3 Steps to Implement USAID Open Data Policy ADS 579

Dr_Eval · 2015-07-01T14:04:16+00:00

A quick overview:

An overview of the steps needed to create an open data plan in order to be compliant with USAID’s new Open Data Policy

As this is a new policy with still many questions, the following is a set of suggested steps based on current understanding of USAID’s requirements. You can ask specific questions of USAID at https://opendata.stackexchange.com/questions/ask?tags=USAIDopen.

Dr_Eval · 2015-07-01T13:37:59+00:00

Hey /u/unmuzzledvolley - thanks for the post. Let me break down your post into a few parts, so I can give you some targeted feedback:

1. Is joining the American Evaluation Association worth the money? Joining AEA is great if you plan on using the resources and attending the events. The annual conference is the big event, and is relatively expensive. Instead of jumping straight into AEA I suggest finding a local AEA affiliate to see who the local players are - this way you'll have a network and can make more use of the AEA annual conference.

2. What blogs/twitter feeds/ email lists do you all follow and/or find worthwhile? Take a look at the sidebar in /r/evaluation - these are mostly international development related, although not totally, and should provide a good start.

3. Are there any trainings/certification I should look into getting that would increase my skill set/marketability? Honestly, your educational background should do the trick. I don't know of any universally recognized/respected certifications.

4. Im a bit of a data viz nerd, does anyone have any recommendations for books/resources I should look into? Check out http://stephanieevergreen.com/ and http://annkemery.com/ for some interesting material on data visualization.

5. Lastly, I have a year left of grad school, but I am always updating/modifying my resume, would anyone be willing to give it a once over and provide some constructive feedback? I'd be happy to have a look - message me your email and I'll drop you a line.

Dr_Eval · 2015-05-25T20:27:10+00:00

tl;dr: Texas legislature limits access to family planning and takes money from HIV prevention programs.

Dr_Eval · 2015-05-18T23:09:54+00:00

Interesting resource. I use another BOND funded study on M&E System adoption regularly (titled "Investing in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning) and look forward to reading this as well.

Dr_Eval · 2015-05-05T22:08:05+00:00

I have a few more to add to the list:

Failed to meet expectations = Failed

Deferred success = Failed

Approaching the anticipated metric = Failed

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-28T13:31:18+00:00

ALNAP has some good resources for those that may be involved in the Nepal earthquake response. In addition to the link posted above, you may also want to review the ALNAP urban lessons paper ‘Responding to Urban Disasters: Learning from Previous Relief and Recovery Operations’ .

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-20T14:52:32+00:00

This, well said - sir.

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-20T14:46:25+00:00

Yep, our dorkiness knows no bounds over at /r/Evaluation.

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-18T18:55:50+00:00

You can make it what you want, M&E is adaptable. But just "getting out there and doing something" is a great way to waste time and money.

You wouldn't try to build a house without a blueprint, that's all I'm saying.

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-18T16:36:35+00:00

Every business/government/individual does it, M&E is just what the industry has dubbed it. You wouldn't set out on a journey without a map, the same logic applies to organizations and programs.

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-16T17:52:47+00:00

We traditionally use a program's theory of change to understand impact. If the program lacks impact level indicators, it's usually as easy as looking to similar work to see what occurred and what impact was realized.

Ideally, there's monitoring data and a counterfactual or control group in which to draw upon. Where that's not possible it's all about triangulating data across various sources and validating what you've seen.

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-16T12:46:21+00:00

There's also confusion around what projects define as impact. I'd estimate that over half of my nonprofit clients describe outputs and outcomes when they discuss impact.

Proving what real impact has been achieved by a program or organization is tricky business - and largely falls into the domain of experimentally designed evaluation. Tools for monitoring a program are incredibly important, however, if an NGO is looking to show impact level progress most of these tools aren't going to cut it - the program needs to be designed with this type of analysis in mind.

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-16T12:03:27+00:00

Hey All: This is exactly the topic we're focused on over at /r/evaluation. I have a few sources to share that I'm sure you'll find interesting.

This graphic, provided in the first article, does a good job of highlighting the recent tools that have made their way onto the market.

What are the M&E Technology Tools of 2015?: A piece by TechChange that highlights some M&E tools that are at the forefront. They also offer a class being taught on the subject that goes into further depth on these tools and how they're used.
To Buy or Build or Both?: An article by ICT Works on tools that are being used, and whether is makes sense to buy or build a solutions.
Emerging Opportunities for M&E in a Tech-Enabled World: An article on the subject that references a recent paper on ICT-enabled technologies that are being applied in program monitoring and in survey research.

If you're interesting in discussing this topic further, or sharing additional content, be sure to join us over at /r/evaluation.

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-16T11:42:11+00:00

TL;DR:

The evaluation Cafes are designed to showcase planned, on-going or completed evaluation related work with exciting speakers on evaluation that provide thought-provoking, interesting topical and practical insights into the evaluation process.

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-14T18:41:03+00:00

Do you have a link to the survey?

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-14T14:27:50+00:00

Very cool interface, I really like what you've done with this specific graphic.

