Document Date June 18, 2019 | Language EN | Authors Wayne MacDonald

The research objective was to understand the demand for and use of systematic evaluation in New Brunswick (NB) in 2017. The analysis was based on a triangulation of data drawn from structured interviews and observations. Key informant interviews were conducted in 2016-2017 with representatives from the Government of New Brunswick’s (GNB) Executive Council Office (ECO), New Brunswick Social Policy Research Network (NBSPRN) , Office of the Provincial Auditor General, and selected Departmental Deputy Ministers (e.g. Justice, Attorney General, and Public Safety). A systematic scan of GNB web pages was conducted for publicized evaluations, other evaluation reference documentation, and the GNB Telephone Directory for positions with “evaluation” in the job title.

Topics Panel on Provincial Evaluation provincial evaluation Evaluation in Provincial & Territorial Governments Effects of evaluation Demand for Evaluation New Brunswick

Document Date May 27, 2019 | Language EN | Authors Wayne MacDonald John Burrett

In 2018, the CES National Capital Chapter (NCC) Board launched, under the leadership of Wayne MacDonald, a new initiative focusing on chapter membership and partnership. The objective is to develop three-year strategies for each. Existing data was used in a secondary analysis. For example, despite quality limitations, CES membership data is a rich information source on the characteristics of the Chapter. The SCAN provides precision around the demographic and professional characteristics of the NCC Chapter. Expectations and preferences were documented using two membership surveys, both conducted by CES National and NCC in 2016. The membership and survey data support sections entitled “Who Are We?” and “What Do We Expect?” They also provided interpretive information to the network analysis in “How Do We Connect?” Here, the SCAN examined patterns observable in members’ attendance at CES-NCC events and National Conferences that could suggest member interests and point to potentially influential chapter members. Based on the SCAN, NCC Board members completed separate membership and partnership SWOTS. Both the SCAN and SWOTs will feed into the development of Chapter Membership and Partnership Strategies to be discussed at the June 2019 NCC Board planning meeting.

Topics CES-NCC Environmental scan Strategy Strategic plan membership Partnership SWOT Networking Diversity credential experience Client satisfaction Capacity building Communications Professional Development Evaluation

Document Date June 07, 2018 | Language EN | Authors Wayne MacDonald

The CES-NCC 2018 is in its fifth year. ALE 2018 focused on the theme of “Principled Evaluation”. The purpose of the report is to provide CES-NCC Board with the Chair’s feedback on ALE 2018, referencing the past two years. The report examined overall CES attendance, including employment sector, years of evaluation experience and previous participation of attendees at ALE events. Participant feedback was examined in more detail, along side issues pertaining to communications activities, new membership generated, finances/budget as well as working group briefs.

Topics ALE2018 CES-NCC 2018 Annual Learning Event Ethics Client feedback Highlights Summary Monitoring

Document Date September 10, 2018 | Language EN | Authors Wayne MacDonald John Burrett Faith Tempest

In preparation for the next United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG) strategy commencing in 2020, UNEG contracted an external team of consultants to undertake a Midterm Review (MTR) of the UNEG Strategy 2014-2019. http://www.uneval.org/document/detail/2104. The MTR explores whether UNEG is doing the right things, and doing things right, particularly given the agreement of Agenda 2030 / Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015. Results of the review are expected to help UNEG identify what adjustments would be needed to the current strategy and inform the design of the next UNEG Strategy 2020-2025. The subject article “Evaluation Ties: Connected in Common Cause” is based on the review conducted, and appeared in the September 2018 issue of UN Special. https://www.unspecial.org/2018/09/evaluation-ties-connected-in-common-cause/

Topics United Nations SDG UNEG Strategy Collaborative Approaches to Evaluation

Document Date January 02, 2017 | Language EN | Authors Wayne MacDonald

Do evaluation recommendations and the ensuing management response actions make a difference? In a recent article in the Canadian Government Executive (Vol. 23, Issue 1, January 2017), Wayne MacDonald examines the influence of evaluations in the federal context. MacDonald argues that while evaluations aspire to enable change, often the evaluation voice is muted because evaluation findings and recommendations have mixed messages or are vague. There is also limited reporting on evaluation-associated outcomes, decision-making and learning. MacDonald urges evaluation practitioners to play a role in helping program managers articulate quality actions in response to evaluation recommendations and that the Policy on Results ‘turn up the volume on evaluation use’.

Topics evaluation use; utilisation; influence; management response; TBS; evaluation policy

Document Date February 13, 2018 | Language EN | Authors Wayne MacDonald Émilie Peter Natalie Kishchuk

The time is right for the Canadian Evaluation community to have a robust and vital discourse on the ‘ties that bind’ us together as professionals, and that set the stage for principled practice. In the absence of such, a key cornerstone of evaluation excellence may begin to erode.

Topics ALE2018 PrincipledEvaluation CES-NCC 2018 Annual Learning Event Principles Ethics

Document Date February 13, 2018 | Language EN | Authors Wayne MacDonald

Based on research by Buchanan, H., Babcock, K., & MacDonald, W. (2011), Ethical challenges in evaluation: 2010 Canadian survey. Survey objectives were to: identify the nature and extent of perceived evaluation ethical challenges; assess issues of alleged ‘wrongdoing’ revealed during an evaluation; and explore actions taken (and their relative success) in responding to ethical evaluation challenges. The population surveyed in 2010 was 1,889 CES members and Government of Canada Heads of Evaluation. The response rate was 25.5% (n-455) Three out of four Canadian evaluators confirmed that they had encountered what they considered to be ethical evaluation challenges. Over half the challenges relate the CES Principle of “Integrity”. Ethics challenges are a serious issue for Canadian evaluators. Results were shared with CES National Board in 2010. Approximately two-thirds of respondents believe CES should take a more active involvement. An enlarged role for CES might include more in terms of professional development – workshops; formal training - regular member surveillance; greater emphasis on ethics in CE designation; more space in publications (CJPE), and increased dialogue at chapter level events and national conferences. http://evaluationcanada.ca/distribution/201102_buchanan_heather_babcock_kelly_macdonald_wayne.pdf

Topics ALE2018 PrincipledEvaluation CES-NCC 2018 Annual Learning Event Principles Ethics

Document Date June 07, 2016 | Language EN | Authors Wayne MacDonald

Presentation to the 2016 Canadian Evaluation Society Conference, St. John's

Topics 2016 CES Conference

Document Date June 27, 2016 | Language EN | Authors Wayne MacDonald

Presentation to the 2016 Canadian Evaluation Society Conference, St. John's

Topics 2016 CES Conference