Briefs and Guides
What have we learned about applying the market systems development (MSD) approach? Check out our collection of publications below, which includes guidance, thematic briefs and case studies that can help you grapple with key issues related to MSD and Decent Work. Here, you can learn about: the foundation of the approach and how to apply it at different project stages; its application in relation to different employment-related outcomes including specific decent work challenges and target groups; its application in specific thematic areas and sectors; and about the ILO’s track record and impact in using MSD.
Learn the foundations of the systems approach and how you can apply it in your project
Cross-cutting- Guidance on cross-border value chain development
- Guide on a systems approach to creating more and better jobs
- Brief overview of the Systemic Approach to Creating More and Better Jobs
- Thought-piece on operationalizing the concept of “Systemic Change”
- Guide on conducting Market Systems Analysis
- Guidance for Sector Selection and Rapid Market Assessments
- Guide on value chain selection
- A 10-question pocket guide on applying the MSD approach
- Guide on Adaptive Management
- Thought-piece on Adaptive Management
- Guidance and case studies on designing business models for decent work
- Action toolkit on designing business models for Decent Work
- Case study on implementing in a fragile context (Afghanistan)
- Case study on adaptive management for rural youth (Zambia)
- Case study on applying facilitation principles (East Timor & Zambia)
- Case study on targeting youth job creation in micro-distribution sector (Kenya)
Monitoring and Results Measurement
- Guide on measuring job quality in market systems development
- Guide on “How to” Measure Job Quality
- Guidance on Measuring Productive Employment
- Thought-piece on the use of RCTs in private sector development
Learn to apply the systems approach to employment-related outcomes and to specific target groups
- Skills development
- Occupational Safety and Health among MSMEs
- Informality
- Child labour
- Childcare for women’s economic empowerment
- More & better job creation for Sub-Saharan Africa’s youth
- Refugees and Host Communities
- Job Quality
- Job quality for youth in agribusiness, tourism, and ICT sectors
Learn to apply the approach in specific areas such as the environment, rules and regulations, or in specific sectors
- Guidance on MSD and the environment
- Guidance on driving change in the rules and regulations
- Lessons on MSD and the tourism sector
- Lessons on MSD and Africa’s construction sector
- Guidance on using MSD to improve working conditions in global supply chains
- The business model for investing in better working conditions in a mining multinational
Review the impact and track record of the ILO’s application of the MSD approach
- A review of ILO’s Portfolio of Market Systems Development Operations for Decent Work
- An internal review of the quality and use of ILO market system and value chain analyses
- A sustainability assessment 10 years after the close of an ILO systems themed development (Sri Lanka)
- Action research in the Wood and Furniture Sector (Peru)
- Internal review of ILO market systems analysis (2020-2022)