1017 - Agile Data Management: Empowering Voices Through Automation

Abstract Information: In this interactive workshop, participants will explore how to leverage agile principles and automated tools to enhance data management practices. We will focus on empowering diverse voices in evaluation by streamlining data processes and ensuring inclusivity. In today’s world, fast access at timely and quality data could mean the difference between success and failure in various fields. Evaluation and project management are no exception. Volatile economic, social and politic environments are affecting the projects’ work in a variety of ways that are difficult to estimate without relevant data. We are going to present how an ideal online-automated data management could look like. Allowing sending automated reminders to team members to fill their periodical reports, emailing project partners asking for their feedback, collecting data on mobile devices in online, or offline mode, that later would be uploaded in the cloud, are some of the basic features referring to data collection. Different people in the teams have different responsibilities referring to their data, or their team's data. Sandboxing them would allow to access and manipulate the relevant data by creating tailored charts, and dashboards. Being able to share tailored charts and dashboards in a secure way is an efficient way to communicate and promote transparency. We are going to present how using an automated online data management system for Agile project management, helped to obtain tangible outcomes in a project with unclear expected results at the beginning. Multiple iterations, trial and error, learning, and collecting feedback were possible with such a data management system. Without it would be too costly, too lengthily and resource consuming. We will present the principles to select such a data management system and few tricks in operating it. Later we will make the connection with Artificial Intelligence – lot of people would like to use it, but what data sets? Having own data sets, collected based a known methodology, under known conditions, will make any data sets relevant for organization’s purposes and efficient AI usage. Main benefits of using such a system 1. Reduced Human Errors - Manual data collection can be prone to errors such as mistyping, duplication, or missing data. Automation eliminates these issues. 2. Improved Data Quality - By minimizing errors, the overall quality of the dataset improves. High-quality data is crucial for robust evaluation outcomes. 3. Time and Cost Savings - Manual data collection is time-consuming and labor-intensive, especially for diverse data requirements. Automation frees up human resources, allowing them to focus on higher-value tasks; automation tools reduces maintenance costs. 4. Scalability - Automated platforms can handle large-scale data collection without straining resources. Whether you need to collect data from a few sources or thousands, automation ensures scalability. 5. Efficiency and Productivity - Automation streamlines repetitive tasks. This leads to improved productivity and faster data processing. 6. Technology-Driven and User-Friendly - Modern data platforms are user-friendly and require no face-to-face interaction with respondents. 7. Faster Decision-Making - Online data collection provides quicker access to insights, enabling faster decision-making based on real-time data.

Relevance Statement: The workshop is presenting new and emerging perspectives that are essential for the evolution of the evaluation, by encouraging evaluators and project managers to bring forth innovative ideas and creative approaches in data management. It is fostering an inclusive environment, while ensuring that all voices are valued. It contributes to a stronger and adaptable evaluation community. On the other part, it prioritize diverse perspectives, by allowing the evaluators, or project managers, to explore more data sets, resulting in different alternatives for action. This is extremely valuable when it is about mentor new evaluators, explore and elevate fresh perspectives. All those points would be better applied when a strong and flexible data management system is used. Being able to explore different approaches, to try and learn on a continuous basis, would provide the user actionable data, essential for adaptive management in dynamic environments. There are some important benefits of using Agile for projects management and evaluation: - Flexibility: Agile allows one to adjust the approach as needed. - Showing Progress and Value: Agile encourages delivering tangible value early and often; Regular demos help stakeholders understand the project's direction and provide valuable feedback. - Continuous Learning and Improvement: Agile promotes a culture of learning and adaptation. Teams can learn from failures, adjust their models, and refine their approaches iteratively. - Agile is recommended for formative evaluation, which provides feedback and learning throughout the project, or for participatory evaluation, which involves the project team and other stakeholders in the evaluation design, data collection, analysis, and reporting. - Agile is useful to conduct the evaluation in an iterative and incremental manner, following the agile project cycle. One can collect and analyze data at the end of each phase, using qualitative and quantitative methods. Alignment of the proposal with AEA Mission, Vision, Values 1. AEA Mission: The AEA aims to promote the study of economics, foster economic research, and disseminate economic knowledge. Agile project management facilitates efficient research and knowledge dissemination. Agile teams adapt to changing requirements, ensuring timely delivery of economic insights and research findings. 2. AEA Vision: The AEA envisions a world where economic understanding informs public policy and improves societal well-being. Agile practices enable rapid response to policy and environment changes. Teams collaborate to deliver value, aligning with the vision of informed decision-making for societal benefit. 3. AEA Values: The AEA values rigorous research, intellectual diversity, and ethical conduct. Agile Alignment: a) Rigorous Practices: Agile emphasizes empirical evidence, continuous improvement, and transparency. b) Intellectual Collaboration: Agile teams include cross-functional members, fostering diverse viewpoints. c) Ethical Delivery: Agile principles prioritize delivering value ethically and responsibly. 4. AEA Innovation and Adaptability: Innovation in economic research drives progress. Adaptability to changing economic landscapes is crucial. Agile: Adaptability is inherent; teams respond to market shifts, iterate, and improve. 5. AEA Collaboration and Communication: Collaboration among economists, policymakers, and practitioners is vital. Agile: Cross-functional teams collaborate transparently, fostering effective communication.