Purposeful Program Theory

Author: Sue C. Funnell
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470478578
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 576

Book Description
Between good intentions and great results lies a program theory not just a list of tasks but a vision of what needs to happen, and how. Now widely used in government and not-for-profit organizations, program theory provides a coherent picture of how change occurs and how to improve performance. Purposeful Program Theory shows how to develop, represent, and use program theory thoughtfully and strategically to suit your particular situation, drawing on the fifty-year history of program theory and the authors' experiences over more than twenty-five years. "From needs assessment to intervention design, from implementation to outcomes evaluation, from policy formulation to policy execution and evaluation, program theory is paramount. But until now no book has examined these multiple uses of program theory in a comprehensive, understandable, and integrated way. This promises to be a breakthrough book, valuable to practitioners, program designers, evaluators, policy analysts, funders, and scholars who care about understanding why an intervention works or doesn't work." Michael Quinn Patton, author, Utilization-Focused Evaluation "Finally, the definitive guide to evaluation using program theory! Far from the narrow 'one true way' approaches to program theory, this book provides numerous practical options for applying program theory to fulfill different purposes and constraints, and guides the reader through the sound critical thinking required to select from among the options. The tour de force of the history and use of program theory is a truly global view, with examples from around the world and across the full range of content domains. A must-have for any serious evaluator." E. Jane Davidson, PhD, Real Evaluation Ltd. Companion Web site: josseybass.com/go/funnellrogers

Purposeful Program Theory

Author: Sue C. Funnell
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470939893
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 576

Purposeful Program Theory: Effective Use of Theories of Change and Logic Models

Author: Sue C. Funnell
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780470000007
Category : Evaluation research (Social action programs)
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description

Knowledge Solutions

Author: Olivier Serrat
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 981100983X
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 1098

Book Description
This book is open access under a CC BY-NC 3.0 IGO license. This book comprehensively covers topics in knowledge management and competence in strategy development, management techniques, collaboration mechanisms, knowledge sharing and learning, as well as knowledge capture and storage. Presented in accessible “chunks,” it includes more than 120 topics that are essential to high-performance organizations. The extensive use of quotes by respected experts juxtaposed with relevant research to counterpoint or lend weight to key concepts; “cheat sheets” that simplify access and reference to individual articles; as well as the grouping of many of these topics under recurrent themes make this book unique. In addition, it provides scalable tried-and-tested tools, method and approaches for improved organizational effectiveness. The research included is particularly useful to knowledge workers engaged in executive leadership; research, analysis and advice; and corporate management and administration. It is a valuable resource for those working in the public, private and third sectors, both in industrialized and developing countries.

Logic Modeling Methods in Program Evaluation

Author: Joy A. Frechtling
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0787981966
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 160

Book Description
Written for students, researchers, consultants, professionals, and scholars, Logic Modeling Methods in Program Evaluation provides a step-by-step explanation of logic modeling and its importance in connecting theory with implementation and outcomes in program evaluation in the social sciences. Logic Modeling Methods in Program Evaluation’s comprehensive approach: · Shows how the logic model can be used to clarify assumptions, reach group consensus, and bridge between various disciplines; · Identifies the specific components of logic modeling and discusses inputs, activities, outputs, short and long-term outcomes, contextual factors, and optional components and variations; · Focuses on the critical role of consensus in the development of a logic model, including factors such as teaming, timing, and collaborative learning; · Explores issues such as the most common mistakes in the development and implementation of logic models and the use of logic models in projects with different levels of complexity or different durations; · Discusses how the logic model can be used to identify the range of outcomes to be examined and how summative questions can be prioritized; · Includes a variety of illustrative case studies of simple, multi-year, and complex projects and demonstrates the use of the logic model to establish project goals and evaluate the project’s outcome.

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.

