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
Contribution tracing
More info to follow but here some vlogs on contribution tracing:
A new vlog series on Contribution Tracing. The series has 5 short videos, each less than 4 minutes long, providing an introduction to this innovative impact evaluation approach. Don’t worry if you have never heard of Contribution Tracing – the first vlog will explain all.
Balanced scorecard
Aim of the tool
The balanced scorecard (BSC) to keep track of the execution of activities by the staff within their control and to monitor the consequences arising from these actions
When to use it?
This tool is useful to clearly communicate an organisation’s accountability.
Focus groups
Aim of the tool
To give information on how groups of people think or feel about a particular topic and give greater insight into why certain opinions are held. To help improve the planning and design of new programmes and provide a means of evaluating existing programmes.
When to use it?
This tool is useful at the beginning of an intervention, but can also be used for evaluation purposes.
Sustainable livelihoods security framework
Aim of the tool
This framework tool aims to help analyse and understand the main factors affecting the livelihood of poor people and their mechanisms for dealing with them. It also helps you to understand the context, assets, structures and processes, to develop livelihood strategies and achieve outcomes
When to use it?
It is a tool that can be used in different situations, for example, during the design phase, for programme analysis, and during monitoring and evaluation. It is used when you want to develop a more comprehensive and integrated understanding of poverty and livelihoods of people, in particular
Supply chain analysis
Aim of the tool
It is to help you identify important actors and factors that influence the supply chain. The tool also helps you to develop a shared understanding of the market structure for small-scale producers and other participants in the market
When to use it?
This tool is useful at the beginning of an intervention process
Force field analysis
Aim of the tool
To assess the strengths of the various factors (both positive and negative) influencing an intervention
When to use it?
This tool can be used at different stages of an intervention: at the design stage and at the evaluation stage.
Drivers and constrainers of change
Aim of the tool
To strategically assess the driving and constraining forces involved in keeping a situation as it is or moving it in a different direction
When to use it?
This tool can be used at different stages of an intervention. For example at the design stage, you can use it to get additional information on the driving and constraining forces that can affect your intervention alongside your stakeholder analysis
Appreciative inquiry
Aim of the tool
To identify the key success factors (including non-quantitative elements) for a given team, institution or intervention and to envision a new capacity for positive and sustainable change.
When to use it?
This tool is useful at the beginning of an intervention but can also be used for evaluation purpose.
Visioning
Aim of the tool
To have a focused discussion around people’s dreams or shared vision for the future of a project or other activity. It also helps to generate a common goal, to give hope and encouragement and promote creative thinking and passion
When to use it?
When you want to analyse opportunities or define a vision, usually after the situation analysis and before developing your theory of change
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- Organisational capacity assessment / development
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