Connecting through Knowledge
A systemic design perspective on the use of evaluation-evidence in development cooperation
Stine Moons // 2018-2019 // Master's Thesis Product Development // Antwerp - Belgium
This master’s thesis proposes a systemic solution framework for the complex issue of using evaluation-evidence in decision-making processes for development cooperation. This framework was developed in close cooperation with Enabel, the Belgian Development Agency, and was the result of a systemic design process. In the first phase, the system of using evaluation was mapped and a set of leverage points was defined, using the insights from an exploratory literature review and a series of in-depth interviews with stakeholders. An intervention strategy was developed based on those leverage points. This intervention strategy was detailed further in a solution framework in the second phase. The framework is based on two systemic design objectives: creating a learning culture that has an impact on all levels of the organization, and strengthening the policy development cycle by enhancing evidence-informed decision-making. To achieve these two objectives, a set of five interconnected subsystems was developed. They focus on (1) fostering the contribution to evaluations by key stakeholders on intervention level, (2) disseminating evaluation reports efficiently and effectively through the organization, (3) strengthening the institutional knowledge network by encouraging cooperation with multi-actor platforms and (4) structurally embedding management support to the use of evidence in the organizational processes. These subsystems are supported by (5) an online platform that collects and processes the insights of events and meetings where knowledge is exchanged.
