Evaluation - Resources

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Evaluation

Evaluation Methods and Resources

At IDRC, we expect an evaluation’s purpose to determine how it is done. Because our approach is use-focused, our evaluations can have a number of purposes (formative, summative, developmental), any type of data (quantitative, qualitative, mixed), any design (naturalistic, experimental), and any focus (processes, outcomes, impacts, cost-benefit, etc.). The evaluation`s quality is judged on its accuracy, ethics, feasibility, and use.

Tested methods

Where evaluation approaches didn’t already exist, we have worked with some of the best experts to create and test new ones. These methods are rigorous, learning-oriented, and relevant to the complexities of development research. You might find them useful:

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Outcome Mapping

The Evaluation Unit and a number of IDRC programs worked with Barry Kibel of the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation to adapt his Outcome Engineering approach to the development research context. In 2001, a methodology called "Outcome...

Organizational Assessment

The Evaluation Unit, in partnership with Universalia Management Group, has worked in organizational assessment for over 15 years. We have developed an organizational performance assessment framework, including a guide for self-assessment. ...

Gender Evaluation Methodology (GEM)

The Association for Progressive Communications Women's Networking Support Programme (APC WNSP) developed GEM and GEM-related resources to facilitate learning about using information and communication technologies (ICTs) for gender equality. GEM...

Accountability Principles for Research Organizations

Accountability Principles of Research Organisations provides a framework for establishing accountability good practices and principles for policy-oriented research organizations working in developing countries. The core principles of participation...

CHANGING MINDS
A Guide to Facilitated Participatory Planning

This book draws on the work of thinkers and doers throughout the world who have grappled with the challenge of planning complex institutions, especially health systems and development projects. Their problem: Conventional planning methods often do...

In Conversation: Michael Quinn Patton

Many development programs are evaluated to determine how effective and useful they are. But how effective and useful are the evaluations themselves? Internationally renowned evaluator, Michael Quinn Patton, recently came to IDRC to discuss his...

MEASURING THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION ON DEVELOPMENT

Although we have witnessed a steady growth in the provision of information services in developing countries, a number of fundamental questions remain unanswered. The people of these countries question the relevance and appropriateness of the...

Measuring social change

David Bonbright, founder and chief executive of the UK-based Keystone organization, says social investors need “eco-intelligence” systems in their bid to develop sustainable solutions to important social and environmental problems. “Understanding...

Palestinian researchers apply evaluation lessons to land use project

The Palestinian people face the triple challenge of negotiating a just peace, building a viable state, and laying the foundations for sustainable development — all under adverse conditions. Over the past two years, the International Development...

Applying lessons in evaluation

The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) sponsored 11 people from organizations in Palestine, Jamaica, Senegal, Mexico, Ecuador, and Uruguay to attend the third annual International Program for Development Evaluation Training (IPDET) in...