How to Focus an Evaluation

How to Focus an Evaluation
Author: Brian Stecher
Publisher: SAGE
Total Pages: 104
Release: 1987
Genre: Education
ISBN: 9780803931275

Changes in the initial stages of the evaluation process over the last decade are reflected in How to Focus an Evaluation. A new book in the series, this volume replaces the first edition's How to Deal with Goals and Objectives. The volume recognizes that deciding what to evaluate is a complex negotiation process that involves the methodological predisposition of the evaluator and the client, client needs, the nature of the program and the constraints surrounding the evaluation. It outlines five models that characterize different methodological approaches and considers how each may contribute to the focusing process. The text provides advice on how and what type of information to collect from clients, how to clarify and prioritize evaluation concerns, and how to formulate a plan matching evaluation concerns with data collection procedures within cost constraints.

Principles-Focused Evaluation

Principles-Focused Evaluation
Author: Michael Quinn Patton
Publisher: Guilford Publications
Total Pages: 462
Release: 2017-09-28
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1462531903

How can programs and organizations ensure they are adhering to core principles--and assess whether doing so is yielding desired results? From evaluation pioneer Michael Quinn Patton, this book introduces the principles-focused evaluation (P-FE) approach and demonstrates its relevance and application in a range of settings. Patton explains why principles matter for program development and evaluation and how they can serve as a rudder to navigate the uncertainties, turbulence, and emergent challenges of complex dynamic environments. In-depth exemplars illustrate how the unique GUIDE framework is used to determine whether principles provide meaningful guidance (G) and are useful (U), inspiring (I), developmentally adaptable (D), and evaluable (E). User-friendly features include rubrics, a P-FE checklist, firsthand reflections and examples from experienced P-FE practitioners, sidebars and summary tables, and end-of-chapter application exercises. ÿ

Utilization-Focused Evaluation

Utilization-Focused Evaluation
Author: Michael Quinn Patton
Publisher: SAGE Publications, Incorporated
Total Pages: 376
Release: 1986
Genre: Political Science
ISBN:

The second edition of Patton's classic text retains the practical advice, based on empirical observation and evaluation theory, of the original. It shows how to conduct an evaluation, from beginning to end, in a way that will be useful -- and actually used. Patton believes that evaluation epitomizes the challenges of producing and using information in the information age. His latest book includes new stories, new examples, new research findings, and more of Patton's evaluation humour. He adds to the original book's insights and analyses of the changes in evaluation during the past decade, including: the emergence of evaluation as a field of professional practice; articulation of standards for evaluation; a methodological synthesis of the qualitative versus quantitative debate; the tremendous growth of 'in-house' evaluations; and the cross-cultural development of evaluation as a profession. This edition also incorporates the considerable research done on utilization during the last ten years. Patton integrates diverse findings into a coherent framework which includes: articulation of utilization-focused evaluation premises; examination of the stakeholder assumption; and clarification of the meaning of utilization. --Publisher description.

Program Evaluation

Program Evaluation
Author: Robert O. Brinkerhoff
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
Total Pages: 248
Release: 2012-12-06
Genre: Education
ISBN: 9401167575

Please glance over the questions that follow and read the answers to those that are of interest. Q: What does this manual do? A: This manual guides the user through designing an evaluation. A: Who can use it? A: Anyone interested or involved in evaluating professional trammg or inservice education programs. The primary users will be staff members who are doing their own program evaluation-maybe for the first time. (Experienced evaluators or other professional educators can find useful guides and worksheets in it.) Q: If I work through this manual, what will I accomplish? A: You will develop one or more evaluation designs, and perhaps you'll also use the designs to evaluate something to make it better or to document its current value. Q: What is an evaluation design? A: An evaluation design is a conceptual and procedural map for getting important information about training efforts to people who can use it, as shown in the graphic below.

