aes19 International Evaluation Conference

Julian King (Julian King & Associates)

Value for money (VFM) is a challenge for evaluators. Today's governments and impact investors seek valid, convincing ways to understand the social, cultural and environmental value of their resource allocation decisions. Evaluation and economics share an interest in determining the quality and value of resource use - but there is a conundrum. On one hand, too few evaluators are confident in cost analysis and economic methods of evaluation. Conversely, too few economists realise that evaluative thinking offers complementary ways to understand value. This presentation shares a transdisciplinary 'Value for Investment' (VFI) approach. This practical, intuitive process uses evaluative reasoning and mixed methods (qualitative, quantitative, and economic). It offers evaluators new ways to uncover and communicate the value of social investments, supporting resource allocation decisions for a fairer and more sustainable future. Theory, practice and examples will be shared.