Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation

by Wholey, Joseph S.; Hatry, Harry P.; Newcomer, Kathryn E.

• ISBN13: 9780470522479
• ISBN10: 047052247X
• Edition: 3rd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-11-09
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass

Summary

The book is designed to enable students of public policy, policymakers and mangers to obtain useful information and conduct successful systematic evaluations, even under tight resource constraints. This text presents a wide variety of approaches to evaluation through brief, authoritative articles by top academics and practitioners. Thoroughly revised and updated this third edition is filled with the most current information, up-to-date examples, and puts increased emphasis on practical applicability. The third edition also features a new and up-dated instructor's manual.

Author Biography

Joseph S. Wholey is professor emeritus at the School of Policy, Planning, and Development at the University of Southern California.

Harry P. Hatry is director of the Public Management Program at the Urban Institute, where he also previously served as director of the State-Local Government Research Program.

Kathryn E. Newcomer is director of the Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration at The George Washington University.

Table of Contents

Figures, Tables, and Exhibits

Preface

The Editors

The Contributors

Evaluation Planning and Design

Planning and Designing Useful Evaluations

Analyzing and Engaging Stakeholders

Using Logic Models

Exploratory Evaluation

Performance Measurement: Monitoring Program Outcomes

Comparison Group Designs

Randomized Controlled Trials and Nonrandomized Designs

Conducting Case Studies

Recruitment and Retention of Study Participants

Designing, Managing, and Analyzing Multisite Evaluations

Practical Data Collection Procedures

Using Agency Records

Using Surveys

Using Trained Observer Ratings

Collecting Data in the Field

Using the Internet

Conducting Semi-Structured Interviews

Focus Group Interviewing

Using Stories in Evaluation

Data Analysis

Qualitative Data Analysis

Using Statistics in Evaluation

Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Benefit Analysis

Meta-Analyses, Systematic Reviews, and Evaluation Syntheses

Use of Evaluation

Pitfalls in Evaluation

Providing Recommendations, Suggestions, and Options for Improvement

Writing for Impact

Contracting for Evaluation Products and Services

Use of Evaluation in Government: The Politics of Evaluation

Evaluation Challenges, Issues, and Trends

Name Index

Subject Index

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