How soon can I have results?
Every year it seems the Christmas season arrives earlier than the year before. Marketing and retail displays seem to be up sooner each year and I swear Christmas carols have been playing in department stores since about July. This retail marketing strategy, coupled with our constant connection to our smart phones means our ability to […]
Read more8 tips for commissioning an evaluation
If you are considering commissioning and conducting an evaluation, all parties should be fully informed about what is expected to be delivered and what can be reasonably expected to be delivered. The Australasian Evaluation Society has prepared a helpful guide, which is applicable to an evaluation in any sector, including arts, cultural, environmental, regional, business […]
Read moreEvaluation chains of evidence
Creating a chain of evidence can help you demonstrate the value of a program through its entire system using qualitative and quantitative data, when it is not easy or possible to go to the end source to find evidence of program outputs. We are currently conducting an evaluation of The Climate Reality Project for the […]
Read moreWhat is regional transformation and how do you measure it?
Five small towns across Victoria are gearing up for a big events in the coming weeks. For the past 18 months, they have been on a journey of creative change. Each town received $350,000 for a significant artistic project intended to leave a lasting legacy to transform their town. Small Town Transformations is presented […]
Read more10 essentials to include in a research or evaluation brief
To commission an evaluation or research project, it is helpful––to you and the consultant––to prepare an evaluation brief. This is a short document, perhaps two to four pages, outlining what the evaluation consultant needs to know. An additional benefit is that it also helps you clarify your thinking in terms of what you need from […]
Read more7 deadly sins of survey design
With survey software platforms available free of charge and easy to use, it can be enticing to run your own survey- perhaps amongst your stakeholders, clients or staff members. However, it takes someone with specialised skills to design a survey well, to ensure you gather information that you need and you can use. If you […]
Read moreHold still, this won’t hurt a bit
2 key points to allay the fears of evaluation respondents. Evaluations are conducted to collect, analyse and use information to answer questions about initiatives, projects, policies and program. Typically, they are used to enable funding bodies to understand the effectiveness and efficiency of their programs. Evaluations outcomes drive organisational learning and lessons from the […]
Read moreConference controversy: levels of community engagement
Last week I was a presenter and member of a discussion panel at the Spectres of Evaluation Conference, held at the Footscray Community Arts Centre in Melbourne. This international conference aimed to explore issues surrounding the way the arts are evaluated, including competing claims and judgements about limits, uses and value of the arts. Delegates […]
Read moreCan you measure the value of culture?
Culture is one of society’s intangibles concepts. Intangibles are aspects of society that cannot be seen, touched or heard. They are not solid objects like products, audiences or exhibition objects. Rather, they are things such as ideas, risks, wellbeing, values, effectiveness, quality, image and legacy. Is it really possible or ethical to assign a value […]
Read more6 methods for evaluating value for money
At this beginning of a new year it is possible you are wondering whether your programs and initiatives are providing a good return on investment, or how your budget may be better spent. In the not-for-profit and government sectors throughout Australia, value for money and how to assess it has become important. Determining whether programs […]
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