RealWorld Evaluation

by Bamberger

• ISBN13: 9781412979627
• ISBN10: 1412979625
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-12-01
• Publisher: SAGE Publications, Inc

Summary

This book helps practicing evaluators design and conduct competent evaluation studies, while explicitly considering resource and data constraints. The book is organized around a six-step model developed by the authors, and which has been tested and refined in workshops that cater to a broad spectrum of evaluation practitioners. Vignettes from practice and case studies, representing evaluations from a variety of geographic regions and sectors, demonstrate adaptive possibilities for small projects with budgets of a few thousand dollars, or timelines as brief as a few days, to large-scale, long-term evaluations with multi-million-dollar budgets. The text is specifically designed to incorporate quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method designs.

Table of Contents

The RealWorld Evaluation Approach

Overview: RealWorld Evaluation and the Contexts in Which It Is Used

[Step 1] Scoping the Evaluation: First clarify the purpose

[Step 2] Budget Constraints: Not enough money

[Step 3] Time Constraints: Addressing scheduling and other time constraints

[Step 4] Data Constraints: Critical information is missing or difficult to collect

[Step 5] Addressing Political Influences: Reconciling different priorities and perspectives

[Step 6] Strengthening the Evaluation Design and the Validity of Conclusions

[Step 7] Making it Useful: Helping clients and other stakeholders use the evaluation findings and recommendations

a Review of Evaluation Methods and Approaches and their Application in RealWorld Evaluation: For those who would like to dig deeper on particular evaluation topics

Ensuring competent and ethical practice in the conduct of the evaluation

Theory-based evaluation

Evaluation designs

Quantitative evaluation approaches

Qualitative evaluation approaches

Mixed method evaluations

Sampling

Evaluating complex, multi-component development interventions

Organizing and Managing Evaluations and Strengthening Evaluation Capacity: For readers involved with the funding and management of evaluations

Organizing and managing evaluations

Strengthening evaluation capacity

Conclusions and challenges and the road ahead

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