What you'll learn

Course content

7 sections • 30 lectures • 1h 24m total length

A result? What is that?2:19
To understand Results Based Management, we need to first understand what a result is. This short introduction explains what we mean by using everyday examples.
Ok, but what is a result chain?5:40
There are different levels of results, and they are logically linked in a results chain. The levels are input, activity, output, outcome, and impact.
Let's look at examples2:56
I show you two practical examples of a results chain in a real-life setting. And then: voila, it's your turn! Try to identify the different levels of the results chain in our results quiz (you can find the quiz and the solutions in the resources for this lecture).
Test your knowledge the basics!
Break Out! Design a results chain.

A bit of theory (intro)2:12
In this lecture, you will understand what we mean by 'Results Based Management'.
What Results-Based Management is NOT2:23
It is as important to understand what RBM is, as it is to understand what it is not. This lecture will show you.
How to manage for results IN PRACTICE3:12
This lecture shows how RBM shapes everything we do - from planning to monitoring, reporting on and evaluating results.
Test what you remember on RBM basics

Overview: The five pillars of RBM1:31
This lecture introduces the five pillars of practical RBM. These are good practices that are crucial to translate RBM into an effective, powerful approach.
Pillar 1: Outcomes are the only game in town4:13
Pillar 1 argues that outcomes are the only game in RBM town. Ultimately, outcomes are the most important element in any results chain.
Pillar 2: Keep adapting based on outcome monitoring1:29
Pillar 2 shows how outcome monitoring should be used for adaptive management: planning around desired outcomes, and continuously revising based on outcome monitoring.
Pillar 3: Involve stakeholders. Always.2:13
Pillar 3 shows how stakeholders are the real experts and should be involved at every step.
Pillar 4: Budgeting for outcomes and outputs2:11
Pillar 4 shows that budget allocation should be linked to outcomes (and, to a lesser degree, outputs), not to activities.
Pillar 5: Keep it simple1:49
The last pillar - often neglected in real life - stresses that RBM is a powerful tool for simplification by focusing mostly on outcomes.
A bit of fun ... and some resources1:07
Now it's time for a bit of fun - and additional resources.
Takeaway: RBM in practice0:46
The short lecture sums up the key messages of this chapter on the five pillars of practical RBM.
Check what you already know about practical RBM

Planning for results in five steps2:24
This lecture introduces five logical steps in any planning process that relies on results based management.
Step 1: What's the problem?!?2:34
Step 1 is about defining the problem and the desired impact. This typically requires a problem analysis of some kind.
Step 2: How to develop our Theory of Change?2:21
Step 2 describes designing a Theory of Change based on the previous step.
Youngtown Valley needs a Theory of Change!
Step 3: How to define outcomes?5:18
Step 3 shows you how to develop a SMART outcome statement. It emphasises the importance of being specific and provides examples.
Get the outcome right!
Step 4: How to formulate outputs?2:24
Step 4 demonstrates how to develop strong output statements, and provides a formula for doing so.
Step 5: Now put it all together1:23
In step 5, everything is put together into a solid results based plan.
Takeaway: Planning for results1:04
The final lecture sums up the five basic steps of how to develop a results-based plan.

What is monitoring?3:07
This refresher reminds us what monitoring is and how it differs from evaluations.
Reducing uncertainty3:20
Something most people misunderstand: measuring is not (always) about being exact. This insight is fundamental in understanding results monitoring.
Indicators: a key tool for monitoring3:41
This lecture clarifies that a full-fledged indicator is much more than a simple statement. This is crucial for setting up a results-based monitoring system.
Indicators
Five steps to monitor outcomes11:18
This is a key lecture (that's why it's a bit longer! You learn how to use a 5-step approach which will allow you to 'measure' nearly any result.
Measure that outcome!

Do you hate report writing?1:52
This lecture introduces us to reporting, and why it is worth doing it well. It also highlights that we are all now involved in the digital age of reporting.
How to choose the right format1:56
Choosing the right format is critical to reaching different audiences for our reporting. There are LOTS of options to choose from.
How to structure a results report2:34
The lecture demonstrates how to structure a strong and credible results report.
Six rules for writing a results report4:46
A good results report pushes the results as far as they remain credible, it is careful with attribution and contribution, it backs up everything with evidence, it excludes internal matters, and it uses plain change language.
What have you learned on reporting for results?

No experience in Results Based Management needed. We have you covered ;-)
If you have some experience in planning, monitoring, and report, the better.
You should bring some time, curiosity and interest. There is a lot to learn here.

With this course, you are able to apply Results Based Management in a practical manner.

You will know how to plan for results by following five steps: defining the problem, drawing up a Theory of Change, selecting and formulating outcomes, defining outputs, and putting it all together in a plan that focuses on results.
You will also be able to design a monitoring system that captures results using five steps: dig into what we already know, find out what others already know, measure it ourselves, use the magic of sampling, or estimate it in a credible manner.
Using our six rules, you will write high-impact result reports that are tailored to your audience, are structured as a storyline, and relentlessly focus on what really counts: results.
Overall, you will be able to make use of this practical RBM approach to adjust anything do in your work - planning, monitoring, reporting - with a focus on results. It's a change in mindset! The five pillars of RBM demand a relentless focus on outcomes, adapting based on what really works, quick feedback loops with stakeholders, budgeting for outcomes, and keeping it simple, but not simplistic.

It's all about making the world a better (and more evidence-based ;-) place!