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The power of the context map: Designing realistic outcome evaluation strategies and other unanticipated benefits

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  • Renger, Ralph
  • Foltysova, Jirina
  • Becker, Karin L.
  • Souvannasacd, Eric

Abstract

Developing a feasible evaluation plan is challenging when multiple activities, often sponsored by multiple agencies, work together toward a common goal. Often, resources are limited and not every agency's interest can be represented in the final evaluation plan. The article illustrates how the Antecedent Target Measurement (ATM) approach to logic modeling was adapted to meet this challenge. The key adaptation is the context map generated in the first step of the ATM approach. The context map makes visually explicit many of the underlying conditions contributing to a problem as possible. The article also shares how a prioritization matrix can assist the evaluator in filtering through the context map to prioritize the outcomes to be included in the final evaluation plan as well as creating realistic outcomes. This transparent prioritization process can be especially helpful in managing evaluation expectations of multiple agencies with competing interests. Additional strategic planning benefits of the context map include pinpointing redundancies caused by overlapping collaborative efforts, identifying gaps in coverage, and assisting the coordination of multiple stakeholders.

Suggested Citation

  • Renger, Ralph & Foltysova, Jirina & Becker, Karin L. & Souvannasacd, Eric, 2015. "The power of the context map: Designing realistic outcome evaluation strategies and other unanticipated benefits," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 52(C), pages 118-125.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:52:y:2015:i:c:p:118-125
    DOI: 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2015.04.003
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Renger, Ralph & Hurley, Carolyn, 2006. "From theory to practice: Lessons learned in the application of the ATM approach to developing logic models," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 29(2), pages 106-119, May.
    2. Patton, Michael Quinn & Horton, Douglas, 2008. "Utilization-focused evaluation for agricultural innovation," ILAC Briefs 52533, Institutional Learning and Change (ILAC) Initiative.
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    1. Newton-Levinson, Anna & Higdon, Megan & Sales, Jessica & Gaydos, Laurie & Rochat, Roger, 2020. "Context matters: Using mixed methods timelines to provide an accessible and integrated visual for complex program evaluation data," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    2. Ebenso, Bassey & Manzano, Ana & Uzochukwu, Benjamin & Etiaba, Enyi & Huss, Reinhard & Ensor, Tim & Newell, James & Onwujekwe, Obinna & Ezumah, Nkoli & Hicks, Joe & Mirzoev, Tolib, 2019. "Dealing with context in logic model development: Reflections from a realist evaluation of a community health worker programme in Nigeria," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 73(C), pages 97-110.
    3. Fangyuan Chang & Andrea Eriksson & Britt Östlund, 2020. "Discrepancies between Expected and Actual Implementation: The Process Evaluation of PERS Integration in Nursing Homes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-18, June.
    4. Benjamin R. Brady & Ehmer A. Taj & Elena Cameron & Aaron M. Yoder & Jennifer S. De La Rosa, 2023. "A Diagram of the Social-Ecological Conditions of Opioid Misuse and Overdose," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(20), pages 1-19, October.

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