Myths

We are unusual in being a specialist evaluation agency, as distinct from academics, researchers or consultants who also do evaluation. As a result of this we take delight in dispelling the myths that have grown up around evaluation:

Myth number one is that evaluation means coming up with big fat reports too long for anybody to read. We emphasise clarity and brevity supported by good data.

Myth number two is that evaluators are out to find fault. We support projects with professional friendship that offers recognition of successes, constructive criticism and practical options about improving performance.

Myth number three is that evaluation is what happens at the end of a project. Most of our evaluations start when the project starts to help it stay on track, learn fast and spot difficulties before they become problems. Funders often value end of project or final reports. But it is interim reports that help funders get a bigger bang for their buck.

Myth number four is that evaluators need to be specialists in what the innovation project does. As specialists in innovation and project management we understand the pressures and problems faced by project teams. Where there are shortfalls in what we need to learn and understand about a project we can bring in content specialists. But our experience as innovators and academic backgrounds in measurement and research help us add the value that projects cannot add for themselves.