Innovative practices at OEIE

Our evaluation approach

At OEIE, we approach evaluation planning with intention and rigor. Grounded in theory-based methodologies and guided by the key questions that matter most to your team, we design evaluation frameworks that are both purposeful and practical. Most projects use a mixed-methods approach, enabling us to triangulate quantitative and qualitative data for stronger, more meaningful findings.

We draw on a wide range of approaches—including developmental evaluation, utilization-focused evaluation, appreciative inquiry, outcome mapping, and user experience evaluation—selecting the methods that best fit the project’s goals and stage of development. Once the framework is in place, we work closely with you to clarify processes, set timelines, and establish procedures that support effective data collection from key participants and partners. By aligning the framework with your strategic plan, we help ensure evaluation activities remain relevant, actionable, and connected to long-term priorities throughout the project lifecycle.

Cutting-edge evaluation methods

OEIE tailors evaluation methods to each client’s needs and goals. We use Qualtrics for advanced web-based surveys and conduct interviews and focus groups in in-person, hybrid, and online formats. Building on these traditional approaches, we also apply innovative strategies to assess collaborative growth, publication impact, and program outcomes. Below are several cutting-edge methods OEIE uses to deepen insight and strengthen evaluation findings.

• Virtual and in-person Ripple Effect Mapping (REM)
  REM is conducted in person or virtually. During the sessions, project team members respond to several prompts by posting sticky notes and drawing lines and arrows between their teams’ responses. The resulting “mind map” provides a visual representation of not only the direct impacts of the project but also the indirect, sometimes unplanned and unintended “ripple effects.”
• Social Network Analysis (SNA) and data visualization
  SNA is used to visualize and better understand a project’s collaborative social network. Sociograms or visual representations of project networks are created to visualize different dimensions of project social networks.
• Bibliometric and Altmetrics analysis
  Bibliometric and Altmetrics analysis is one way to understand project implementation and impacts through the transfer of knowledge through scholarly publications and other products and venues. Bibliometrics provides a way to evaluate the quantity and quality of these efforts. ArcGIS mapping is typically used to visualize the geographic location of authors citing project publications in the U.S. and globally.
• ArcGIS story mapping
  ArcGIS StoryMaps are occasionally used to create engaging, interactive, visual narratives that communicate a project’s story.