New resource: Contribution Analysis – assessing advocacy influence
As a long time fan of contribution analysis for advocacy evaluation, I was very interested to see this new handbook on Contribution Analysis in Policy Work – Assessing Advocacy’s Influence (pdf). The handbook takes you the steps of contribution analysis with examples provided.
New resource: Social network analysis handbook
I just came 
across this straight forward and practical guide to social network analysis (pdf) from the International Rescue Committee – well worth a read if you are interested in this method for your research and evaluation.
New paper: big data and communications
The infographic below says it all (nearly..) on this very interesting paper on the implications of big data for communications and PR; big data should support better insights, decisions – and measurement and evaluation for communications – that’s the hope anyway! Read the full paper here>>
New guide on measurement for communication professionals
A new guide on measurement for communication and PR professionals has been published by an alliance of communication associations.
The guide contains a series of informative articles from the perspective of PR agencies and measurement professionals with practical hints and tips. View the guide here>>.
New insights on design and evaluation
I recently attended the International Evaluation Conference of the Australasian Evaluation Society in September 2017 and one of the more interesting sessions I attended was on design and evaluation. This was all about the notion of the design phase of a project or service and how evaluators can be well placed to contribute to this phase. You can learn more in this post by Matt Healey, a speaker at this session.
New ILO guidelines for evaluation
The International Labour Office (ILO) has released their new guidelines for evaluation (pdf). Although the guidelines are specific to the ILO, the guidelines contain many useful chapters for evaluators and evaluation commissioners in general, for example on the steps for planning and managing and evaluation and communicating the results. View the guidelines here (pdf)>>
Spotting dubious data
ACAPS has produced a great poster on “Spotting Dubious Data”. They make reference to humanitarian action but it applies across all sectors. Below is a simplified version of the poster.
I think particularly point 1. is often ignored when looking at data – WHY was this data collected…