Theory of Change

Author: Champion Muthle
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 124

Book Description
A Theory of Change is a planning, participation, and evaluation process that companies, philanthropists, nonprofits, governments, and groups go through to promote social change. The term Theory of Change was coined by Peter Drucker in his 1954 book, The Practice of Management. He defined it as a form of Management by objectives whereby organizations identify and follow high and low order goals in order to meet their objectives. But what is a Theory of Change exactly? How has the term and practice evolved? And what are its major setbacks and limitations? In Theory of Change, award-winning Social Strategist Entrepreneur Champion Muthle explores the history, evolution and impact of Theory of Change since its inception. The question naturally arises: Do Theories of Change serve to further frustrate or compliment strategic thinking and social impact efforts? This is a question the author explores throughout the book as he unpacks the history, structure, models, measurement, application, effectiveness, innovation, and growth of Theories of Change, eventually coming to propose new models-based on simplicity, minimalism, and culture-to better meet the demands and realities of modern times.

Asking Questions

Author: Norman M. Bradburn
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0787973432
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 446

Book Description
Since it was first published more than twenty-five years ago, Asking Questions has become a classic guide for designing questionnaires3⁄4the most widely used method for collecting information about people?s attitudes and behavior. An essential tool for market researchers advertisers, pollsters, and social scientists, this thoroughly updated and definitive work combines time-proven techniques with the most current research, findings, and methods. The book presents a cognitive approach to questionnaire design and includes timely information on the Internet and electronic resources. Comprehensive and concise, Asking Questions can be used to design questionnaires for any subject area, whether administered by telephone, online, mail, in groups, or face-to-face. The book describes the design process from start to finish and is filled with illustrative examples from actual surveys.

The ABCs of Evaluation

Author: John Boulmetis
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1118103661
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 191

Book Description
Thoroughly revised and updated, the third edition of bestselling The ABCs of Evaluation offers an introduction to program evaluation. This comprehensive textbook covers topics such as stakeholder relationships, program design, data collection and analysis, reporting results, and other important steps in the evaluation process. The ABCs of Evaluation shows how to select participants for the evaluation and how to deal with multiple goals and objectives including those of the organization, the staff, and the client. The authors illustrate the circumstances under which each evaluation model can be used, and offer tips on identifying data sources and collecting the data. This revision includes substantially increased coverage of theory, methodological approaches, the business of evaluation, the evaluator's role and responsibilities, RFPs and the grants process, logic models, data analysis, and writing the evaluation report. Also included are new cases and scenarios from various evaluation realms in social sciences, education, health, and human services. Throughout the book, charts, graphs, models, and lists help organize, extend, and facilitate the understanding of each evaluation concept. Praise for the Previous Edition of The ABCs of Evaluation "A useful general overview of the evaluation process. I would recommend it to program or project managers wanting to know more about the process of evaluation." American Journal of Evaluation "All students (and practitioners) should have this in their library; they will use it frequently." Patricia McGee, PhD, associate professor, University of Texas, San Antonio Companion Web site: www.josseybass.com/go/Boulmetis

Power in Projects, Programs and Portfolios

Author: John Ryding Olsson
Publisher: Djoef Publishing
ISBN: 9788757434095
Category : Magt-organisationer
Languages : en
Pages : 0

Book Description
Power in Projects, Programs, and Portfolios is the best-selling Danish project management book that highlights the immensely successful Scandinavian approach to leadership within project management, and it takes a more holistic approach to project work and project management. The authoritative book deals with classic project management disciplines and focuses on the essential link between strategic priorities, any program's impact and a project's powerful execution. It takes an in-depth look at areas such as change management, change communication, benefit tracking, program management, and portfolio management. The book offers a large number of practical tools within projects management and leadership with on-line access to concrete and easy-to-use practical tools and templates. Recent years have seen a pronounced increase in the need for professional project management and the careful handling of associated portfolios. This success is essential as key projects become ever more vital for the development and survival of organizations. It is no longer enough for projects to 'just' produce a set of deliverables. They are expected to make a genuine difference within the organization and effect that organization's role in the wider world. Consequently, project management is not just about project managers, it's about how senior management handles crucial portfolios successfully as well. Such active project management requires power, strength, drive, and energy, not only within the individual project itself, but also within the organization's programs and entire project portfolio. It places new demands on both the project manager and their senior management. To access accompanying tools, please visit https: //www.djoef-forlag.dk/sites/powertools/ [Subject: Project Management, Business