MLA Research & Evaluation Framework 2007-2010: Why do we invest in Research and Evaluation?
The MLA conducts research and evaluation projects primarily in three ways: commissioning external consultants, “in-house” and supporting individuals and other organisations pursuing work that is aligned to our strategic aims.
We invest in research and evaluation to inform the development and implementation of the programmes and activities we fund and manage. The process and results of this work provide vital information and evidence of whether our work is good value for money and is helping us meet one or all of our three strategic priorities:
- Continuous improvement;
- Learning and skills; and
- Sustainable communities and their economies.
Specifically, the results are used to provide answers to one or all of the following key questions:
| Reaching targets & strategic objectives |
Has the programme or activity reached its agreed targets? What contribution does it make to MLA’s strategic targets and objectives? |
| Implementation |
How effective was the management of the programme or activity in delivering agreed objectives and reaching targets? |
| Outcomes |
What are the effects of the programme or activity on our main stakeholders (in particular mla users)? |
| Additionality |
Could the same impact have been reached through different programmes or activities? |
| Policy & Programme Development |
What are the needs of the sectors? What has worked in the past to meet those needs, for whom and in what circumstance? What are key trends that may affect the future of the sector? What areas of need is MLA best equipped to tackle? |
This means that every research and evaluation project we support needs to be clearly linked not only to our strategic objectives but also to the key questions it will help answer.