Indicators
The key challenge in developing an evaluation plan lies in the identification of appropriate indicators or evidence that an outcome has been achieved and the evaluation question is therefore answered. Multiple indicators for individual outcomes may be required to achieve sufficient spread or depth for a satisfactory and credible answer. Indicators need to be culturally appropriate and can be quantitative or qualitative.
Indicators need to be:
Clear – is it specific and is ambiguity avoided?
Understandable – does it make sense to the stakeholders?
Reliable – will it provide accurate data?
Available – will it be there when you want to collect it?
Useful – is it relevant, does it help understanding?
Credible – is the result believable by all?
The basic model inherent in any development activity is the transformation of inputs into outputs through some activities or change process. Recognising different types of change can help to identify indicators. The following are all examples of types of change: