A Case in Practice

Facilitating Problem Definition in a Systems Change Approach

Bibliographic Data

ID12470798
AuthorsKristen Rohanna (0000-0002-8326-2430, University of California, Los Angeles, corresponding author), Joy Zimmerman (0000-0002-2719-5800, University of California, Los Angeles), Christina A Christie (0000-0002-2842-5006, University of California, Los Angeles)
Year2026
Publication date2026-02-16
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAmerican Journal of Evaluation (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1098-2140 • E-ISSN: 1557-0878
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/10982140261418648
OpenAlexW7129094281
LanguageEN
References cited15

Evaluation can be a means for improving challenging problems and transforming systems in addition to determining worth. In the past decade, the field of evaluation has embraced more formative modes of evaluation, including systems thinking and complexity science approaches, that seek to improve a particular problem, situation, or system within which the problem is situated. As such, the evaluator’s initial role may be one that supports interest holders in identifying and defining a problem before seeking to improve it. However, the evaluation literature is limited in studies and discussions about problem definition. Through an illustrative case study, this research demonstrates how to facilitate problem definition in a systems change approach known as Problem-Bound Evaluation. The findings emphasize a need for structured yet flexible facilitation when using the tools and embracing multiple perspectives to understand a problem

Critical systems thinking · Evaluation methods · Field (mathematics · Formative assessment · Systems analysis · Systems science · Systems thinking · Theory of change · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Evaluation and Performance Assessment · Health Policy Implementation Science

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access