Resources+-+Assessing+&+Learning

//Articles://

 * Next Generation Network Evaluation: Scans the current field of network monitoring and evaluation with the goal of identifying where progress has been made and where further work is still needed. Innovations for Scaling Impact and Keystone Accountability, June 2010.
 * Social Media Measurement Resources: Roundup: A summary of learnings from Zoetica Salon (a free online space for informal peer learning about nonprofits and social media), including measurement approaches, challenges, data analysis, metrics, and tools. Beth Kanter, December 2010.
 * Measuring Online Networks: Feeding America : Discussion on KPI (key performance indicators) with Dan Michel, digital marketing manager for Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger organization. Michel oversees the execution of their external digital strategy—including social media.Beth Kanter, December 2010.
 * From Program to Network: The Evaluator’s Role in Today’s Public Problem-Solving Environment. Uses a case study to explore the implications of an increasingly networked society for the evaluator’s role. Lehn M. Benjamin and Jennifer C. Greene. 2009.
 * “Social Network Analysis and the Evaluation of Leadership Networks”: An in-depth look at various forms of leadership networks. Discusses the value of Social Network Analysis (SNA) as a promising evaluation approach for networks. Claire Reneilt and Bruce Hoppe, //Leadership Quarterly//, January 2009.
 * “Complexity and International Social Change Networks”: Sketches the challenges of planning, monitoring, and evaluating results in international social change networks, with suggestions on how they might be met. The principles in this paper are highly relevant to other complex networks. Ricardo Wilson-Grau, In Assessing Progress on the Road to Peace Planning, Monitoring and Evaluating Conflict Prevention and Peacebuilding Activities, European Center for Conflict Prevention, May 2008.
 * “Networks and Evaluation”: Outlines a three-pronged approach to assessing the impact of networks: network mapping, network indicators, and network outcomes. June Holley, 2007.
 * [|Network and Evaluation] . Outlines a three-pronged approach to assessing the impact of networks: network mapping, network indicators, network outcomes. June Holley. 2007
 * Knowledge Networks: Guidelines for Assessment. A working paper that investigates five major elements of network performance and related indicators of success. Heather Creech and Aly Ramji. 2004.
 * A Strategic Evaluation of IDRC-Support to Networks. A briefing on an upcoming evaluation of IRDC’s support to networks. The report details the planned evaluation process. Sarah Earl. 2004
 * Participation, Relationships and Dynamic Change: New Thinking on Evaluating the Work of International Networks. A working paper exploring how relationship, trust, collaborative action, structure, participation, and reflection interrelate in the network form. A section explores how to design evaluation that can capture network participation in a meaningful way. Madeline Church et al. 2002.
 * “Evaluating Performance in a Complex Adaptive System”: This chapter summarizes the characteristics of a complex adaptive system (CAS) from an organizational perspective, identifying properties of evaluation systems that are consistent with the nature of a CACS and describing tools and techniques for more effective evaluation. Glenda H. Eoyang and Thomas H. Berkas, //In Managing Complexity in Organizations//, Quorum Books, 1999.

//Manuals://

 * Network Evaluation: Cultivating Healthy Networks for Social Change: Outlines a framework for thinking about network evaluations – including handy worksheets – and provides a toolkit for evaluators comprising specific tools, skill-set, and strategies to help facilitate the task. Eli Malinsky and Chad Lubelsky, Center for Social Innovation and Canada Millenium Scholarship Foundation, 2008.
 * Networks that Work--Chapter 4: What to Watch as Your Network Works/Monitoring Progress and Maintaining Continuity. A guide for social sector practitioners who wish to create or work with networks. offers network evaluation questions and network frameworks. Paul Vandeventer and Myrna Mandell. 2007.

//Books / Reports://

 * Foundation Strategy for Social Impact: A Systems Change Perspective: A discussion of the term "systems change" in the context of foundation strategy. James M. Ferris. 2009.
 * Evaluation in Philanthropy: Perspectives from the Field: This publication offers a brief overview of how grantmakers are looking at evaluation through an organizational learning and effectiveness lens, including learning and evaluation stories from 19 GEO members. Grantmakers for Effective Organizations, 2009.
 * Social Network Analysis and the Evaluation of Leadership Networks. An in-depth look at various forms of leadership networks. Discusses the value of Social Network Analysis (SNA) as a promising evaluation approach for networks. Bruce Bruce and Claire Reinelt. 2009.
 * [|An Eight Step Action Research Network Analysis Approach to Complex Global Systems: The Case of Global Finance] . Proposes a model for network analysis that integrates three mapping methodologies: web crawling, organizational network mapping, and value network analysis. Steve Wadell and Verna Allee. 2009.
 * //Social Network Analysis in Program Evaluation: New Direction for Evaluation//: This issue highlights social network analysis (SNA) methodology and its application within program evaluation through four diverse case studies, providing a basis to model common applications of network analysis within the field. Maryann M. Durland and Kimberly A. Fredricks, Jossey-Bass and the American Evaluation Association, 2006.
 * The Challenge of Assessing Policy and Advocacy Activities: Strategies for a Prospective Evaluation Approach. Outlines an approach to policy change evaluation grounded in the experience of experts and foundation colleagues. Many of the recommended evaluation principles can be transferred to the network context. Kendall Guthrie, Justin Louie, Tom David, and Catherine Crystal Foster. 2005.

//Online Resources://

 * International Network for Social Network Analysis: A website and listserv that shares social network mapping and analysis resources.
 * SMART Chart : Interactive tool for nonprofits to make smart communication choices.
 * Get Your Social Media Strategy in Shape with Spreadsheet Aerobics: This blog provides an introduction to “spreadsheet aerobics,” a social media measurement strategy that helps make social media a daily habit. Beth Kanter, September 2010.