How do you set the scope and timeline for a partnership evaluation?

1 Define the purpose

The first step to set the scope and timeline for a partnership evaluation is to define the purpose and the key questions that you want to answer. Why are you evaluating the partnership? What do you want to learn from it? How will you use the findings and recommendations? These questions will help you to clarify the objectives, scope, and focus of the evaluation, as well as the intended audience and users of the evaluation report. You should also consult with your partner(s) and other stakeholders to ensure that their expectations and needs are aligned and addressed.

2 Choose the methods

The next step is to choose the methods and tools that you will use to collect and analyze the data for the evaluation. Depending on the purpose, scope, and questions of the evaluation, you may use quantitative or qualitative methods, or a combination of both. You may also use primary or secondary data sources, or both. Some common methods and tools for partnership evaluation are surveys, interviews, focus groups, case studies, document review, and observation. You should consider the strengths and limitations of each method and tool, as well as the availability and quality of the data, the ethical and logistical issues, and the budget and time constraints.

3 Develop the plan

The third step is to develop a detailed plan that outlines the activities, tasks, roles, responsibilities, and timelines for the evaluation. The plan should include the following elements: a logic model or theory of change that shows how the partnership works and what it aims to achieve; a data collection plan that specifies what data will be collected, how, when, by whom, and from whom; a data analysis plan that describes how the data will be organized, processed, interpreted, and presented; a reporting and dissemination plan that explains how the findings and recommendations will be communicated, to whom, and in what format; and a risk management plan that identifies the potential challenges and risks that may affect the evaluation and how to mitigate them.

4 Implement the evaluation

The fourth step is to implement the evaluation according to the plan, while monitoring and documenting the progress and quality of the evaluation. This involves conducting the data collection and analysis activities, ensuring that the data is reliable, valid, and credible, and addressing any issues or problems that may arise during the evaluation. You should also maintain regular communication and feedback with your partner(s) and other stakeholders, and involve them in the evaluation process as much as possible. This will help to build trust, rapport, and ownership of the evaluation results.

5 Share the results

The final step is to share the results of the evaluation with your partner(s) and other stakeholders, and use them to inform your decision making and action planning. You should prepare a clear, concise, and engaging evaluation report that summarizes the main findings and recommendations, and highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the partnership. You should also present the report in a way that is appropriate and accessible for the intended audience and users, such as using visual aids, infographics, or stories. You should also solicit and incorporate feedback from your partner(s) and other stakeholders, and acknowledge their contributions and inputs. Finally, you should discuss and agree on the next steps and follow-up actions based on the evaluation results, such as continuing, scaling, or ending the partnership, or making adjustments or improvements to the partnership.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?