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Understanding and uncovering program assumptions - The hidden pillars of program success

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 When designing programs in fields like development, education, and health, assumptions play a pivotal role in shaping outcomes. These underlying beliefs influence the program's effectiveness, relevance, and sustainability. However, not all assumptions receive equal attention, and overlooking certain types can lead to significant challenges. This article explores five key categories of assumptions, examines why some are often neglected and offers strategies for uncovering them during program evaluation. The five categories are cause-effect relations, paradigms, context, strategy, and belief systems. Cause-Effect relations Cause-effect assumptions define the direct causal links between activities, outputs, outcomes, and impacts. They are the foundation of program logic, based on the belief that specific actions will lead to desired results. For example, a health program might assume that providing vaccinations to children will reduce the incidence of infectious diseases. These a...
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The Future of Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): 6 Trends You Need to Know

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  The world is changing rapidly, and the field of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is changing with it. To stay ahead of the curve and ensure your work remains relevant and impactful, it's crucial to understand the key trends shaping the future of M&E. Here are six you need to know: 1. Tech Takes Over: AI, Mobile Data, and VR/AR in M&E The digital revolution is transforming how we collect, analyze, and visualize data. Imagine gathering real-time feedback from beneficiaries on their mobile phones, uncovering hidden patterns in your data with AI-powered analytics, and presenting your findings in immersive VR/AR environments. These are just a few examples of how technology is reshaping M&E. Implications for practice: Upskill in digital tools:  M&E professionals need to embrace new technologies. Explore online courses and workshops on data collection platforms like KoboToolbox and SurveyCTO, data visualization tools like Tableau and Power BI, and AI-powered anal...
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Strengthening Community Resilience in Developing Countries: Adopting and Adapting Community Resilience Estimates (CRE)

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International development organizations are increasingly focused on strengthening the resilience of communities in developing countries to a variety of shocks, including natural disasters, economic crises, and public health emergencies. A key tool in this effort can be the adoption and adaptation of Community Resilience Estimates (CRE), a methodology developed by the U.S. Census Bureau. What are CREs? CREs provide a standardized, granular measure of social vulnerability at the neighborhood level. By considering factors like socioeconomic status, housing conditions, and access to transportation, CREs offer valuable insights into a community's capacity to withstand and recover from shocks. Why are CREs relevant for developing countries? While developed in the U.S. context, the CRE framework can be adapted to suit the unique circumstances of developing countries. By collecting and analyzing locally relevant data, international development organizations can utilize CREs to: Identify vu...
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Why the World Needs an International Federation of Professional Evaluators – Now More Than Ever

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There isn't one single, overarching international federation specifically for professional evaluators. We have several international initiatives that have succeeded to push evaluation as a proffesion.  It is now widwly rwcognized and trusted by decision makers worldwide.  We have brilliant minds working tirelessly across the globe, conducting insightful evaluations and generating invaluable data. But are we maximizing our collective potential? Are we speaking loud enough to be heard by those who hold the power to make real change? I argue that it's time – now more than ever – to establish an International Federation of Professional Evaluators. Why do we Need an internationalfederation? Amplify Our Impact: A global federation would unite our voices, giving us a powerful platform to advocate for the importance of evaluation in evidence-based decision-making. Imagine the influence we could wield on a global scale to promote better policies, programs, and investments. Elevate Prof...
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The Law of Least Resistance and the Wide Adoption of Generative AI in the Workplace

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  Generative AI, the technology behind tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney, has taken the world by storm. Its swift and widespread adoption in workplaces, in particular, has been nothing short of remarkable. While many factors contribute to this phenomenon, a closer look suggests that the "Law of Least Resistance" or the "Principle of Least Effort" plays a significant role. This principle posits that individuals naturally gravitate towards actions requiring the least amount of effort to achieve a desired outcome. In the context of generative AI, The Principle of Least Effort in Action manifests in several ways: Increasing Efficiency by streamlining tasks, automating processes that were once time-consuming and labor-intensive. This efficiency frees employees to focus on higher-level, strategic work. Many generative AI tools are designed with user-friendly interfaces and require minimal training. Their ease of use makes them accessible to a wide range of employees, re...
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Have You Considered and Prepared for Artificial intelligence (AI) in Your Monitoring and Evaluation Career?

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The international development field is undergoing a digital revolution, and Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) is no exception. Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a game-changer, offering tools and solutions that streamline processes, improve data analysis, and ultimately enhance the impact of development projects. But what does this mean for you, as an M&E professional – or someone considering a career in this field? I am still in the process of discovering and learning which tool to use for what, since there are very many and no one tool can do all that is needed. i do not endorse the tools mentioned below, but i ecourage you to explore. Why AI for M&E? Traditional M&E practices often involve manual and time-consuming tasks such as data collection, analysis, and report generation. AI-powered tools can automate many of these tasks, allowing M&E professionals to focus on more strategic insights and decision-making. Additionally, AI can process vast amoun...
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Organizational Effectiveness through the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Lens

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  In today's dynamic landscape, demonstrating organizational effectiveness is paramount for all entities, from non-profit agencies to multinational corporations. But what exactly is organizational effectiveness ?  It's more than just achieving goals.  Here's a deeper look: Understanding Organizational Effectiveness: Beyond Checkboxes Organizational effectiveness is the measure of how well an organization utilizes its resources to achieve its desired outcomes. It's a multidimensional  concept that encompasses these key areas: Goal Achievement :  The degree to which an organization successfully meets its stated goals and objectives. These objectives could span diverse areas including financial performance, stakeholder satisfaction, and social or environmental impact. Efficiency :  The ability of an organization to optimize its use of resources (financial, human, and technological) to maximize outputs and results. Adaptability and Resilience : The organization...
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