Dr. R. Vijayaraghavan is a dedicated and accomplished researcher with a diverse background in monitoring and evaluation. He is currently working as State Lead - Tamil Nadu at the Centre for Research in Schemes and Policies (CRISP). He is pivotal in supporting state teams conducting research related to CRISP initiatives. In his previous role as the Lead in Monitoring and Evaluations at Samunnati Financial Intermediation and; Services Private Limited, Dr. Vijayaraghavan established a Monitoring and Evaluation team from the ground up. He led the development of comprehensive frameworks, including the Theory of Change (ToC), and meticulously designed evaluation methods for all programs under Samunnati. His work significantly enhanced the organisation's ability to assess and improve the impact of its programs.
Dr. Vijayaraghavan's journey in monitoring and evaluation began with his role as a Senior Data Analyst in the Monitoring and Evaluation team for the World Bank-funded Tamil Nadu Government (TNRTP) Project. In this capacity, he played a crucial role in various aspects of research, including study designs, sampling design, data analysis, and the development of Theory of Change models. His contributions were instrumental in optimising the impact of TNRTP initiatives. Before his involvement in TNRTP, Dr. Vijayaraghavan served as a Research Fellow (Psychometrician/Data Analyst) at the Australian Council for Education Research (ACER) in New Delhi. During his tenure, he honed his skills in data analysis and psychometric assessments, particularly for large-scale student assessments conducted as part of central and state government projects in South Asia. These projects received funding from prestigious organisations such as USAID, UNICEF, and the World Bank. Dr. Vijayaraghavan's academic journey includes completing a PhD from the School of Management Studies at the University of Hyderabad. He earned the ICSSR Doctoral Fellowship for 2013-2014 during his Ph.D. Subsequently, he received two Junior Research Fellowships in Management & H.R.M. from the University Grants Commission (UGC), eventually leading to his promotion to a Senior Research Fellow by UGC. His academic achievements reflect his dedication to scholarly pursuits. Dr. Vijayaraghavan also holds an MBA in Human Resources from the University of Madras. His professional journey began as a Senior HR Executive in two multinational corporations (MNCs) before transitioning into the research world. This unique combination of academic excellence and practical experience has enriched his research endeavours and contributed to his success in the field.