Quick appraisal/ Self-evaluation (NGOs)
Many NGOs and volunteer organisations may not have the time, resources or confidence to engage in a metrics or theory-based approach to evaluation. Even if you do, you are unlikely to wish to try to monitor or evaluate all your projects or programmes.
As such, sometimes it is useful to identify some quick appraisal methods that give you a rough idea of how your organisation is performing and which help you to confirm that you are not doing any harm.
While such techniques do not carry the same weight with donors as independent, formal evaluations, they are likely to be welcomed as they show a readiness to think ‘evaluatively’ and take the first important step down the road towards M&E.
The Quick 1-2-3 Method for NGOs is set out below:
| NGO Evaluation | |
| Step 1: Develop framework | Monitoring & Evaluation Framework |
| Step 2: Quick Data Collection & Analysis | Collect data using, for example, one of the techniques below: – Most Significant Change (streamlined) – Straw Poll – Mood box / Pebbles in the box – Technology-led methods (e.g. metimeter) – Appreciation Line – Graffiti wall – Time diagram – Pre- and post quizzes – Some less common qualitative techniques |
| Step 3: Quick Data Checking | Check data using, for example, one of the techniques below: – Snapshot interviews – Short participant observation – Short key informant interview – Mini surveys – Small focus groups |
As can be seen from the table above, the Quick 1-2-3 method usually begins with some kind of (possibly quite basic) Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (Step 1). This will guide NGOs their quick data collection work (Step 2) and in their data checking/ triangulation efforts (Step 3).
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If you have used this method, we welcome any feedback. Equally, you may want to share your thoughts with us. If so, see the Contact Us page.