Category: Business

A web-based CMS can overcome obstacles caused by geography and technology. Just as too many cooks can spoil the broth, without the proper tools, the collaboration process can break down among web content developers. Problem It’s difficult for multiple authors in different locations to effectively develop and post content to a website. Solution Using a

Analyzing data can help you refine your web site to reach your target audience. Web analysis gives you an inside view of the activites of your users. Problem It’s difficult to gauge your site’s effectiveness because you don’t know who is visiting the site or which pages they are visiting. Solution Utilize software to analyze

Author: Patrick Parnaby Bringing in an external evaluator can overcome staff resistance. Is everyone happy as hippos? if so, why resistance to evaluation? Problem There is a consensus among the staff that an evaluation is unnecessary because the program is thought to work just fine. Solution Hire an experienced, external evaluator to help you plan

Author: Patrick Parnaby Avoiding survey pitfalls can help ensure success. Simplifying Surveys Whenever possible, keep your survey simple. Long, complicated surveys often cause participants to give up. If you need more detailed information, consider using two different surveys. One can be a simple overview of the content you need to evaluate and can be widely

Author: Patrick Parnaby A useful evaluation plan incorporates a number of factors. This penguin did a thorough evaluation and concluded that he is short. This was not useful news.  Problem Your evaluation was expensive, but the results are not very useful. Solution Accurately define your stakeholders and their needs, and use that information to develop

Author: Patrick Parnaby Skilled project management can mean the difference between success and failure. Managing your project effectively requires that you see the forest and the trees, and that you look at yourself. Problem You have tight budget constraints, numerous important deadlines, a small staff to accomplish a large task, and you need to keep

Author: Patrick Parnaby Using a variety of evaluation techniques can reveal hidden truths about your program. Evaluation isn’t helpful unless you measure the right things.  Problem You’ve implemented the feedback from your focus groups, but your project is still failing. You are confused because test users say your program is great, but no one is

Author: Patrick Parnaby Incorporating technological tools into evaluation plans can please funders. Your funders will want you to look at your project from many angles. Providing them with a sound evaluation plan gives funders the assurance they need. Problem Your project wasn’t able to secure funding because your evaluation plan was “weak.” Solution Develop a

Author: Elisa Warner Eliminating technological distractions can help alleviate procrastination. Problem: While procrastination is inevitable at times, habitual procrastination can interfere with personal performance and team goals. When a project consists of interdependent tasks, one person’s procrastination can cause a ripple effect that impacts a series of team deadlines. Solution: Develop specific solutions to address

Author: Elisa Warner Delineating areas of responsibility for board members can help avoid leadership conflicts. Problem Leadership conflicts arise between an association’s staff and the organization’s board of directors. Solution Ensure that the organization’s board members clearly understand the roles and responsibilities associated with their position. Discussion While new board members accept their positions with