Evaluation Method Selection
In our previous posts, we’ve covered the basics of project evaluation and how to plan for an evaluation process. This is the final post in our evaluation series where we’ll focus on evaluation method selection (along with ideas on different methods to use).
There are four key considerations when selecting which method is right for your needs, to ensure an authentic and effective evaluation process. You may even choose more than one:
- Requirements – What information is needed to make a sound evaluation?
- Practicality – How feasible is it to collect that information? What do time and resources permit?
- Accuracy – What degree of accuracy is needed and what factors could impact on accuracy?
- Credibility – Will stakeholders find the method/s selected sufficiently rigorous?
The complexity of your evaluation methods can vary significantly but for the purposes of this series, we’ve made the assumption you’re involved in a non-profit or local government and are seeking to evaluate a community or industry-related project.
Outsourcing
Depending on your budget, you may like to explore outsourcing the evaluation process or elements of it.
An independent evaluation can hold more weight with stakeholders, as well as delivering you the benefit of unbiased eyes on your project, with the ability to perhaps notice achievements and improvements that an in-house assessment might have overlooked.
With these tools, you are ready to approach your next evaluation process with greater confidence.
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A version of this blog post first appeared on Anna Dixon Consulting’s website, our previous brand.
