SCALE+ methodology

Measure Results

The many paradigm shifts SCALE+ represents in comparison to a conventional development project are reflected in the way results are measured. Because SCALE+ works across sectors and is not restricted in the type of social-change interventions it may support, intermediate results are likely to be more varied than those found in a traditional results framework. In addition, because SCALE+ emphasizes increasing social capital, a project will specify indicators and develop tools to measure the changes in stakeholder relationships and social cohesion. SCALE+ helps projects design those indicators and support participatory monitoring-and evaluation processes so the project can monitor collaboration, reassess social capital and highlight successes.

Monitor collaboration 

Projects using SCALE+ typically carry out baseline and endline surveys using in-depth interviews to monitor technical implementation and measure changes in sector-specific indicators. The System Integration (SI) Team (SI Team) conducts periodic interviews to monitor actions and maintains a log to capture which organizations are involved and what assistance the project has provided. This informs project leadership and the funder with a birds-eye view of system movement and stakeholder energy to improve adaptive management. 

Reassess social capital 

Projects using SCALE+ conduct social network analysis (SNA), which focuses on the flow of information within networks and on the strength of bonds and bridges among system actors. SNA applications can measure and graphically represent changes in the strength and nature of relationships and the density and cohesion of a system to illustrate the impact of the project on the enabling environment.  

SNA starts at the beginning of the project, preferably before or during the whole-system-in-the-room (WSR) retreat, to establish a baseline prior to project activities and is then conducted two or more times during the project. Collaborative actions are also tracked to highlight impact and reinforce mutual accountability. 

Highlight successes 

The project encourages a sense of accountability and seeks to preserve the momentum of collective action acknowledging and celebrating incremental successes. The SI Team monitors activities and shares even small achievements through a regular newsletter and other forms of communication to highlight and reward efforts, encourage more collaboration, and stimulate sustained involvement. The project underscores how collaboration and collective actions lead to greater results for the system and serve the common purpose of all.