Journal of MultiDisciplinary Evaluation (JMDE) is organized into the following sections. Each has its own length and content expectations, which are set out below. 

Double-Anonymous Peer Reviewed (Scholarly articles)

Research on Evaluation Articles: This section features original studies that advance knowledge and practice in evaluation. We welcome empirical studies – qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods – that examine evaluation theory, methods, practice, or use. Examples may include, but are not limited to, systematic reviews, formal case studies, or theory-building initiatives. Research on evaluation may include inquiry into evaluation practice, theory, policy, governance, technical assistance, capacity building, field building, or professionalization, to name a few topics. Submissions should be guided by clear research questions, design, and methods. Submissions should be relevant to evaluation scholars, practitioners, or policymakers, and clearly contribute to advancing the field of evaluation. Articles in this section are no longer than 7,500 words, excluding tables and references. Articles in this section will be double-anonymous peer reviewed.

Stories from Evaluation Practice: This section features reflective, practice-based contributions that offer insight into real-world evaluation experiences. These case examples highlight specific aspects of evaluation practice – such as engagement, use of findings, methodological adaptations, or ethical tensions – through concise, scholarly reflection grounded in lived experience. These stories may reflect experiential learning, honor local knowledge holders, or affirm the importance of praxis (the bridging of theory and practice, thought and action). Submissions should aim to inform and inspire evaluators by sharing lessons learned, practical strategies, and thoughtful analysis. While not formal case studies, articles should demonstrate clear relevance to the evaluation field and be written with a critical, reflective lens.  Submissions should be accessible to evaluation practitioners and policymakers, with the possibility to be used while teaching evaluation or to inform future research on evaluation studies. Articles in this section are no longer than 7,500 words, excluding tables and references. Articles in this section will be double-anonymous, peer-reviewed.

Teaching Evaluation: This section showcases innovative and thoughtful approaches to teaching evaluation in academic, professional, or community settings. Contributions may include the development or sharing of unique course designs, instructional strategies, or hands-on learning activities; useful tools or resources for teaching evaluation; reflections on challenges and successes in building evaluation capacity; or approaches that draw insight from natural, ecological, or other complex systems to inform evaluative thinking and practice. Submissions should offer practical insights grounded in experience, with clear implications for others involved in teaching or training evaluators. While not research articles, these pieces should maintain a scholarly tone and contribute to the broader conversation about how evaluation is taught and learned, including how learning emerges through interaction with human and non-human systems. Articles in this section are no longer than 5,000 words, excluding tables and references. Articles in this section will be double-anonymous peer reviewed.

 

Single-Anonymous Editor Reviewed (Scholarly reflections)

Reviews of Evaluation Resources: This section features reviews that critically engage with resources of interest to the evaluation community, including books, journals, conferences, training programs, and other relevant media. Reviews should go beyond summary to offer thoughtful analysis, highlight key contributions or limitations, and consider the relevance and usefulness of the resource for evaluators. We welcome a variety of formats and styles, provided the review maintains a scholarly tone and offers clear value to readers. Articles in this section are no longer than 2,500 words, excluding tables and references. Articles in this section will be single-anonymous reviewed by at least two members of the editorial board.

Ideas to Consider: This section offers a space for sharing emerging ideas, provocative questions, and thoughtful commentary relevant to the field of evaluation. Submissions may explore new directions, challenge assumptions, propose conceptual frameworks, or spark dialogue around complex or underexplored issues that can be tested and further refined. We are flexible in the style and structure of submissions in this section. These pieces are intended to stimulate reflection and conversation rather than present empirical findings. Articles in this section are no longer than 2,500 words, excluding tables and references. Articles in this section will be single-anonymous reviewed by at least two members of the editorial board. 

 

Please Note: JMDE does not publish evaluation reports, but instead the journal disseminates scholarly work that contributes to the advancement and understanding of evaluation as a profession and practice. Submissions should extend beyond reporting on a single evaluation project or client. While examples from specific evaluations may be included, the focus must be on insights, methods, or implications that advance understanding of evaluation more broadly. Manuscripts centered primarily on presenting evaluation findings for a particular program, client, or context are outside of the scope of JMDE’s mission and will not be considered for publication.