putting it all together: writing the final report
TRANSCRIPT
Putting it all together: Writing the final report
OverviewOverview Why write a final report? What are the main elements to
include? Creative ways of reporting
information Tips for communicating
findings Next steps
Why write a final report?Why write a final report?
To share findings To build understanding and awareness
among stakeholders To help with decision-making To demonstrate accountability
The final report: Main elementsThe final report: Main elements
Executive summaryExecutive summary
A “plain language” overview of the report Four main sections:
• The questions being addressed in the evaluation
• An introduction to the program• Main activities• Conclusions This section should
be no longer than 3 pages.
Table of contentsTable of contents
A listing of the different sections contained in the report
A “roadmap” for what to expect Main sections + page numbers
IntroductionIntroduction
An overview of the program being evaluated• Main objectives of the evaluation• Target population• Program history• Reasons for evaluating at this time• Stakeholders• Audience for evaluation
A review of the literature
This section shouldbe about
5-7 pages long.
MethodologyMethodology
Overview of the evaluation plan (including the development/planning process)
Logic model Evaluation questions Indicators and measures Data collection plan Analysis plan Anticipated challenges or limitations
This section shouldbe about
5-7 pages long.
Discussion and lessons learnedDiscussion and lessons learned
Describe the challenges and successes related to…• Collaborating and communicating with
partners and stakeholders• Developing an evaluation framework and the
impact on the organization• Working with the Centre
This section shouldbe about
4-6 pages long.
Recommendations and next stepsRecommendations and next steps
1-3 insights related to the experience of developing an evaluation framework
1-3 recommendations for your organization about how to move forward with evaluation
Suggestions to the Centre to help improve their level of support and training
This section shouldbe about
1-3 pages long.
Knowledge exchangeKnowledge exchange
Overview of activities related to communicating and/or disseminating the evaluation framework
Plans for knowledge exchange activities during implementation
Plans to ensure the use of findings from the evaluation This section should
be about 1-3 pages long.
References and appendicesReferences and appendices References:
• Alphabetical summary of sources cited throughout the paper
• APA format Appendices:
• Additional information on the program• Additional information on framework• Measures that will be used• Ethics forms
Stepping outside the box: Creative Stepping outside the box: Creative ways of communicating informationways of communicating information
Photographs Cartoons Poetry
Tips for communicating findingsTips for communicating findings Consider your audience Emphasize evaluation as a tool for learning and
guiding improvement Write with clarity:
• Use the right word in the right place◦ “Gained a lot out of this experience…”◦ “Tenants of multiculturalism…”
• Avoid awkward sentences• Avoid rambling, run-on sentences• Avoid sentence fragments
• Try to use examples or statements that substantiate your point
• Beware of grammatical errors:
◦ “I learned that if they do X, a woman can experience Y”
• Write, proofread, and re-write
Your final report should include…Your final report should include…
Logic model The measures matrix An analysis plan
Next StepsNext Steps
April 30: Final report due May 1 to 14: Exit surveys May 1 to 14: Evaluation readiness
assessment for the Evaluation Implementation Grants
June 2: Deadline for EIG grant applications June webinar: The road to data collection
Questions?Questions?
Dr. Purnima Sundar
Research and Knowledge Exchange Consultant
613.737.7600 Ext. 3485