Formative evaluations (ongoing, real-time or interim)

Capturing the effects of activities during implementation. The information gathered during this process can guide, and revise implementation with the best available evidence.

It is important to know that you are on the right track while implementing your project. Formative evaluations are designed to guide implementers and enable evidence-informed decision making on the ongoing programme. They can take place throughout the entire duration of the programme implementation, or at specific points, e.g. halfway. Formative evaluations demonstrate how a programme is working and progressing, and can highlight unforeseen and unintended outcomes and challenges. They often involve a variety of stakeholders and can serve as a useful source of feedback for programme staff. As such, formative evaluations lend credibility to programme management.

ODS can work with you as a critical friend, providing methodological and strategic support throughout programme implementation.

ODS provides:

• Stakeholder engagement
• Evidence synthesis
• Interview skills
• Survey skills
• Document reviews