aes18 International Evaluation Conference

Linda Leonard, Nolan Stephenson (WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development)

Was the project outcome met?  How many times have we heard that phrase as we try to justify the outcome of a project for further funding?  In general terms, the assumption is, the outcome of a project will meet a particular stakeholder need and addresses the issue.  This is not always the case.  We find ourselves in situations where the outcome meets the needs of one type of stakeholder but many others have vested interests.  Through one lens the project is deemed successful through another it has failed.  How then do we meet the needs of various audiences while staying true to a project outcome?  

This presentation looks at the transformation from the single outcome based approach of project delivery, to an approach that meets expectations of a range of vested interests.  A quote from Homer states "if you serve too many masters you will suffer".  We approach with caution, aware of the complex pathways which may be formed transitioning to an end point. Audiences facing complex environments, driven by political and budgetary constraints will be interested in gaining insights into how multi-level logical thinking can meet the needs of a range of parties.

Experiences of this particular program has shown that the use of matrices offers insight, awareness and decision support thinking to a wider audience.  It explores how one approach, Rubrics, can be used to provide a decision support framework to enable stakeholders to understand levels of success from varying points of view.  Using the theory behind Rubrics, allows for development of measurement standards, decision making and validation of priorities for a variety of needs.  The methodology allows for transformation away from linear thinking, to one that reflects multi-criteria consideration of stakeholders who want buy-in on the result.