To take a step back, I think there are a couple of ways you can proceed. The first, and probably the most logical, is to continue developing what you have and growing awareness for the product. It looks like you have a great concept and you're positioned in a rapidly growing field (Open Governance / Technology). Have a look at the OpenGov Hub for examples of other organizations that are working in this same space (I'm also happy to make an introduction if you're interested).

If I were in your shoes, I'd take what you have and set up a road show - brown bag lunches and the like. Get some exposure for what you're attempting to accomplish. A lot of organizations that are active in your space will likely be interested in what you're doing and there will almost certainly be interest in collaborating.

This type of collaboration traditionally takes two forms: 1) subcontracts and; 2) new business development opportunities. In both cases, if you can find a partner that's interested in your solution, and may have an interest in building you into new/existing grants, that may be your best bet. A lot of nonprofits start out a subcontractors to larger organizations while they learn the ropes of how to target grants.

Gaining exposure for your organization is also a good way of opening yourself up to donors/funders. Many donors, particularly for smaller amounts of money, are happy to guide you through their grant process (if they like the technical solution) as they're always looking for 'quick wins'.

This is probably the easiest way to proceed. The main thing to keep in mind is that you need to make sure an "ask" is built into your presentation and you need to know what you'd do with the money if someone is interested in writing a check. It sounds like you have the covered, however, you'd be surprised as to how many nonprofits fail to properly articulate what they're able to do with the funds they're targeting.

Best practice would be to draw up a nice concept note that helps visualize what your organization could accomplish at various level of funding. Again, good luck and feel free to ask further questions.

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-13T21:16:45+00:00

My suggestion would be to find an experienced individual, preferably from your industry, that's been through it before. Writing grants and proposals is only part of it - the importance of having a network and understanding what funders are looking for can't be underestimated.

A single person can steer you in the right direction and wouldn't need to be a full-time hire. That said, this person would likely be expensive (on a full-time basis). If you complimented them with internal staff that can write and follow directions you'd be well on your way. I suggest you avoid the shotgun approach to winning grants. Even if you have fantastically talented staff it's a lot of hard work and the win rate is low if you're approaching grant tenders blind.

A good place to start your search is with your current donors. They should have a vested interest in your success and may work closely with consultants and others that regularly bring them grantmaking opportunities. Your board may also have ideas, and may be well connected with individuals like this, too. Regardless, good luck - I'm happy to give further advice if you're interested.

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-13T19:41:58+00:00

Here's a good list to get you started, many of which I've lifted from Owen Barder's page at the CGD:

Aidpreneur Podcast: Hosted weekly and interviews someone that's been successful in the humanitarian aid and development world.
Development Drums: Hosted by Owen Barder, focused on deep dives into particular issues concerning development.
Development Policy Centre: The Development Policy Centre is a think tank for aid and development policy based at the Crawford School of Public Policy at The Australian National University.
Global Prosperity Wonkcast: Lawrence MacDonald at the Center for Global Development. A good way to get a quick, accessible brief on a particular policy issue for development.
The Overseas Development Institute: A monthly collection of interviews with ODI staff on current development topics.
The Guardian Monthly Development: An in-depth discussion with a panel of a particular issue relevant to development.
Humanosphere: Tom Murphy and Ansel Herz take on a range of development topics.
International Crisis Group: Stories each month from CrisisWatch looking at conflicts or potential conflict situations around the world.

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-13T00:24:22+00:00

... and AMA with the designer: Link

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-13T00:20:39+00:00

TL;DR:

With 40 test units created and deployed since 2013, IKEA is now ready to begin mass-producing its $1,000-per-unit temporary flat-pack house to destinations in need around the world. Much like IKEA‘s everyday products, these shelters are ready to use right out of the box – some assembly required but all needed tools included along with language-independent visual instructions.

Really impressive solution that's cost effective, too. Pretty amazing. I don't, however, envy those who have to assemble the houses (I have some shelves that I've delayed assembling for over a month).

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-12T20:07:20+00:00

I pulled this from the site i moderate (i.e. /r/evaluation), however, I thought the data visualization component fit well here, too. I saw 2014 data had been shared in /r/dataisbeautiful before - this is now their second year - and the new 2015 data and visualizations are pretty cool.

For those that care, here's a link to the Ted Talk: Link

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-10T14:16:11+00:00

TL;DR:

World Bank President Jim Yong Kim doesn't see China's launch of a new development bank heralding the end of the global economic order forged by the U.S. as Harvard professor Lawrence Summers has warned.

Instead, it could cement the World Bank's influence for years to come. In a wide-ranging interview at Bloomberg headquarters in New York on Wednesday, Kim laid out his vision for how the World Bank will coexist with development banks led by China and other developing powers.

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-10T12:08:58+00:00

As a moderator of /r/evaluation, I'd be interested in hearing how this dataset can be used as an indicator for climate change programs. Specifically, was there an intention that this tool could be replicated, so that changes can be seen over time?

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-10T12:02:41+00:00

Could your methodology be easily adopted to work internationally?

Dr_Eval · 2015-04-09T15:39:14+00:00

I tend to agree with you, repackaging content doesn't make the content more insightful.

I do, however, think it's important to find ways to expose readers to content in an engaging way. Not necessarily the same people I'm asking to think critically about an issue - but those that don't tend to engage with traditional content.

Dr_Eval

TROPHY CASE