, saving methods and products used by low-income households in the largest state (Uttar Pradesh) in India. The report inspired design and launch of innovative savings products by the client organization- a large financial institution.

Several methodologies can be used for process improvement. Revamp uses a workflow visualization tool called Process Mapping. First, we document the existing process flow, carefully capturing all activities, identifying all steps within each activity, individuals/departments, documents and their filing, and the time taken at each step. This allows us to identify points of delay, inefficiencies, duplication, and gaps. The next step is to develop improved process flow, which is shared with all the relevant departments. They look at the feasibility of the recommended processes in the context of their respective departments on parameters such as resources, budget, people, location etc. Finally, based on the feedback received, we finalize the processes and collate them in a process manual. 

Our teams have developed process manuals for government departments, financial institutions, aggregators, financial service intermediaries, community-based organizations, and NGOs.

Revamp conducts both technical and soft-skills training; either according to the client requirements or by conducting training needs assessment to identify specific gaps in employee knowledge and skills. 

A few examples of training and workshops conducted by our team are:

  • Developed a training module on soft skills for relationship managers of a non-banking financial company. Conducted training for 30 RMs and simultaneous training of trainers. The training led to a marked improvement in the client relationship management and communication skills of the RMs, resulting in increased work efficiency and increased turnover. 
  • Conducted workshops for financial service providers, agent network aggregators and other stakeholders (regulators, banks, and donor agencies) on advanced Digital Financial Services (DFS). The workshops helped the participants to appreciate service and product continuum in DFS, gain an overview of common DFS products, discuss the concept of innovation in the context of DFS and to understand DFS product development related challenges.  The workshops were conducted in Nepal, Malawi and Uganda.
  • Reviewed and updated the induction program for agents and supervisors for a Leading Bank in Africa. This was done as a part of the bank’s expansion strategy. The program was based on the adult learning principles with a combination of classroom sessions and structured field based orientation. Also facilitated the implementation of trainings to enhance training capacities of the trainers.

Shipra is a development practitioner with 20 years of experience in strategic planning, management of cross-functional teams and achieving results in challenging contexts. She has successfully led several multidisciplinary programs in women’s empowerment, land rights, violence against women, agriculture, collective action, livelihoods and institution building. She has worked in association with international agencies such as UNDP, USAID, BMGF, World Bank and also with the State governments, national as well as grassroots organizations.

She has worked closely with development projects in South Asia, Africa and Central Europe with a focus on gender mainstreaming. She is passionate about the gender dimension of social development, and specializes in mainstreaming gender and diversity aspects in programs and organizational structures.

Nilotpal Pathak is a Partner with I-Farm Venture Advisors Private Limited(I-Farms), a food and agribusiness focused financial advisory company  based in Gurugram, India. As part of I-Farms, he is looking to raise capital for growth stage food and agribusiness enterprises. He has spent more than 20 years in different parts of investment advisory including private equity, investment banking, transaction advisory, and credit rating in India and the middle-east. His areas of expertise include risk assessment, transaction advisory and agribusiness strategy in emerging markets.

Before joining I-Farms, Nilotpal was a Principal with Intellecap-Aavishkar Group, where he advised early and growth stage enterprises on their business strategy and also guided them to raise capital- a passion that he still carries. He holds an MBA from Institute of Rural Management, Anand (IRMA).

Vartika Shukla is a Financial  Inclusion consultant with 11 years of experience in digital finance and microfinance domain working with financial service providers in 8 developing countries (on–site) – India, Kenya, South Africa, Ethiopia, Uganda, Malawi, Nepal, Lao PDR. Her work focuses on assisting clients to implement digital financial services solutions. This work includes: strategy development, agent network development, institutional diagnostics, training curriculum design and qualitative market research to understand customers’ needs, product development and process re-engineering. Vartika also delivers workshops and training to support this work. She has worked on consulting and research assignments for microfinance institutions (MFIs), banks, NBFCs, MNOs, ANMs, and donor agencies. 

Prior to this she worked in Digital Financial Services Domain at MicroSave as a core team member and as Deputy  Practice Group Leader, leading a team of nine consultants.

Anand brings 26 years of leadership experience in inclusive consumer finance, mobile telecommunications, and information technology businesses. He has deployed agent banking distribution networks turning over $250 mn in annual remittances, led value added services business turning over $100 mn annually for India’s largest mobile network operator and built and deployed mass market prepaid top-up systems scaling from 0 to 95% of annual top-up value. He has published several technical and policy blogs and led workshops on national payments infrastructure in service of financial inclusion.

Anand’s key skills are developing and implementing mass-market digital financial services, developing viable business models, conceptualizing and executing field research and marketing campaigns, tracking regulatory policy and writing policy publications.

Vinay is an agriculture development expert with experience of 20 years in Indian agriculture sector both with multinational corporate and international non-profit organizations. Since 2006, he has been involved with long term agriculture development consulting work with international non-profit organizations like ACDI/VOCA, Hivos and Fairtrade International for implementing projects funded by USAID, BMGF and DFID in India. He has also worked on consulting assignments with Asian Development Bank (ADB), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Bank.

His area of expertise include agriculture value chain development; enterprise development; private sector partnerships; sustainable agriculture; strategic business planning; farmer producer companies; market linkages; agri-tech; technical expertise on crop production, crop protection, post-harvest management of horticulture and agriculture crops.

Excellent track record in leading and managing business development functions of multinational agribusiness corporate like Syngenta and Monsanto in agro-chemicals and seed industry for 10 years.

Deo Datt Singh is co-founder of Revamp and an agri-business expert.  He has 20 years of progressive experience in leading development projects and managing agri- and allied programs. He has managed private sector-led agriculture development programs for Indian agro-industry and international development organizations. He has been involved in business development, project development and monitoring & evaluation of agricultural programs. He specializes in ecological farming, climate change, rural economic development, policy and programs for agribusiness, and rural enterprise development & management. He has worked with several not for profit and for-profit companies. He holds Master’s degree in Plant Pathology from Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar. He is a Senior Advisor at People’s Action for National Integration.