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
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?
A Complex System View of Technology Acquisition Choice
I am involved in a project that involves helping people make a single choice among multiple technologies. They must commit to one, so there is no waffling. This is one more of many such exercises that I have been involved in over the course of my career, and I have never been fully satisfied with any of them. On an intuitive level, everyone knows they cannot make the best choice, but everyone thinks that they should be able to. I finally figured out why they cannot. I don’t mean that people are not smart enough. I mean that it is impossible. The behavior of complex systems makes it impossible.
What does evaluation gain from thinking in alien terms? An argument for taking complexity and evolutionary biology seriously
What does evaluation gain from thinking in alien terms? An argument for taking complexity and evolutionary biology seriously -- constructs and methodology
AEA Professional development workshop on using complexity in evaluation
Material for AEA Professional development workshop on using complexity in evaluation
A Model for Evaluation of Transformation to a Green Energy Future
Because transformation is a complex process, any theory of change used to understand or measure it must be steeped in the principles of complexity.
Converting an intellectual understanding of complexity into practical tools
How can “complexity” be used to identify program theory, specify data collection, interpret findings, and make recommendations?
Consequences of Small Change: Part 5 of 6 Posts on Evaluation, Complex Behavior, and Themes in Complexity Science
Common Introduction to all 6 Posts History and Context These blog posts are an extension of my efforts to convince evaluators to shift their focus from complex systems to specific behaviors of complex systems. We need to make this switch because there is no practical way to apply the notion of a “complex system” to … Continue reading Consequences of Small Change: Part 5 of 6 Posts on Evaluation, Complex Behavior, and Themes in Complexity Science
Unspecifiable Outcome Chains: Part 4 of 6 Posts on Evaluation, Complex Behavior, and Themes in Complexity Science
Common Introduction to all 6 Posts History and Context These blog posts are an extension of my efforts to convince evaluators to shift their focus from complex systems to specific behaviors of complex systems. We need to make this switch because there is no practical way to apply the notion of a “complex system” to … Continue reading Unspecifiable Outcome Chains: Part 4 of 6 Posts on Evaluation, Complex Behavior, and Themes in Complexity Science
Networks and Fractals: Part 3 of 6 Posts on Evaluation, Complex Behavior, and Themes in Complexity Science
Common Introduction to all 6 Posts History and Context These blog posts are an extension of my efforts to convince evaluators to shift their focus from complex systems to specific behaviors of complex systems. We need to make this switch because there is no practical way to apply the notion of a “complex system” to … Continue reading Networks and Fractals: Part 3 of 6 Posts on Evaluation, Complex Behavior, and Themes in Complexity Science
Evaluation Uncertainty 