Tools & Methods
rssProblem tree
Aim of the tool
To analyse problems, i.e. identifying the cause of the problems and their effects
When to use it?
Use the tool when designing a project, at the beginning of the planning process, and to identify the core issues and their root problems
Participatory video (PV)
Aim of the tool
- To document efforts and share experiences.
- To strengthen civil society: people speaking from the heart, being heard, feeling understood.
When to use it?
During the implementation of a project and/or at the end of it.
Critical incident technique
Aim of the tool
Gathering facts (incidents) from domain experts or less experienced users of the existing system to gain knowledge of how to improve the performance of the individuals involved.
When to use it?
This tool is useful at the beginning or halfway stage of an intervention process, or at the end for evaluation purposes.
How difficult is it to use it?
Easy – moderate – for experienced users/facilitators
Objective tree
Aim of the tool
It provides a vision of a future, improved situation.
When to use it?
Carried out after doing the problem analysis using the problem tree tool
The 5C framework
Aim of the tool
To track and discuss changes in capacity, strategic planning and joint evaluations.
When to use it?
This tool is useful at the beginning of an intervention (for planning), but can also be used for monitoring and evaluation purpose.
How difficult is it to use it?
Easy – moderate – for experienced users/facilitators
Tool for thought or tool for action?
Tool for thought and for action
Digital tools for M&E
Aim of the tool
There are some differences between the various kinds of digital tools out there, but in general, they aim to facilitate collaborative data collection, analysis, visualisation and/or sharing.
When to use it?
These tools may be especially useful when project staff and stakeholders are spread across the world.
Tool for thought or tool for action?
Tool for thought and for action
Talking stick
Aim of the tool
To share observations or reflections within a group. A "talking stick" is passed around in a circle, and only the person holding it, is allowed to talk.
When to use it?
This tool is suitable if you want a group to listen to share and listen to each other without discussion or dialogue. It is a nice, quiet way for everybody to say a few words.
How difficult is it to use it?
Easy – moderate – for experienced users/facilitators
Qualitative data analysis software packages
Aim of the tool
Qualitative data analysis software tools are used to make sense of data in a systematic way.
When to use it?
These tools are useful when your qualitative data have been collected and you want to start with analysing the data.
How difficult is it to use it?
Easy – moderate – for experienced users/facilitators
Tool for thought or tool for action?
Tool for thought and for action
Quantitative data analysis software packages
Aim of the tool
Quantitative data analysis software tools are used to make sense of data in a systematic way.
When to use it?
These tools are useful when your quantitative data have been collected and you want to start with analysing the data.
How difficult is it to use it?
Easy – moderate – for experienced users/facilitators
Task analysis checklist
Aim of the tool
To help identify the roles of stakeholders
When to use it?
It is used when you want to explore the different roles stakeholders could play in future interventions
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Filter by m4sdi tool topics
- All
- Change management
- Communicating and reporting
- Communication
- Context orientation
- Critical reflection and sense-making
- Data analysis
- Data collection
- Facilitation
- Financial planning and management
- Human resource management
- Leadership competency
- Learning orientation
- M&E approaches and options
- Operational planning
- Organisational capacity assessment / development
- People orientation
- Procurement and contract management
- Situation analysis
- Stakeholder analysis
- Strategic foresight competency
- Strategic planning
- Strategic thinking
- Systems thinking, complexity
