Analysis plans are dynamic and should be updated and altered throughout the life
of the project. Many aspects of the analysis plan (such as those directly related to
ProFrame information needs) will remain constant, but following initial analyses or
as the context or project stage changes, include any new analyses or comparison
groups that may become relevant. Refine and update project theories of change and
critical assumptions (also housed in the analysis plan) as learning occurs (both
through monitoring and through evaluation). You also can update and expand
analysis plans during the analysis process, including new monitoring or evaluation
questions as they arise. Initial findings will often spark new ideas for groups to be
compared with existing data; however, be sure that these new ideas fall into the
―need-to-know‖ category before proceeding with additional analysis. Record any
newideas in the analysis plan to serve as a reference for future work.
Update the monitoring questions in your analysis plans to focus on higher-level
change as initial changes (at the activity and output levels) begin to occur. Keep track
of the project’s current stage of implementation and change and begin to monitor the
next level of change early to make sure the project stays on the right track. This is
especially important for IR-level change—monitor early and often!
Update the evaluation questions in your analysis plans just prior to evaluation
events. If the midterm evaluation plan was created at the time of project design, revise
the plan just before the midterm to incorporate any changes in context and
information gained from project monitoring data. Similarly, adapt analysis plans for
final evaluations based on both monitoring and midterm evaluation findings.
