We evaluate the processes and products of your organization so that you can be your most effective. Our evaluation services are wide-ranging, but include, for example, the audit of existing data sets, review of internal evaluation criteria and processes, and assessment of how well you are meeting external (funder, government, etc.) expectations. Evaluation work is mostly quantitative in nature, but can also include a qualitative component.

When a specific question or problem arises that evaluation may not address, or evaluation work uncovers new issues, exploratory research may be called for. This kind of research involves more intensive collaboration together throughout the research cycle. Exploratory research also calls for more resources of time and personnel to adhere to the four steps mentioned above in the evaluation section. Because this kind of research relies more on the logical practices of abduction (casual guesswork) and induction (piecing together logical consequences) than evaluation, it tends to be more resource-intensive. The use of qualitative methods such as direct observation and inferential quantitative methods such as regression analysis, as well as creative blending of both, can be expected.

We provide narrative research services to enrich existing evaluative and or exploratory research or as a standalone offering. It involves gathering mostly qualitative data about an organization's processes and products, with the goal of telling their story, so to speak, to the world. The strength of narrative research is that it can provide our partners with not just useful findings but, in the process of collaboratively building the research plan, symbolic tools for conceptualizing their stories and ultimately, sharing them.