Conducting a real-time evaluation (RTE) can lead to a rich process of continuous learning for civil society organizations. Tracking the outcomes and impacts of ongoing projects is essential—not only to account for what we’ve already accomplished, but also to identify areas for improvement. At times, the scope and dynamics of a project require close attention as it unfolds, and that’s precisely where real-time evaluation (RTE) becomes especially valuable.
Sebastián Hernández Mora, Senior Consultant, Colectivo META
How Did Real Time Evaluations Originate?
In the 1990s, the urgency to respond swiftly and effectively to humanitarian emergencies led to the development of an analytical approach focused on real-time evaluation and rapid decision-making.
This approach eventually evolved into what we now know as real-time evaluations (RTE).
Although initially designed for high-pressure humanitarian contexts requiring swift responses and coordination among multiple stakeholders, RTE soon proved valuable beyond emergency settings. As the social sector evolved and began addressing increasingly complex issues, RTE adapted to support learning and strategic adjustments during the implementation of diverse societal initiatives.
The integration of RTE into the civil society landscape has given rise to a dynamic and diverse community of practitioners. This community recognizes the importance of evaluating and adapting to rapidly changing contexts.
What Makes Real-Time Evaluation Distinct from Other Types of Evaluations?
Real-time evaluation (RTE) is a unique approach that delivers immediate feedback during the planning or implementation stages of a project or program. This timely input allows organizations to incorporate insights and recommendations into subsequent stages without disrupting timelines or delaying key activities.
Beyond its responsiveness, RTE promotes a culture of continuous improvement and learning. It not only adds strategic value to the organization but also enables timely adjustment, ensuring that changes are made when they matter most.
Drawing on definitions from the humanitarian organization Active Learning Network for Accountability and Performance (ALNAP), we can identify that real-time evaluations differ from monitoring activities in that they involve both retrospective and prospective views simultaneously. Furthermore, other key characteristics of this approach that set it apart from more ‘traditional’ evaluations are listed below:
· They are carried out during the actual implementation of a given program or project, rather than at its conclusion.
- They can be implemented more quickly and flexibly.
- They focus more on processes than on long-term results and impacts.
- They provide real-time feedback on the program or project objectives using various techniques and mixed-method tools.
- They are based on a participatory process in which joint interpretation, learning, and the planning of actions or new courses of action are essential.
Advantages and Limitations in the Implementation of Real-Time Evaluations
Implementing a real-time evaluation can pose a challenge for our organizations, as it takes place alongside project execution. This parallel process demands additional coordination and analytical efforts while activities are still underway. Therefore, it is important to consider certain key aspects that may become both advantages and limitations.
Advantages:
· They allow for timely identification of issues in project implementation (both internal and external), enabling course correction to achieve the desired outcomes.
- They provide immediate feedback that can be applied in subsequent stages or phases of the project—or even across the organization.
- They encourage broad team participation, engaging staff across operational, managerial, and administrative levels.
- They strengthen transparency in documenting project findings with partner organizations or donors. This becomes particularly valuable in medium- and long-term initiatives, where relying solely on end-of-project evaluations may not capture the full picture.
Limitations:
· Because real-time evaluations unfold alongside project implementation, there’s often insufficient space to apply rigorous methodologies. This can constrain the depth and scope of the analysis.
- These evaluations require technical and human capacities—not only to carry out the evaluation, but also to document experiences and extract lessons in real time.
- Due to time constraints, the results may be quite limited, making it essential to clearly define the “cross-sectional snapshots” at which data will be collected.
Why Is It Important to Understand This Approach?
Although real-time evaluations may seem demanding in terms of time and resources, they are in fact powerful learning tools that enable adaptation to evolving internal project dynamics and external conditions. Their value increases as our processes become longer and more complex.
At COMETA, we have supported organizations throughout their project cycles by designing and implementing real-time evaluations anchored in cross-sectional snapshots. This approach has provided valuable insights for identifying obstacles as they arise, as well as unexpected learnings and findings that have helped strategically reorient project development.
Learn more about our work and the real-time evaluations we’ve led across different contexts. We’re ready to support a strategic shift in your processes—and help you amplify your outcomes.
