Incomplete Story? How Theory of Change Can Fill Plot Holes
Demonstração | Online
Sobre o evento
This session will occur virtually on Wednesday, May 31st at 10 AM EST (GMT -5).
This demonstration aims to find ways to work around an evaluation where data is limited to fill in plot holes. Using a ToC as a tool, participants will learn how to adapt the narrative through innovative data collection and reporting practices and negotiate with project owners. In doing so, participants will strengthen their ability to problem solve, effectively communicate, and accurately reflect the impact of a given project.
Oftentimes, evaluators are faced with the challenge of evaluating projects with an inadequate M&E strategy. Poor reporting practices, missing data, and ill-suited indicators foster a culture of misrepresenting project accomplishments. Failing to address these issues challenges the integrity of findings, the credentials of evaluators, and even the reputation of the funding organization.
How do we deal with the problem of missing or incomplete data? Theories of Change (ToC) provide a useful roadmap to help capture the full story – from the intent of projects to how change is expected to happen. It also helps to identify gaps in data collection and data availability to align with the needs of the evaluation. We think of these gaps as plot holes that must be addressed. This demonstration will lead participants through a hypothetical project where we explore how to: (A) identify when, where, and to what extent data is missing or unsuitable; (B) indicate what metrics or data are needed to conduct the evaluation; and (C) negotiate with project teams or project owners to understand gaps, fill plot holes, and tell the full story.
This demonstration aims to find ways to work around an evaluation where data is limited to fill in plot holes. Using a ToC as a tool, participants will learn how to adapt the narrative through innovative data collection and reporting practices and negotiate with project owners. In doing so, participants will strengthen their ability to problem solve, effectively communicate, and accurately reflect the impact of a given project.
Oftentimes, evaluators are faced with the challenge of evaluating projects with an inadequate M&E strategy. Poor reporting practices, missing data, and ill-suited indicators foster a culture of misrepresenting project accomplishments. Failing to address these issues challenges the integrity of findings, the credentials of evaluators, and even the reputation of the funding organization.
How do we deal with the problem of missing or incomplete data? Theories of Change (ToC) provide a useful roadmap to help capture the full story – from the intent of projects to how change is expected to happen. It also helps to identify gaps in data collection and data availability to align with the needs of the evaluation. We think of these gaps as plot holes that must be addressed. This demonstration will lead participants through a hypothetical project where we explore how to: (A) identify when, where, and to what extent data is missing or unsuitable; (B) indicate what metrics or data are needed to conduct the evaluation; and (C) negotiate with project teams or project owners to understand gaps, fill plot holes, and tell the full story.
Orador/a
| Nome | Título | Biography |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Sweitzer | Senior Consultant at Guidehouse | Monitoring and Evaluation SME | Elizabeth is a Senior Consultant with Guidehouse, bringing over 8 years of project and program management experience including change management initiatives in the realm of sustainable development. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toronto and a Masters of Public Administration from Cornell. Certified Project Management Professional. She is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese. |
| Jessica Baby | Senior Consultant at Guidehouse | Reasearch, Monitoring and Evaluation | Jessica is a Senior Consultant with Guidehouse, bringing 5 years of experience in international trade and development working in Europe, West Africa, and Asia. Technical experience includes research, program design, implementation and M&E. She holds a Joint Honors Degree in International relations and Mandarin Chinese, and two Masters in International Affairs from the London School of Economics and Peking University. She is a native French speaker and proficient in mandarin Chinese. |