Putting Principles in Practice
A good principle can be a source of inspiration and guidance for action and accountability if we know how to develop it.
evaluation
Systems and Evaluative Thinking
Systems and evaluative thinking are at the core of Principles-Focused Evaluation, and using both can help us think and act better.
Systems and Complexity: Implications for Evaluation
This second in a series on Principles-Focused Evaluation (PFE) draws our attention to the concepts of systems and complexity and how can PFE help us navigate both. Systems (thinking), complexity, and principles all go together. Principles-focused Evaluation (PFE) brings them together in meaningful ways, but to understand that, we first need to understand what we …
Systems and Complexity: Implications for Evaluation Read More »
Principles-Focused Evaluation: A Series Introduction
What is a Principles-Focused Evaluation approach, and what does it offer those seeking to support change, adaptation, and innovation? This first in a series of posts will introduce you to an approach to strategic innovation and evaluation for complex situations. Principles-Focused Evaluation (PFE) is an approach to generating value in complex situations. It is an …
Principles-Focused Evaluation: A Series Introduction Read More »
The Fear and Folly of Data
Data-driven strategy and decision-making are only as good as the processes we have to gather, synthesize and use to inform action. I am a strong advocate for using data to inform decisions. Good quality data, appropriately gathered and focused, can reveal patterns that save time, money, and even lives. But data is also another method …
Development vs Growth
The climate crisis enveloping us right now is providing a teachable moment to explore the difference between development and growth. Understanding the distinctions between what it means to grow and what it takes to develop might be critical to the survival of our planet — or at least ourselves. It might also be a way …
Models, Frameworks, and Theories (Oh, My!)
Models, frameworks and theories are meant to guide what we do, yet they can also obscure what needs doing. The peddlers of ‘ways to think’ need to start showing evidence that matches their enthusiasm. I once got into a bit of an intellectual spat with an instructor of mine when I was completing my master’s …
Design-Driven Evaluation and System Change
Our designs drive systems change as much as anything and feedback drives good design. Feedback comes from evaluation so it makes sense that the two should work together. This is a version of a post I recently contributed to the American Evaluation Association’s AEA365 blog. Developmental Evaluation is a specific approach to strategic learning suited …
What is Evaluation? (And Why You Should Care)
Evaluation is a term that requires some rehabilitation. The term isn’t incorrect or outdated, just poorly understood and not much appreciated. That is unfortunate because it is a field, practice, and habit that every innovator and change-maker could benefit from knowing intimately. In this article, I’m going to outline why and what we might do …
Design Thinking for Evaluation
Design thinking for evaluation is about expanding possibilities for both design and evaluation together. Design thinking and evaluation are intimately connected, yet rarely discussed together. When most professional evaluators think of the word ‘design’ they typically think of program design. Design thinking focuses our thoughts on how things are made and that includes evaluations themselves. …