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Applying Complexity to Make Practical Decisions About Evaluation: Part 1

This three-session coffee break series will show evaluators how to draw on complexity to make practical decisions about doing evaluation. The key is to shift attention from “complex systems” to particular themes and behaviors of complex systems. “Systems” is too ambiguous to guide operational decisions about program theory, data collection, data interpretation, or stakeholder engagement. Specific complex behaviors can provide insight about those decisions. Each presentation will start with a short common introduction, and proceed to discuss one specific complex behavior that could be useful to evaluators. Each session will stand on its own. The collective impact will familiarize evaluators with the field of complexity, and instill a sense that the field of complexity can make a contribution to evaluation practice.