Program Evaluation Theory and Practice

Program Evaluation Theory and Practice
Author: Donna M. Mertens
Publisher: Guilford Press
Total Pages: 642
Release: 2012-02-20
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1462503241

This engaging text takes an evenhanded approach to major theoretical paradigms in evaluation and builds a bridge from them to evaluation practice. Featuring helpful checklists, procedural steps, provocative questions that invite readers to explore their own theoretical assumptions, and practical exercises, the book provides concrete guidance for conducting large- and small-scale evaluations. Numerous sample studies—many with reflective commentary from the evaluators—reveal the process through which an evaluator incorporates a paradigm into an actual research project. The book shows how theory informs methodological choices (the specifics of planning, implementing, and using evaluations). It offers balanced coverage of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches. Useful pedagogical features include: *Examples of large- and small-scale evaluations from multiple disciplines. *Beginning-of-chapter reflection questions that set the stage for the material covered. *"Extending your thinking" questions and practical activities that help readers apply particular theoretical paradigms in their own evaluation projects. *Relevant Web links, including pathways to more details about sampling, data collection, and analysis. *Boxes offering a closer look at key evaluation concepts and additional studies. *Checklists for readers to determine if they have followed recommended practice. *A companion website with resources for further learning.

A Practical Guide to Program Evaluation Planning

A Practical Guide to Program Evaluation Planning
Author: Marc A. Zimmerman
Publisher: SAGE
Total Pages: 185
Release: 2009
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1412967759

This book guides evaluators in planning a comprehensive, yet practical, program evaluation—from start to design—within any context, in an accessible manner.

Facilitating Evaluation

Facilitating Evaluation
Author: Michael Quinn Patton
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Total Pages: 249
Release: 2017-10-23
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1506347622

Michael Quinn Patton’s Facilitating Evaluation: Principles in Practice is the first book of its kind to explain in depth and detail how to facilitate evaluation processes with stakeholders. Using the author’s own stories of his experiences as an evaluation facilitator, the book illustrates the five evaluation facilitation principles that are the organizing framework for addressing how to work with stakeholders to generate evaluation questions, make decisions among methods, interpret findings, and participate in all aspects of evaluation. Ultimately, this book will help readers perform facilitation to enhance the relevance, credibility, meaningfulness, and utility of evaluations. "A must-read for anyone considering a high-impact evaluation!" –Margaret Lombe, Boston College

Developmental Evaluation

Developmental Evaluation
Author: Michael Quinn Patton
Publisher: Guilford Press
Total Pages: 401
Release: 2010-06-14
Genre: Psychology
ISBN: 1606238868

Developmental evaluation (DE) offers a powerful approach to monitoring and supporting social innovations by working in partnership with program decision makers. In this book, eminent authority Michael Quinn Patton shows how to conduct evaluations within a DE framework. Patton draws on insights about complex dynamic systems, uncertainty, nonlinearity, and emergence. He illustrates how DE can be used for a range of purposes: ongoing program development, adapting effective principles of practice to local contexts, generating innovations and taking them to scale, and facilitating rapid response in crisis situations. Students and practicing evaluators will appreciate the book's extensive case examples and stories, cartoons, clear writing style, "closer look" sidebars, and summary tables. Provided is essential guidance for making evaluations useful, practical, and credible in support of social change.

Internal Evaluation

Internal Evaluation
Author: Arnold J. Love
Publisher: SAGE
Total Pages: 174
Release: 1991-03
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9780803932012

This text provides an introduction to the theory and practice of internal evaluation. It presents the stages of internal evaluation growth, ways of identifying users' needs and selecting appropriate evaluation methods.

Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement

Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement
Author: James C. McDavid
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Total Pages: 561
Release: 2012-10-25
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 145228959X

Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement: An Introduction to Practice, Second Edition offers an accessible, practical introduction to program evaluation and performance measurement for public and non-profit organizations, and has been extensively updated since the first edition. Using examples, it covers topics in a detailed fashion, making it a useful guide for students as well as practitioners who are participating in program evaluations or constructing and implementing performance measurement systems. Authors James C. McDavid, Irene Huse, and Laura R. L. Hawthorn guide readers through conducting quantitative and qualitative program evaluations, needs assessments, cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analyses, as well as constructing, implementing and using performance measurement systems. The importance of professional judgment is highlighted throughout the book as an intrinsic feature of evaluation practice.