Jeff I am finding that the jump from understanding M&E Information needs to allocating data collection methods is a bigger chasm than I thought. After training workshops, participants who become reasonably proficient at developing a log frame with M&E indicators and identifying information for collection – have baulked at the process of allocating practical data
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Posts Tagged Data gathering
The ‘quantum’ leap from theory to practice
Monitoring Uptake strategies
by: Jeff Coutts In the QualDATA Log Frame there is a level that is called “Uptake Strategies”. This is the link between research and development and achieving change on the ground. We don’t call it “extension” (as in the old technology transfer model which sees a linear transfer from research to farmer through extension) because
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Being aware of cultural noise in evaluation
One of the issues we try to avoid in evaluation is that of adding noise to our data collection. By noise we mean anything that interferes with the clarity of questioning, observing, listening or the responses we get. In a physical sense, noise can enter through poor communication channels, difficulty in hearing questions, writing that
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3 evaluation tools that may surprise you
A look at different evaluation tools that are useful but not used very often When you are looking to design an evaluation, often times it’s very easy to fall into a habit of using the same types of evaluation tools such as interviews, surveys and secondary data analysis. Sometimes using a different evaluation tool may
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Talking heads
Introducing our brand new section where each month we have a short video clip from one of QualDATA’s directors talking around the theme of the month’s newsletter (subscribe here). This month Jeff talks about an ‘out of the box’ observation evaluation exercise he set for some university students.
Six steps to dismissing the myth that reporting on activities is too hard
The importance of being able to demonstrate the value of your work to a range of stakeholders (as a program leader / team member / project leader) is well established. Many people do this successfully from the planning to the reporting stage and to a very high standard (there are log frames all over the
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7 ways to ensure your data works for you
Continuous Improvement is important for anyone managing a project or program as it allows you to demonstrate the ability to ‘learn from mistakes’ as well as the use of some form of best practice (e.g. improved efficiency, effectiveness and engagement) to achieve objectives. Continuous Improvement is all about constantly reviewing the data coming from Monitoring
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When ‘reviewing the data’ works
Recently we had a situation with one of our clients where the importance of constantly reviewing ‘what the data says’ became very apparent. A process had been set up, using specially designed data gathering forms, by which key program personnel should have been able to self judge their effectiveness. This was planned to be an
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