What is Cathexis Consulting?
Cathexis is a full-service, independent evaluation firm that provides expert, utilization-focused evaluations to help organizations change for the better. The approach is all about understanding what’s working and what isn’t – engaging stakeholders, identifying opportunities for improvement, communicating impact, building capacity for robust evaluation, and driving change. With an emphasis on designing initiatives for success, Cathexis helps answer questions such as: Is an initiative designed for success? What did the program accomplish? How can services be improved? It’s a process that unfolds gradually, almost like a conversation where details and feedback matter, and every piece of data is a stepping stone…
Main Benefit and Key Figures
- Evaluation Planning: Develop or revise a program’s description, theory of change, and logic model; define evaluation priorities; articulate key evaluation questions; identify sources of information; design data collection tools such as surveys and interview guides; schedule key evaluation activities; and train staff or volunteers.
- Beginning-to-End Evaluation: From developing an evaluation plan to collecting, capturing, and analyzing data via interviews, surveys, focus groups, literature reviews, environmental scans, and case studies. The process synthesizes data to provide actionable recommendations and includes reporting and presentation of findings. It even manages the whole evaluation process.
- A La Carte Evaluation Services: Services include survey design, administration, and analysis; qualitative data collection and analysis (via interviews or focus groups); literature reviews; theory of change and logic model development; analysis of existing data and datasets; review of funding proposals; evaluation coaching that includes developmental evaluation; and expert feedback on evaluation plans.
- Industry Credentials: Operating in the management consultant – for-profits industry with a BCorp score of 118.6.
- Main Keywords: evaluation, social impact, impact assessment, program evaluation, impact evaluation.
Evaluation Planning
The planning phase is where the groundwork is laid out. In this stage, the firm works to design an evaluation strategy specifically tailored to an organization or a distinct initiative. The process often includes revising the initiative’s description, building a solid theory of change, and constructing a detailed logic model. Evaluation priorities are defined and key evaluation questions are articulated. Every method and source of information is carefully selected to ensure accuracy, from designing data collection tools like surveys and interview guides, to scheduling essential evaluation activities. There’s an almost conversational, step-by-step air about this process—it feels like a team taking the time to get every detail just right.
Beginning-to-End Evaluation Process
The next phase covers the entire evaluation process from start to finish. This isn’t just about deadlines and reports—it’s a comprehensive journey. The process includes developing the evaluation plan and then moving on to collecting, capturing, and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative information through interviews, surveys, focus groups, literature reviews, environmental scans, and sometimes, detailed case studies. Data is then synthesized and interpreted, with recommendations provided for improvement. Reporting and presentation of findings follow, ensuring that stakeholders are well-informed, and every part of the process is managed with rigour and a sense of shared purpose… It’s all about transforming raw data into valuable insights.
A La Carte Evaluation Services
For organizations that may not need a complete evaluation solution, there are a la carte services available. These tailored services provide an expert eye without committing to a full-scale evaluation process. Options include survey design, administration, and analysis; qualitative data techniques like interviews and focus groups; and thorough literature reviews and environmental scans. Additionally, services extend to theory of change and logic model development, analysis of existing datasets, expert review of funding proposals, and even evaluation coaching. With these customized offerings, the approach is flexible and accessible, ensuring that every client finds the support they need, exactly when they need it.
Guiding Principles Behind the Approach
The foundation of Cathexis Consulting’s work is built on four core principles that guarantee every evaluation is conducted in a methodical yet engaging manner. These principles are: utilization-focused, ensuring that every evaluation has practical relevance; collaborative, meaning that stakeholders are engaged throughout; rigorous, so that every piece of data is handled with care; and ethical, ensuring transparency and accountability in all processes. This firm’s way of tackling challenges infuses a sense of dynamism that keeps the process not only effective but also responsive to real-time feedback and change.
Project Impact
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Approach and Getting Started
The overall approach is designed to ensure that no matter what evaluation task lies ahead, the work is grounded in a careful, well-planned strategy. Cathexis Consulting is known for its willingness to adapt and respond quickly. Whether an initiative needs to get off the ground ASAP or if there’s a Request for Proposals that requires immediate attention, the process starts with an open conversation. A focus on learning what’s working and what isn’t, along with hands-on training for staff or volunteers to carry out evaluations, means that guidance is available at every step. The principles of utilization-focused, collaborative, rigorous, and ethical work aren’t just buzzwords—they are the driving forces behind recommendations, data synthesis, and impact reporting. This means that the evaluation isn’t just a process; it’s a transformative journey that enables organizations to improve their services, communicate their impact more effectively, and ultimately drive meaningful change in society.
