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Articles
Explore our latest articles, developed by our team of evaluators and special guests, grounded in real-world experience to support your evaluation practice—whether you're a beginner or an expert.
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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!
How To Support Evaluation Success: Tips For Program Managers
Program Managers, unlock the secrets to effective program evaluation with our latest article! Discover practical tips for involving evaluators early, clarifying your goals, and engaging your team to streamline the process. Enhance your evaluation confidence and gain valuable insights to improve your program’s effectiveness!
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.
Data Visualization Applications: Slope Charts
Slope charts are an effective data visualization tool for illustrating changes over time. They allow for easy comparisons between two distinct time periods, simplify complex data, and enhance data storytelling. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to create an impactful slope chart in Excel, including best practices for formatting, highlighting key insights, and improving the overall appearance.
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.
10 Tips For Making Your Evaluation Report More Accessible
Discover 10 practical tips for creating more accessible evaluation reports. This guide covers key aspects of accessibility, including color contrast, font choices, alt text, and plain language. Learn how to make your reports more inclusive and readable for all audiences, including those with disabilities or using assistive technologies.
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.
Evaluation As Self-Care For Your Program
Discover how evaluation serves as essential self-care for your program. Just as individuals benefit from reflection and enhancement, our programs thrive with regular evaluation to assess strengths, monitor progress, and promote ongoing improvement. Explore how integrating evaluation into your program’s routine can enhance resilience, streamline operations, and ensure long-term viability.
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.
Internal Vs External Evaluators: What's The Difference And Which One Is Right For You?
Program Managers face a crucial decision in evaluating programs: internal or external evaluators? While internal evaluators offer deep organizational insight and integrated project design potential, external evaluators bring impartiality, specialized skills, and flexibility. This article explores the pros and cons of each approach, guiding you through factors like project sensitivity, budget considerations, and long-term impact. Discover the best evaluator for your organization's needs and goals.
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 Infographic: Steps For Developing An Outcome Assessment Survey
Unlock the key to effective outcome assessment survey development with our downloadable infographic.
Unlocking Impact: The Importance Of Evaluation For Non-Profits
Discover why evaluation is essential for your non-profit with evidence, practical tips, and real-world examples from Three Hive Consulting. From setting clear goals to communicating results effectively, learn how evaluation can amplify your organization's impact and drive lasting change in your community.
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.