Adaptive Design, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

When operating in a highly uncertain and complex context, the reality is that traditional, mechanistic, linear approaches are not only inadequate, but can be harmful. We have to build in flexibility, be in constant learning mode, and have a way to capture the unexpected (both positive and negative).

At the design stage, we guide you through an iterative approach that helps you build your situational awareness, capture emergent forces and build a shared understanding of an issue or situation of concern to better inform change processes. We support you in building stronger relationships, forging new connections and facilitating collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

Our approach to monitoring, evaluation and learning is to integrate it as part of an initiative or project from the beginning as opposed to a separate activity only done at the end or at infrequent intervals. An adaptive monitoring and evaluation process keeps you in learning mode and will facilitate your ability to proactively respond to changes on the ground that you otherwise may not have been aware of until too late.

It will be important for change agents to capture your progress and impact during this transformative period in time. It is not only essential for your own learning and management of the project and initiative, but will also be important to communicate to external stakeholders.