I find the question of 'linking impact evaluation findings with real-time decision making' interesting. The question may need to be further unpacked what it means by ‘real-time’. Unless organization-level decisions are made, I find it challenging to use the evaluation findings in many cases at project level because the endline evaluations are conducted at the end of the project. Regardless, when there are organizations make their stands after the evaluation findings are presented, there are some examples where organizations have utilized the evaluation findings by taking actions like: 1. Evaluation-informed new program/project development. 2. Improvement in the communication and dissemination of the evaluation findings at different levels, including local communities, informing various partners about the evaluation findings and their implications. 3. Fostering the organizational learning culture, and reviewing the evaluation report carefully at the organization level and agreeing the organizational actions, based on the evaluation findings. While using evaluation findings, a significant factor that weakens the link is when evaluations are conducted primarily to satisfy a compliance requirement rather than to drive genuine organizational learning or immediate operational change. This needs management commitment!
RE: Global Impact Evaluation Forum 2025: Forging evidence partnerships for effective action
South Africa
Tamarie Magaisa
MUSANGEYACONSULTING
Posted on 28/11/2025
I find the question of 'linking impact evaluation findings with real-time decision making' interesting. The question may need to be further unpacked what it means by ‘real-time’. Unless organization-level decisions are made, I find it challenging to use the evaluation findings in many cases at project level because the endline evaluations are conducted at the end of the project. Regardless, when there are organizations make their stands after the evaluation findings are presented, there are some examples where organizations have utilized the evaluation findings by taking actions like: 1. Evaluation-informed new program/project development. 2. Improvement in the communication and dissemination of the evaluation findings at different levels, including local communities, informing various partners about the evaluation findings and their implications. 3. Fostering the organizational learning culture, and reviewing the evaluation report carefully at the organization level and agreeing the organizational actions, based on the evaluation findings. While using evaluation findings, a significant factor that weakens the link is when evaluations are conducted primarily to satisfy a compliance requirement rather than to drive genuine organizational learning or immediate operational change. This needs management commitment!