Fundamental Issues in Evaluation

Author: Nick L. Smith
Publisher: Guilford Press
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 296

Book Description
Providing state-of-the-art perspectives on what evaluation is, its purpose, and how to ensure it is done well, this book brings together major evaluation researchers from a variety of social and behavioral science disciplines. Each chapter identifies a fundamental issue facing the field today; considers its implications for theory, method, practice, or the profession; and explores one or more approaches to dealing with the issue. Among the topics addressed are the nature of expertise in evaluation, how to build a better evidence base for evaluation theory, promoting cultural competence in evaluation, how to synthesize evaluation research findings, ways to involve stakeholders in decision making, and much more.

Fundamental Issues in Evaluation

Author: Nick L. Smith
Publisher: Guilford Press
ISBN: 1593853424
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 289

Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement

Author: James C. McDavid
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 145228959X
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 561

Book Description
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.

Evaluation Foundations Revisited

Author: Thomas Schwandt
Publisher: Stanford University Press
ISBN: 080479572X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 216

Book Description
Evaluation examines policies and programs across every arena of human endeavor, from efforts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS to programs that drive national science policy. Relying on a vast array of methods, from qualitative interviewing to econometrics, it is a "transdiscipline," as opposed to a formal area of academic study. Accounting for these challenges, Evaluation Foundations Revisited offers an introduction for those seeking to better understand evaluation as a professional field. While the acquisition of methods and methodologies to meet the needs of certain projects is important, the foundation of evaluative practice rests on understanding complex issues to balance. Evaluation Foundations Revisited is an invitation to examine the intellectual, practical, and philosophical nexus that lies at the heart of evaluation. Thomas A. Schwandt shows how to critically engage with the assumptions that underlie how evaluators define and position their work, as well as how they argue for the usefulness of evaluation in society. He looks at issues such as the role of theory, how notions of value and valuing are understood, how evidence is used, how evaluation is related to politics, and what comprises scientific integrity. By coming to better understand the foundations of evaluation, readers will develop what Schwandt terms "a life of the mind of practice," which enables evaluators to draw on a more holistic view to develop reasoned arguments and well fitted techniques.

Evaluation Fundamentals

Author: Arlene Fink
Publisher: SAGE Publications
ISBN: 1483312836
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 305

Book Description
The Third Edition of Arlene Fink’s Evaluation Fundamentals teaches the basic concepts and vocabulary necessary to do program evaluations and review the quality of evaluation research to make informed decisions about methods and outcomes to meet scientific and community needs. Dr. Fink thoroughly examines such issues as how to justify evaluation questions and set standards of effectiveness, design studies, identify best practices, and conduct ethical research. The book contains numerous examples of evaluation methods, as well as evaluation reports. It also includes practice exercises and suggested readings in print and online. Individuals can use the New Edition successfully on their own or in small or large groups. “The text is extremely well organized. . . The concepts are easy to follow and the explanations are excellent.” —Sharon K. Drake, Iowa State University “Dr. Fink did an outstanding job of introducing concepts and practice of program evaluation in a way that anyone can understand. Those who are interested in program evaluation will enjoy this book regardless of their field of study.” —Young Ik Cho, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee “The key strength of this book is the introduction of the key concepts, terms, and considerations that are needed for an evaluation study. These introductions are concise, understandable, and in logical order.” —Richard C. Maurer, University of Kentucky

Issues in Coursebook Evaluation

Author:
Publisher: BRILL
ISBN: 9004387374
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 142

Book Description
In Issues in Coursebook Evaluation, Azarnoosh, Zeraatpishe, Faravani and Kargozari (Eds.) take a theory to practice approach in investigating basic topics in evaluating English language textbooks. In each case, theoretical foundations, specific evaluation criteria, and practical examples are presented.

Developmental Evaluation

Author: Michael Quinn Patton
Publisher: Guilford Press
ISBN: 1606238868
Category : Psychology
Languages : en
Pages : 401

Book Description
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.

EBOOK: Evaluation

Author: Jackie Green
Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education (UK)
ISBN: 0335229778
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 176

Book Description
What is evaluation? Why is it important in public health? How can evaluation lead to improved health outcomes? Evaluation and evidence-based practice are core to professional practice within the wider public health field. Practitioners in a range of sectors, including the voluntary sector, are increasingly being held to account for the success of projects and programmes of activity. Conducting evaluation can be challenging. Furthermore, the move to evidence-based practice demands that practitioners are able to critically interpret published evaluation findings. Evaluation is a readily accessible examination of the key theories and principles underpinning approaches to evaluation. It offers a guide to how these principles can be implemented in practice and provides insights into dealing with some of the real-life challenges and complexities of evaluation, including: Identifying indicators of success Developing an evaluation plan Ethical issues Making the most of findings This book is the first in a series on current theories and concepts for those working within the wider field of public health.

Fundamentals of Formation Evaluation

Author: Donald P. Helander
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 354

Book Description
This book will provide a basis for an introductory course in the formation evaluation. It is designed to be supplemented by problems to point out the important concepts.

Program Evaluation Theory and Practice

Author: Donna M. Mertens
Publisher: Guilford Press
ISBN: 1462503241
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 642

Book Description
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.