Developing an M&E system for a wicked problem
Stephens, Anne, and Thomas, Jill (2025) Developing an M&E system for a wicked problem. Evaluation Journal of Australasia, 25 (2). pp. 127-146.
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Abstract
Wicked problems are a challenge due to their dynamic and uncertain behaviour, inter-relationships with multiple systems and sub-systems, actors or non-human variables, and scale. Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) is a crucial element of any intervention seeking to contribute to positive change. This article explores a process used to design an M&E system that responds to a wicked problem. The authors argue that wicked problems require an M&E system design that is grounded in systemic thinking. Such an approach has been adopted to design an M&E system for counter-trafficking in persons by the Australian Government funded Australia and South East Asian Nations (ASEAN)-Australian Counter Trafficking program. This article describes the process used to develop the M&E system and the value of using systemic thinking to inform M&E system design for wicked problems and concludes with lessons learned.
| Item ID: | 87975 |
|---|---|
| Item Type: | Article (Research - C1) |
| ISSN: | 1035-719X |
| Keywords: | M&E system, systemic evaluation, the GEMs framework, trafficking in persons, Wicked problems |
| Copyright Information: | © The Author(s) 2025 This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. |
| Date Deposited: | 05 Mar 2026 06:24 |
| FoR Codes: | 44 HUMAN SOCIETY > 4407 Policy and administration > 440712 Social policy @ 100% |
| SEO Codes: | 28 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 2801 Expanding knowledge > 280123 Expanding knowledge in human society @ 100% |
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