Utilization-focused evaluation simplified step-by-step modules

These Utilization-Focused Evaluation (UFE) modules were developed by the Developing Evaluation Capacity in ICTD (DECI) project to provide a more simplified approach to using UFE.

The modules outline a 12-step process to ensure that the process is clear and easy to use.

The 12 steps outlined in the modules are as follows:

1. Project/network readiness assessment: Are resources available? Are all involved parties supportive of adopting a UFE approach? Are key persons interested in UFE?
2. Evaluator readiness and capability assessment: Can the evaluator be a facilitator? Is the evaluator willing to assess the effectiveness of the evaluation according to how intended users use the findings?
3. Identification of primary intended users: Primary intended users are the people who will use and apply the findings of the evaluation.
4. Situational analysis: what are the barriers and opportunities in the evaluation use?
5. Identification of primary intended uses: choosing what to evaluate
6. Focusing on evaluation: What are the KEQ – key evaluation questions that will best provide findings for use?
7. Evaluation design: Which evaluation design is best? Practical? What evaluation methods should be used?
8. Simulation of use: Before collecting data - prepare possible ‘positive and negative’ findings; Ask – what do these results mean? How it will affect use? Primary users get a chance to check expectations against the ‘real world’ and review KEQ and focus.
9. Data collection: Primary users are involved in data collection and know progress.
10. Data analysis: Users are involved actively in analysis; how can findings be used for use?
11. Facilitate use: How does the primary user use the findings? Disseminate according to plan but also look at other opportunities; Have you found unexpected results – how will you use them?
12. Meta-evaluation: Follow up – how was intended use by user achieved? Did additional users/uses emerge? Reflect – what actually happened?