Networks Field Guide Roadmap

This page outlines the NFG content and is meant to help guide teams through the design, implementation, and evaluation processes for networks-based programs.

When is a network the right approach?

Section	Section Contents	How to Use
Why Choose A Network	Includes a list of preconditions for networks to succeed	Early in the design phase, use this as a checklist to determine if your program context is conducive to a networks-based approach and/or if your intervention will address any preconditions that do not exist
What is Not a Network	Presents examples of what is not a network	In the design phase, use this to validate whether the proposed approach is considered a network and whether the envisioned change truly calls for a networks-based approach

What type of network?

Section	Section contents	How to use
What is a Network	Includes a definition of networks and introduces the network continuum	In the design phase when it is determined a networks-based approach is justified, use the descriptions of the types of networks to clarify the specifics of your network design
Decision Tree	Describes four external conditions that can help teams decide which network to use	In the design phase when it is determined a networks-based approach is justified, work through these decision points to determine the type of network that best fits your program and context

How will the network function?

Section	Section contents	How to use
Network Goals	Describes different types of goals, their levels of specificity, and differing degrees of consensus surrounding the goal, and Outlines high-level network goals and ramifications of low and high agreement between network members on those goals	During the design or implementation phase, use this to help determine the network's goals as well as the tradeoffs associated with each and how these align with the network's needs
Network Examples	Discusses detailed examples of Support, Coordination, and Hybrid Networks	Use this to learn more about each type of network and to help design results chains and theories of change

How to measure networks?

Section	Section contents	How to use
Measurement Options	Outlines six distinct measurement options to help determine whether a network activity led to desired outcomes	When deciding how to measure your network, use this to determine which measurement options and data collection tools are best for your purposes
General Indicators	Provides 25 sample quantitative and qualitative network indicators as well as brief guidance on what each indicator can measure and when to include each into M&E efforts	When deciding how to measure your network, review this for examples of indicator language and guidance to help develop indicators and measurement strategy
Example Support and Coordination Networks Results Chains and Indicators	Provides sample results chains and indicators specific to Support and Coordination networks	Use this to refine your measurement strategy