In this step you will:
- Assess the defensibility and accuracy of the results.
- Verify that the data, assumptions, calculations, and conclusions are reliable and trustworthy.
- Ensure that the findings can be used with confidence by stakeholders and decision-makers.
| For this step: | |
| Resources required: | Prepare a written report with summaries for each participating community, capturing the validated results. Share these at conferences, community forums, and organizational meetings. |
| Expected outcomes: | Verified alignment between predicted outcomes and actual achievements, with insights on sustaining and scaling CBWM initiatives. |
| Tools: | Validation Checklist (Tool 7a) |
Process
1. Compare predicted vs. actual Outcomes
- Check key metrics: Look at the key success indicators you outlined in your business case (e.g., water quality improvements, biodiversity impact, community engagement, educational outreach). Compare the actual numbers achieved with the baseline measurements and with results from similar programs.
- Identify variances: If the results are significantly different, identify where and why the variance occurred. For example, was community engagement lower due to unforeseen weather conditions, or did a funding delay affect equipment deployment?
2. Gather feedback from stakeholders
- Talk to people involved: Collect input from CBWM team members, community leaders, and local participants to assess whether the program met their needs and expectations.
- Participant surveys: Survey community members involved in data collection or monitoring activities to gauge the perceived value of the program. Ask questions about ease of use, accessibility, and relevance of training provided. If surveys were conducted during your analysis, make sure to cross check perceptions with your Case for Investment results.
3. Review costs
- Check the budget: Compare actual costs against projections in the business case. Were there unexpected costs, such as for equipment maintenance or additional training? If costs differed significantly, analyze why and document for future budgeting.
- Analyze ROI (Return on Investment): Evaluate whether the environmental, social, and community benefits align with the anticipated return on investment, focusing on the long-term impacts on water quality, ecosystem health, and community resilience.
4. Assess timelines and deliverables
- Check if deadlines were met: Review whether key milestones, such as training sessions, equipment deployment, and data collection phases, were completed on time. If delays occurred, document their impacts and explore methods for improving timeline management.
- Verify deliverables: Ensure that all deliverables—such as water quality reports, community workshops, and educational materials—met quality standards as defined in the business case.
5. Use data and reports
- Analyze data: Use CBWM data, community engagement metrics, and environmental indicators to validate performance. For example, review data on pollutant levels, biodiversity changes, and community participation rates.
- Automated tools: If available, use project management and analysis software to simplify performance measurement, offering real-time insights for adaptive management.
6. Conduct a post-implementation review
- Hold a review meeting: After the project has been completed, hold a review meeting with CBWM coordinators and community representatives to discuss successes and areas for improvement.
- Learn from successes and failures: Document any lessons learned for future business cases to improve accuracy and decision-making.
7. Check for long-term sustainability
- Monitor ongoing performance: If the business case involves a long-term investment, continue to track the performance over time. Are the benefits lasting, or do they diminish after a certain period?
In essence, validating a business case is about comparing what you planned with what actually happened, understanding why any differences occurred, and using that information to make better decisions in the future.