Residuals, Red Flags, and Reality: Lessons in Evaluation Management

In Episode 13 of The Method to Our Madness Podcast, we sit down with evaluation management expert Kirk Knestis to unpack the real-world challenges of managing evaluation firms and projects—and how to handle them like a pro. From avoiding scope creep to setting up airtight quality assurance processes, Kirk shares practical strategies that can make or break an evaluation project. He dives into why separating study protocols from contracts is essential, how to establish clear expectations with clients, and what it really takes to run evaluation work as a sustainable business. Through two cautionary “horror stories,” Kirk reveals common pitfalls—from misaligned reporting expectations to misunderstandings of statistical results—that can be problematic for even the most well-designed evaluations. Whether you’re leading projects, managing teams, or transitioning into independent consulting, this episode offers essential lessons on protecting your work, maintaining flexibility, and navigating client relationships with confidence. A longer summary of the episode can be found at Episode 13 Notes.  Podcast music written and produced by Stacey Merola. Podcast artwork designed and created by Zoe Targino.