29: Project Management with Jennifer Puma

Jennifer Puma and I talk about project management in evaluation, including how she manages evaluation projects from start to finish and how she brings her project management training into her organizations and with the clients she works with. We discuss things like scoping projects, setting up ad hoc meetings, how project management aligns with various types of budgeting approaches, and so much more! Also, be sure to check out the Glass Frog Podcast, which is another evaluation-related podcast that I highly recommend! As a reformed management consultant, Jennifer leverages more than 15 years of consulting and project management experience to manage program evaluations and research projects at Glass Frog. Her functional specialty is in the development and practical application of theories of change and evaluation frameworks. Jennifer holds a B.A. degree from The College of New Jersey and a M.P.A. degree from The Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University. She lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband and ridiculous rescue dog, Sammy. Here is the John Oliver clip that Jen mentions as well: Nothing Good Happens in Excel. As Jen says, "When it comes to project management, we do some of our work in Excel and share with clients but are careful to check in, first, about their level of comfort with Excel. John Oliver's observation is funny because it's true." Music by Matt Ingelson, http://www.mattingelsonmusic.com/