PlanNET is an international network of evaluation, training, and performance management consultants based in Canada. We support organizations and initiatives striving to improve livelihoods, protect the environment, and secure peaceful relationships. PlanNET is viewed internationally as a reliable, competent, and experienced source of development evaluation expertise.
— Stan Benjamin, Founder and Mentor
At PlanNET, we help our clients design, monitor, and evaluate development projects and programs with empathy and independence. Our work is shaped by four key values:
We cultivate sustainable and results-focused projects and organizations through project cycle management training, coaching, organizational assessment, monitoring and evaluation, and applied research. We adopt this holistic management approach with the belief that from the very beginning of an initiative, it is important to map the links between planned activities and expected results, and to track progress accordingly.
We remain unapologetically independent, but we strive for: dialogue over design; stakeholders as collaborators; stakeholder validation and dialogue of findings; a focus on the link between research conclusions and next steps; and concise, user-centred documentation.
— Jim Freedman, Consultant and Independent Practitioner
PlanNET's philosophy is to maintain a small and efficient roster of experienced professionals and to draw upon this team on a project-by-project basis. Our team is composed of qualified and experienced individuals, all of whom have demonstrated ability and field experience. PlanNET typically adopts a team approach in its assignments, and endeavors to provide gender-balanced services. We believe the application of more than one mind to the task enhances the quality of the product. Click below to meet the PlanNET team:
We are always looking to build our consultant network. If you are a professional with experience in planning, development, evaluation, or strategic management, and are looking for meaningful opportunities – please get in touch. Send us a message through the link below to start the conversation.
— Matt Knapik, former PlanNET collaborator
Evaluations are an essential management practice to assess the goals, direction and effectiveness of an organization, in part or in whole.
PlanNET consultants evaluate organizations - their policies, programs, projects or services. We use a mix of methods, such as surveys, focus groups, document analysis, and a host of informal story capture techniques. Our evaluations help clients to: address their accountability for results, identify their next management steps, and gain broader insight about their operating context and the nature of their work.
Working individually or in teams, PlanNET consultants can assess all phases of the management cycle, from design to impact assessment. The scale of our evaluation assignments cross a wide range:
• single sector to multi sector
• local communities to country or region-wide
• a variety of organizations - civil society, government and private sector
The duration of assignments ranges from a few weeks to up to a year.
Monitoring is the continuous tracking of a team’s progress, in relation to expected results. It is routinely done internally, but sometimes outside support is required.
With that external, fresh perspective, PlanNET consultants monitor organizations. We setup monitoring systems, coach teams and assess results. We engage with implementing teams to develop results logic models, theories of change and monitoring plans.
Empathetically and with independence, PlanNET Consultants observe activities, talk with stakeholders and review routinely gathered data. We examine the strengths and challenges of an organization and identify options to reinforce what is working well or improve those aspects of operations and workplaces that could be working better.
Facilitated by our consultants, we normally share the results in a workshop setting.
