A 6-step method for planning your next evaluation
Step 1: Define what you want to know
Define your overarching evaluation questions. In other words, define your
destination. You can’t know how to get somewhere if you don’t first define
where it is that you want to go. Make sure your questions are specific and
measurable.
Step 2: Explore and choose data source / data collection method
Explore and determine which data sources (e.g. self-report data) and data
collection methods (e.g. surveys) you will use to answer your overarching
evaluation questions. If using surveys, here is where you design survey
questions.
Step 3: Plan your analysis
The analysis you need to do, will be one that analyses the data you’ve chosen
to collect, in a way that answers your evaluation questions. Ensure all data
you plan to collect is needed for your planned analysis. If not, go back to Step
2 and remove any data from the plan that is not needed.
Step 4: Fabricate a data set, then test your planned analysis.
Here you are checking two things:
1) That your data is in the right format for analysis
2) That you know how to do the analysis
Do not go any further until you know that your planned analysis will work on
your data.
Step 5. Prepare visual presentation of the fabricated data
Draft a Power BI dashboard or Excel tables/figures using your fabricated data
set as if it were the real thing. Design it in a way that is suitable for
dissemination, keeping your intended audience in mind.
Step 6. Collect, import, analyse, and disseminate
Now your planning is done, complete your final actions. Collect your real data.
Import it into Power BI or Excel (replacing the fabricated data) and refresh your
visuals. Interpret your findings and disseminate to stakeholders.