Evaluation Uncertainty

February 18, 2022 jamorell Logic Models and Program Theory, Program Theory and Program Logic

Project Schedules, Program Models and Complexity: Linking Across Three Domains

PDF version: Schedules_logic_models_complexity_Morell_2_18_22 In 2018 I published an article making the case for using project schedules (in the form of PERT and Gantt charts) as logic models (Morell, 2018).[2] I offered two reasons for doing so. Using a project schedule as a logic model can reveal unique insight. Because planners and managers pay more attention … Continue reading Project Schedules, Program Models and Complexity: Linking Across Three Domains

January 31, 2022February 3, 2022 jamorell Evaluation Use and Misuse, Program Theory and Program Logic

How Much Diverse Intellectual Input Should Be Included When Planning an Evaluation? (Revised)

How Much Diverse Intellectual Input Should Be Included When Planning an Evaluation? I addressed this question some time ago in my book on unintended consequences. It’s time to revisit the question. What is the Optimal Amount of Diverse Opinion? My interest in this question stems from an article I recently read in Foreign Affairs about … Continue reading How Much Diverse Intellectual Input Should Be Included When Planning an Evaluation? (Revised)

January 25, 2022 jamorell Logic Models and Program Theory

My Principles for Constructing Logic Models

Of late there has been a lot of discussion on Evaltalk about logic models. This reminded me of the principles I rely on when I construct models. (For a dated, but still useful slide deck of my logic model workshop, go here.) What is a logic model good for? Logic models can be used to … Continue reading My Principles for Constructing Logic Models

December 23, 2021December 23, 2021 jamorell Agent-based Modeling as an Evaluation Tool

Social Causality with Agents Using Multiple Perspectives — the Movie

I have a few blog posts on a modeling methodology called SCAMP (Social Causality with Agents Using Multiple Perspectives). Simulation Using Events and Goals – A New Approach to Agent-based Modeling Social Causality with Agents using Multiple Perspectives: A Novel Approach to Understanding Network-based Social Phenomena SCAMP is different because it models events and relationships … Continue reading Social Causality with Agents Using Multiple Perspectives — the Movie

December 17, 2021 jamorell Evaluation Use and Misuse

Second Installment: AEA’s Potential to Serve the Public Good

I just read all the candidates’ statements on AEA’s 2022 election ballot. It got me to thinking a bit more about my previous blog post: AEA’s Potential to Serve the Public Good. Five notions ended up mingling: facts, · democracy, · social justice, · stakeholder diversity, and · James Madison’s 1788 opinion about factions. … Continue reading Second Installment: AEA’s Potential to Serve the Public Good

November 5, 2021 jamorell Coordination in organizations

System Perspectives by Donors, Not Why, but How

We generate many pixels (no ink anymore) on how to help donors adopt systems perspectives. What is missing from this discussion is rigorous analysis of why they don’t. If we want to help our stakeholders and do better evaluation, we should pursue this question. Donors understand themselves.I have no doubt that donors know better. I … Continue reading System Perspectives by Donors, Not Why, but How

September 29, 2021 jamorell Complex Systems, Programs, and Evaluation, Practical Ways to use Complexity to do Evaluation, Program Theory and Program Logic, Uncategorized

A Complexity-based Plan for Evaluating Transformation

Jonathan A. Morelljamorell@jamorell.com This is the abstract of a paper I have in draft form. I'm looking for critique on any or all parts of it. If you are interested please send me email and I'll send you a copy. Thanks in advance to all. Abstract This article presents a case for more rigorous application … Continue reading A Complexity-based Plan for Evaluating Transformation

September 10, 2021September 10, 2021 jamorell Complex Systems, Programs, and Evaluation, Practical Ways to use Complexity to do Evaluation, Uncategorized

Why do Evaluators Need to Understand Complexity?

This is the title of a blog post I wrote for the International Evaluation Academy. The blog opens with: Evaluators need to know more about complexity because the programs they evaluate often exhibit complex behaviors. Without understanding complexity, evaluators cannot construct models, develop methodologies, and interpret data in ways that accurately describe what programs are … Continue reading Why do Evaluators Need to Understand Complexity?

June 28, 2021 jamorell Uncategorized, What do research and theory in complexity and systems tell us about evaluation practice and evaluation theory?

How Might Complexity Science Inform the Design and Conduct of Evaluation?

I’m considering pitching a special issue to an evaluation journal titled: How Might Complexity Science Inform the Design and Conduct of Evaluation? I have not committed to this project yet, but I do want to get the idea out there. I’m looking for: 1) critique of this idea, 2) specific topics to cover, 3) friendly … Continue reading How Might Complexity Science Inform the Design and Conduct of Evaluation?

April 11, 2021 jamorell What do research and theory in complexity and systems tell us about evaluation practice and evaluation theory?

Applying Complexity to Evaluation: Case Based on the GEF’s Resilient Food Systems Program: Integrated Landscape Management to Enhance Food Security and Ecosystem Resilience

Applying Complexity to Evaluation: Case Based on the GEF’s Resilient Food Systems Program: Integrated Landscape Management to Enhance Food Security and Ecosystem Resilience.