The BetterEvaluation Resource Library contains hundreds of curated and co-created resources related to managing, conducting, using, and strengthening capacity for evaluation.
You can use the search field and filtering on this page to find resources that you are interested in or you can browse our extensive list. An alternative way to find resources best suited to your needs is to explore the Rainbow Framework, where you can find resources relating to evaluation methods, approaches and tasks.
Facilitating management learning: Developing critical reflection through reflective tools
Although focused on viewing critical reflection through the scope of management learning, this article discusses a range of critical reflection tools that have been drawn from other professional areas, such as storytelling, metaphors,Using case studies to explore the external validity of ‘complex’ development interventions
Michael Woolcock's paper addresses the fact that rising standards required for assessing the impact of development projects have not been met with equally rigorous procedures for guiding decisions about external validity - "whether and howImpact assessment of financial market development through the lens of complexity theory
This example of complexity theory from FSD Kenya focuses on evaluating the impact of two financial programs implemented by the organisation: the development of a credit information-sharing system and the implementation of a savings group.Building the evidence base for post project evaluation: Case study review and evaluability checklists
This report to the Faster Forward Fund by Laurie Zivetz and Jindra Cekan of Valuing Voices compares findings from eight end-of-project and subsequent post project evaluations.Making rigorous causal claims in a real-life context: Has research contributed to sustainable forest management?
This article presents an example of a rigorous non-counterfactual causal analysis that describes how different evidence and methods were used together for causal inference without a control group or comparison group.Embedding evaluation in national plans and policies to foster transformative development
This IIED Briefing Paper argues that meaningful evaluation of progress towards achieving sustainable development extends beyond supporting voluntary national reviews, and that for the full potential of evaluation to be realised, evaluationGender equality and big data: Making gender data visible
The report from UN Women, with support from UN Global Pulse, outlines the value of big data for monitoring the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in relation to women.Pathways to advance professionalisation within the context of the AES
This report by Greet Peersman and Patricia Rogers for the Australasian Evaluation Society (AES) identifies four potential pathways towards professionalisation within the context of the AES. These pathways areIntroduction to collaborating, learning and adapting (CLA) in the program cycle
This free, one-hour online course by USAID gives an introduction to the Collaboration, Learning, Adapting (CLA) approach.Partner-led evaluation for policy research programmes: A thought piece on the KNOWFOR programme evaluation
This paper discusses the strengths, challenges and appropriateness of a partner-led evaluation approach, drawing on the experience of the UK Government Department for International Development (DFID)-funded International Forestry KnowledgeOutcome monitoring and learning in large multi-stakeholder research programmes: lessons from the PRISE consortium
This discussion paper outlines the key lessons to emerge from designing and applying an outcome monitoring system to the Pathways to Resilience in Semi-arid Economies (PRISE) project.What methods may be used in impact evaluations of humanitarian assistance?
This 3ie working paper examines the extent to which impact evaluation methods can provide evidence to help improve the effectiveness and efficiency in humanitarian action.Measuring results and impact in the age of big data
This paper explores the nexus of data science and evaluation, probing the issues and challenges of incorporating big data into evaluation practice. This resource and the following information was contributed by Alice Macfarlan.Webinar recording: When the ‘field’ is online – qualitative data collection
This NVIVO webinar explores ways that researchers can adapt their research approach using online data collection when face to face fieldwork isn’t possible.The hidden life of theories of change
One common criticism of Theory of Change is that it is often used as a framework that fixes agreements rather than as a living, guiding tool that helps reflection and adaptation.What is impact?
This discussion paper discusses the meaning of 'impact', moving beyond methodological debates to present different perspectives and dimensions that can affect how impact could be framed and evaluated.Conversations about measurement and evaluation in impact investing
This article documents issues emerging during discussions of impact investing and social impact measurement amongst participants of the Innovations in Evaluation strand at the 8th African Evaluation Association Conference.Evaluative tools in impact investing: Three case studies on the use of theories of change
This article reviews three case studies to demonstrate how theories of change are useful for communicating impact, identifying indicators to be measured and the critical analysis of the underlying logic of an impact investment.Situating the next generation of impact measurement and evaluation for impact investing
To support the growth of a stronger evidence base for contributions to positive social and environmental impacts this paper presents a typology for structuring thinking about impact measurement and evaluation for impact investing.Indigenous evaluation strategy (draft strategy)
A draft strategy document on a new Indigenous Evaluation Strategy for programs and policies that affect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.Capacity, change and performance - 5C approach
This document lays out the 5 Core Capabilities approach to organisational assessment.Bringing the invisible into perspective: Reference document for using the 5Cs framework to plan, monitor and evaluate capacity and results of capacity development processes
The five core capabilities approach (5Cs) is an approach to organisational assessment built on complexity thinking.Evaluating the non-academic impact of academic research: Design considerations
In this journal article, Andrew Gunn (University of Leeds) and Michael Mintrom (ANZSOG/Monash University) explore how evaluation of non-academic research impact can measure impact effectively without undermining academic freedom and researcWhen and how to develop an impact-oriented monitoring and evaluation system
Many development programme staff have had the experience of commissioning an impact evaluation towards the end of a project or programme only to find that the monitoring system did not provide adequate data about implementation, context, baA lot to lose: A call to rethink what constitutes "evidence" in finding social interventions that work
This paper, written by Katya Fels Smyth and Lisbeth B. Schorr, examines the use of experimental–design study as the standard for determining of invested dollars in programs are generating the desired results.ACFID and value for money - Discussion paper
The Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) created this discussion paper to generate meaningful debate and help their sector work with AusAID to define value for money better.Footprint evaluation: Thought experiments
This Footprint Evaluation Initiative report describes four 'thought experiments' undertaken as part of this project.Evaluating sustainability: Evaluative support for managing processes in the public interest
This special issue of New Directions in Evaluation includes discussions of different types of sustainability – sustainable environment, sustainable development, sustainable programs, and sustainable evaluation systems – and a synthesis of tEvaluation at the nexus between nature and humanity for transformational change
This chapter from Transformational Evaluation for the Global Crises of Our Times argues for the need to transform evaluation in the light of current environmental crises and sets out the major ways this needs to happen.Systemic thinking for monitoring: Attending to interrelationships, perspectives, and boundaries
This discussion note from USAID presents "attending to interrelationships, multiple perspectives, and boundaries" as a key principle underlying complexity-aware monitoring.Synchronizing monitoring with the pace of change in complexity
This discussion note from USAID argues for synchronizing monitoring with the pace of change as a key principle underlying complexity-aware monitoring.Planting the seeds for high-quality program evaluation in public health
This free e-text book, created as a collaboration between the evaluation staff at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Asthma Control Program and Fierro Consulting Inc., provides a practical introduction to program eval