ISI specializes in developmental evaluation, the purpose of which is to improve program performance.  The primary tool used in program evaluations is the Planning and Evaluation Matrix.

The use of the Matrix as a tool for program evaluation has several advantages over other approaches in that:

• It integrates program planning and evaluation.
  
  
• Much of the work is conducted in facilitated sessions with staff and key stakeholders.

• It emphasizes building the capacity of the provider organization so that it can achieve and sustain program effectiveness.

An evaluation project typically begins with a a facilitated planning session involving program staff and key stakeholders.  The result of the session is an Evaluation Framework that will guide the planning and evaluation sessions for the remainder of the engagement.