Identify Intended Outcomes
I provide the expertise and experience to utilize engage with key stakeholders to define the intended outcomes of the planned work. This task can take many forms depending on the number and type of stakeholders, the degree of shared clarity and the complexity of the undertaking. The culmination of the task will be a description of the intended outcomes of the work that is supported by key stakeholders, and an initial identification of measures that can be used to determine whether progress towards these outcomes is being achieved.
Describe a Path Forward
Starting with the shared, clearly specified outcome, work can begin to build an understanding among the stakeholders of what it will take to achieve that outcome. Using an approach based on the principles of results-orientated management, a strategic framework can be developed through facilitated conversations with the key participants and stakeholders to describe the intended path forward. In its simplest form, the strategy can be represented as a logic model that captures the theory of change and, ideally relies on evidence-based findings to inform the development of the path to achieve the intended outcomes.
Provide connections to needed tools for data and analysis
Knowing how to ensure plans stay on track is a critical part of achieving your strategy. This work will review available data for its usability in sending up a flag for when things start to go off course. Further, this work will identify the need for new data sources if there are parts of your strategy that are not well-covered by existing data. Next, this work will provide guidance and direction for analyzing this data to manage the change and also to report out on progress to stakeholders and other interested parties.
Conduct Evaluations
Once the work has been underway for a sufficient amount of time, an evaluation can be conducted to determine if the outcomes are being achieved. First, a process evaluation can be conducted to ensure that the steps that are needed to achieve the outcome, as indicated in the logic model or strategic framework, are being conducted with fidelity. The results of the process evaluation can be used to improve the work by providing feedback and identifying gaps. Then, an outcome evaluation can be conducted to determine if the outcomes are being achieved. Often, proxy or interim measures can be used to determine at at early stage if the work is on track. If the process outcome is positive and the outcomes are still not being achieved, the theory of change behind the program should be carefully reviewed and adjusted.