The importance of logic
The Logic Model: A supermodel applying logic to ponder something important? No, we are talking matters less hedonistic, although crucially important in the evaluation process. A Logic Model is an important tool to help set up a robust and meaningful evaluation. The process of developing a Program Logic Model is an important first step carried […]
Read moreAustralasian Evaluation Conference 2018 – Transformations
Last week the annual Australasian Evaluation Society’s International Conference was held in Launceston, Tasmania. This year’s theme was Transformations, which was more than fitting, given the rate of change in our industry with new theories, approaches and technology changing the way we work. I left the conference with transformed thinking, my four main take-outs were […]
Read moreLessons from the regions
Having recently returned from a 10 day road trip around regional Victoria I am reflecting on the lessons that can be learned when consulting with communities in small towns. This is because the turn-out to my scheduled consultation meetings was lower than I had hoped. My road trip was a mid-point reading on the mood […]
Read moreEvaluation or research?
I sometimes encounter confusion or misunderstandings from colleagues or associates about the differences between research and evaluation. Because this happened again just recently I feel I would like to outline five ways in which evaluation differs from social or market research. 1. Empirical vs applied knowledge Research involves the production of generalisable knowledge, sometimes theoretical, […]
Read moreSharjah – a successful cultural precinct
I’ve just returned from Sharjah, UAE. My first impression of Sharjah was that of a sprawling congested metropolis that felt like a satellite city of Dubai. But then I found the heritage and arts precinct and realised that this city had an identity of its own. Sharjah’s cultural precinct comprises a group of 16 museums […]
Read moreEvaluation on a shoestring
If you’ve ever wished you had more resources to conduct an evaluation, you’re not alone. But if you’ve ever felt you shouldn’t proceeded with commissioning an evaluation because of constraints on resources, think again. Renowned American evaluator Michael Bamberger has written extensively about how to conduct evaluations with limited resources. He calls it a Shoestring […]
Read moreMaking an impact
You’ve rolled out a government or community program with specific objectives in mind and ask yourself: “What was the impact of this initiative on the community? How can an evaluation answer this question?” Impact Evaluation goes beyond describing or measuring outputs of a program or initiative. An Impact Evaluation is unique in two ways: 1. […]
Read moreKPIs: Key Performance Indicators? Or perhaps not so key?
KPIs: Key Performance Indicators. Surely they’re the most relevant indicator when conducting an evaluation, right? KPIs are widely known and used in the business world. They are known as measurement values that demonstrate how effectively a company is achieving its key business objectives. KPIs are typically quantifiable measures that are used to track and assess […]
Read moreCause and effect: why does it matter?
Causation can be a basic concept in everyday life. If you slip on a banana peel you will likely fall, therefore it makes logical sense to say that the presence of a banana peel in your path caused you to fall. But things can also get more complex than that. If you think about what […]
Read moreEvaluation in the regional arts sector – current thinking
In the last decade or so, regional arts programs have been designed to be powerful tools with which to engage communities in various levels of change. They have been delivered to address regional renewal, health outcomes, quality of life, sense of place, transformation, social development and marginalisation. Yet, the literature reveals deficiencies in the quality […]
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