Introduction to Outcome Mapping Terry Smutylo Evaluation Unit, IDRC IPDET June 24, 2004

Learning Objectives Understand the main Outcome Mapping concepts; Hear about different cases where OM has been used; and Get a sense of whether OM could be useful in your own work

Connecting Research to Well-Being Researcher Beneficiaries

The Dilemma of Attribution Everybody wants it, nobody deserves it! Multiple actors and factors contribute

What is Outcome Mapping? A methodology for planning, monitoring and evaluating that looks at both development results and internal performance helping a program to: design interventions in relation to the broader context and assess within its sphere of influence focus on changes in the behavior of partners (as outcomes) recognize various contributions to the achievement of results

Program’s Sphere of Influence = Program`s Partners The Real World Program

Boundary Partners Those individuals, groups, & organizations with whom a program interacts directly to effect change & with whom the program can anticipate some opportunities for influence.

Influencing Outcomes BoundaryPartner Program Program relevance & viability Program Delivery Program Results

Swayamsiddha BAIF IDRC CIDA Families Banks PHCs SHG Police Community Leaders State NGO BAIF IDRC Swayamsiddha CIDA

Outcome Challenges Outcome Challenge Statements: Describe the boundary partner`s contributions to the vision Describe the ideal behavioural changes Are about a single boundary partner

Progress Markers = Change Ladder Love to see PMs Like to see PMs Expect to see PMs

Why Graduated Progress Markers? Articulate the complexity of the change process Allow negotiation of expectations between the program and its partners Permit on-going assessment of progress Encourage the program to think about how it can intentionally contribute to the most profound transformation possible Help identify mid-course corrections and improvements

Progress Marker Checklist Each Progress Marker: Describes a changed behaviour by the boundary partner Can be monitored & observed As a set, Progress Markers: Are graduated from preliminary to more profound changes in behaviour Describe the change process of a single boundary partner

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6 Types of Strategies Strategy Causal Persuasive Supportive I-1 Direct Output I-2 Arouse New Skills/ Thinking I-3 Supporter who guides change over time Aimed at the Boundary Parnter I1 Give $ I-2 All capacity building activities I-3 Mentor/expert involved over time (frequent, sustained) E-1 E.g. computer Make certain things part of agreements with BPs E.g. multidisciplinary teams, gender analysis E-2 Alter the message system around the BP Usually access tomore/different ifnroamtion E.g. radio, internet, conference, publications E-3 For when the program isn`t around Collectively supporting each other E-1 Alter physical or regulatory environment E-2 Modify the information system E-3 Create / Strengthen a Peer Network Aimed at the Boundary Partner`s Environment

Facilitation Questions ?

Influencing Outcomes BoundaryPartner Program Program relevance & viability Org. Practices Program Delivery Strategies Program Results Progress Markers

8 Organizational Practices Prospecting for new ideas, opportunities, & resources Seeking feedback from key informants Obtaining the support of your next highest power Assessing & (re)designing products, services, systems, and procedures

8 Organizational Practices Checking up on those already served to add value Sharing your best wisdom with the world Experimenting to remain innovative Engaging in organizational reflection

Outcome Mapping: Main Elements Vision Mission BOUNDARY PARTNERS Outcome Challenges Progress Markers Strategies Organizational Practices

For more information & To share your experiences http://www. idrc

Examples of OM Use http://web.idrc.ca/en/ev-27705-201-1-DO_TOPIC.html