Quantitative or qualitative research? Which one to use?
If you have a research or evaluation question or issue you want to explore, how you do you know whether you need to collect qualitative or quantitative information? Your research or evaluation consultant will be able to advise you but here are some things for you […]
Read more6 success factors of regional arts initiatives
There is growing evidence that arts and culture play an important role in the growth, development and identity of Australia’s regions and regional towns. From disaster recovery to story telling, arts and culture in regional and remote Australia can contribute to the social, educational and economic opportunities of regional towns and can feed into state […]
Read moreA delightful unexpected benefit of program evaluation
Program evaluations are conducted for a range of reasons, including exploring the extent to which a program or initiative has met its intended objectives. It may also be necessary to know how efficient and effective a program has been, and whether it has delivered value for money. To explore these areas of enquiry, one or […]
Read moreThe plural of anecdote is not data
You may have seen this meme recently, doing the social media circuit. Its origin is questionable, but seems to be credited to Frank Kotsonis, an American pharmacologist, although I don’t know from when. In my work as an evaluation and research consultant, I deal with anecdotes and data. When I saw this meme recently my […]
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 […]
Read moreTop tips and thoughts from 2013 – 7 blog highlights
My weekly blogs are designed to provide tips, insights and ideas for my clients and colleagues working in the arts and cultural sectors, evaluation and market research research, government policy planning and the human services sectors – in metropolitan and regional Australia. To round off the year, here is a summary of my most popular […]
Read moreMusic links regional and rural communities in central Queensland
Kate Leahy is a dynamic, articulate and talented local Rockhampton musician. When she was 17 she felt she had to leave the area if she wanted to pursue a career in music, as there were few opportunities to work as a local artist. A few years ago Kate returned to Rockhampton but found it challenging […]
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