Simple but not simplistic: Findings from a theory-driven retrospective evaluation of a small projects program

This paper provides a worked example of using Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) and Process Tracing to identify different causal packages and developing a rubric to identify successful and unsuccessful projects.

A rubric was first developed to "identify which small projects had achieved intended outcomes". This was followed by using QCA to establish which conditions led to project success or failure, helping to find a combination of factors that supported successful outcomes. Finally, process tracing was used to understand how and why those conditions contributed to successful outcomes.

The study found that project success was challenging due to a complex combination of conditions. However, it also highlights that by identifying and focusing on these key conditions—the "causal package"—during the design and implementation of projects, the likelihood of success could be improved.