Themes | Better Evaluation

Types of intervention

Types of intervention is concerned with different types of action taken to affect an outcome, for instance, capacity development is a specific type of action taken with the aim of building capacity, and policy advocacy is a specific type of action taken with the aim to influence policy decisions.

Evaluating capacity development

Unlike programs supporting health, livelihoods, and other impact areas, capacity development does not have stand-alone outcomes. Instead, capacity development supports a diverse set of goals in different sectors, at different levels, through different activities. Capacity development consequently presents multiple evaluation opportunities and challenges for practitioners.

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Evaluating policy influence and advocacy

Influencing and informing policy is the main aim for many development organisations. However, activities directed at policy change are, in general, very hard to monitor and evaluate.

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Evaluating the performance of an organisation

An organisational assessment is a systematic process for obtaining valid information about the performance of an organisation and the factors that affect performance. It differs from other types of evaluations because the assessment focuses on the organisation as the primary unit of analysis.

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Foresight evaluation

Foresight evaluation is a broad concept that includes monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of specific foresight activities and using foresight as a set of tools and skills to enhance M&E practice.

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Monitoring and evaluation for impact investing

Impact investment aims to create positive social change alongside financial returns, thereby creating blended value. Assessing the intended and actual blended value created is an important part of impact investing.

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Monitoring and evaluation to support adaptive management

The term 'adaptive management' refers to adaptation that goes beyond the usual adaptation involved in good management - modifying plans in response to changes in circumstances or understanding, and using information to inform these decisions.

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Network evaluation

A network evaluation may consider a range of questions and adopt a variety of options for undertaking the evaluation depending on factors such as the type, size, stage of development and purpose of the network.

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