Articles
Our latest articles are below, or you can filter by category using this dropdown:
New template: “Theory of Change Tree Design Template”
Elevate your evaluation presentations with our Canva template! Designed for evaluators and professionals seeking a visually compelling way to communicate their Theory of Change, this template transforms complex concepts into an engaging, tree-shaped visual narrative. Perfect for websites, presentations, and client-facing materials, the template offers a design that can be used with a standard Canva account.
New template: “Top 10 tips for facilitating an evaluation planning meeting”
This free template offers the top 10 tips for facilitating evaluation planning meetings, guiding you through every step from preparation to actionable follow-up. It provides practical advice to streamline your meetings, engage stakeholders effectively, and build confidence in creating clear, actionable evaluation plans.
How We Evaluated: Our Own 4-Day Work Week Pilot
Discover the insights and outcomes of Three Hive Consulting’s evaluation of their 4-Day Work Week (4DWW) pilot. This article explores the benefits and challenges of the 4DWW, highlighting impacts on work-life balance, productivity, and client relationships, and shares strategies for successful implementation.
New infographic: “Amplifying the Voices of Emerging and Experienced Evaluators – AEA Poster”
Discover how Eval Academy is making evaluation knowledge accessible to all. Download our infographic from the 2024 AEA Conference to explore Eval Academy’s mission, impact, and resources—ideal for students, program managers, evaluators, and decision-makers seeking to enhance their evaluation skills and knowledge.
Reflections from the AEA Conference 2024: Amplifying and Empowering Voices in Evaluation
Discover key insights from the 2024 AEA Conference on amplifying voices in evaluation, covering participant engagement, technology integration, and strategies for building trust. This article highlights practical takeaways to enhance inclusivity and impact in evaluation practices.
Data Visualization Applications: Pie Charts
Unlock the secrets to using pie charts effectively with this step-by-step article! Learn how to transform your data storytelling by avoiding common pitfalls, mastering design best practices, and ensuring your visualizations convey clear, impactful insights.
Common Pie Chart Misuses (and How to Fix Them)
This article highlights common misuses of pie charts —like having too many categories or using 3D designs—and provides practical fixes to improve your visualizations. Learn how to enhance clarity, make accurate comparisons, and choose the right chart type for your data, ensuring your visuals effectively communicate your message. Don’t let poor chart design distort your data!
Using AI to do an Environmental Scan
Looking to integrate AI tools into your evaluation workflows? Our latest article offers a step-by-step guide on how to use AI tools like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or Claude 3.5 for conducting an environmental scan. Learn how to streamline the process, from brainstorming topics to generating research questions and search strategies.
New Template: Analyst Quality Assurance Notes, Checklist and Style Guide Template
Streamline your data analysis process with our Analyst Quality Assurance Notes, Checklist, and Style Guide Template! This tool helps you document data-related assumptions, decisions, and analytic steps in one organized file.
New Infographic: Considerations for Indigenous Evaluation
Discover key considerations for Indigenous evaluation with our new infographic, designed for those interested in culturally respectful and informed evaluation practices. This one-page downloadable PDF provides insights into Indigenous methodologies, including the 'Two-Eyed Seeing' approach, which integrates both Indigenous and Western knowledge. Perfect for evaluators and anyone seeking to enhance their knowledge of Indigenous approaches to research and program evaluation.
Research and Evaluation – The Article
Explore the key differences between research and evaluation in this comprehensive guide. Learn about their distinct goals, methodologies, data collection and analysis approaches, and reporting styles. Ideal for professionals and students looking to understand the unique roles of research and evaluation in advancing knowledge and improving programs.
New Template: Stratified Sampling Tool (Single Strata)
Discover our new Stratified Sampling Tool template, designed for researchers and evaluators working with large datasets. Learn how to generate representative samples, ensure fair subgroup representation, and increase precision in your data collection. Includes both single strata and multiple stratum versions with step-by-step instructions.
Beyond Biases: Insights for Effective Evaluation Reporting
Explore how cognitive biases impact evaluation practice. Drawing insights from Hans Rosling's "Factfulness," this article examines 10 common mental shortcuts that can affect data analysis, reporting, and decision-making in evaluation. Learn practical strategies to overcome these biases and improve your evaluation methods.
New Template: Environmental Scan Template in Excel
Introducing our new Environmental Scan Template, designed to help you systematically gather and organize vital information that could influence your program's future direction. Whether you're new to evaluation or a seasoned professional, this tool allows you to customize column headings to fit your specific needs—ensuring you collect the right data efficiently. Download now to enhance your strategic planning, improve operational efficiency, and stay ahead of emerging trends.
Data Visualization Applications: Line Charts
Explore the power of line charts in our ongoing series on data visualization. This article explains how to create impactful line charts using Excel 365. This tutorial not only guides you through chart creation but also emphasizes data visualization best practices to enhance clarity and professionalism. Whether you're new to charting or refining your skills, this article equips you with essential techniques for visually compelling data storytelling.
How to Use World Cafés as an Evaluation Data Collection Method
Discover how World Cafés can enhance your data collection efforts. This article guides you through organizing a World Café, from selecting facilitators to crafting effective questions and managing conversations. Learn how to analyze the data collected and address potential challenges, making World Cafés a powerful tool for engaging participants and generating comprehensive insights in your evaluations.
Why You Should Evaluate Your Healthcare Program: Lessons From Three Hive Consulting
In the world of healthcare, effective evaluation is a game-changer, guiding strategic decisions, enhancing patient care, and driving innovation. This article delves into the transformative power of evaluation, showcasing practical advice and real-world examples from Three Hive Consulting. Discover how evaluation can navigate complexities, measure effectiveness, boost accountability, and justify investments, ensuring your healthcare programs excel.
Crafting Compelling Narratives: A Guide to Presenting Themes from Qualitative Data
Master the art of presenting themes effectively! Whether it's a report, summary, infographic, or presentation, the way you present your themes from thematic analysis can make or break your findings' impact. Tailor to your audience, provide solid context, organize logically, craft clear titles, bring themes to life with real quotes, offer deep analysis, use visuals wisely, and conclude with key insights. Elevate your thematic analysis presentations with these expert tips!
New Template: Canva design templates for creating your own Theory of Change!
This article introduces our new Canva design template to enhance your next Theory of Change. By utilizing this customizable template, you can present your next Theory of Change in a more distinct format, ideal for sharing it with a broader audience, such as on websites or in presentations.
Survey Design: Unsure about Unsure
Ever been frustrated by a poorly designed survey? From limited response options to confusing questions, we've all encountered surveys that leave us scratching our heads. But fear not! This article unravels the mysteries of survey design, offering invaluable insights into mitigating respondent frustrations and maximizing data quality.