Working with Assumptions in International Development Program Evaluation

Working with Assumptions in International Development Program Evaluation PDF Author: Apollo M. Nkwake
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461447976
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 191

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Book Description
​ A major reason complex programs are so difficult to evaluate is that the assumptions that inspire them are poorly articulated. Stakeholders of such programs are often unclear about how the change process will unfold. Thus, it is so difficult to reasonably anticipate the early and midterm changes that need to happen in order for a longer-term goalto be reached. The lack of clarity about the “mini-steps” that must be taken to reach a long-term outcome not only makes the task of evaluating a complex initiative challenging, but reduces the likelihood that all of the important factors related to the long term goal will be addressed. Most of the resources that have attempted to address this dilemma have been popularized as theory of change or sometimes program theory approaches. Although these approaches emphasize and elaborate the sequence of changes/mini steps that lead to the long-term goal of interest and the connections between program activities and outcomes that occur at each step of the way, they do not do enough to clarify how program managers or evaluators should deal with assumptions. Assumptions, the glue that holds all the pieces together, remain abstract and far from applicable. In this book the author tackles this important assumptions theme head-on-covering a breadth of ground from the epistemology of development assumptions, to the art of making logical assumptions as well as recognizing, explicit zing and testing assumptions with in an elaborate program theory from program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Working with Assumptions in International Development Program Evaluation

Working with Assumptions in International Development Program Evaluation PDF Author: Apollo M. Nkwake
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1461447976
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 191

Get Book Here

Book Description
​ A major reason complex programs are so difficult to evaluate is that the assumptions that inspire them are poorly articulated. Stakeholders of such programs are often unclear about how the change process will unfold. Thus, it is so difficult to reasonably anticipate the early and midterm changes that need to happen in order for a longer-term goalto be reached. The lack of clarity about the “mini-steps” that must be taken to reach a long-term outcome not only makes the task of evaluating a complex initiative challenging, but reduces the likelihood that all of the important factors related to the long term goal will be addressed. Most of the resources that have attempted to address this dilemma have been popularized as theory of change or sometimes program theory approaches. Although these approaches emphasize and elaborate the sequence of changes/mini steps that lead to the long-term goal of interest and the connections between program activities and outcomes that occur at each step of the way, they do not do enough to clarify how program managers or evaluators should deal with assumptions. Assumptions, the glue that holds all the pieces together, remain abstract and far from applicable. In this book the author tackles this important assumptions theme head-on-covering a breadth of ground from the epistemology of development assumptions, to the art of making logical assumptions as well as recognizing, explicit zing and testing assumptions with in an elaborate program theory from program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

Evaluating Advancement Programs

Evaluating Advancement Programs PDF Author:
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Education, Higher
Languages : en
Pages : 506

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Book Description


Evaluating Development Programmes and Projects

Evaluating Development Programmes and Projects PDF Author: Reidar Dale
Publisher: SAGE
ISBN: 9780761933106
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 218

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Book Description
Issues of evaluation methodology, practice and use have become prominent in recent times since the need for evaluation is increasingly being felt in many different areas of public life. This entirely New Edition of a successful book deals with the focus, scope and methodology of evaluation in the field of societal development. The focus is on development programmes and projects in lesser developed countries but the author’s methodological frameworks have a wider framework.

Evaluating Research Efficiency in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Evaluating Research Efficiency in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309178193
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 152

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Book Description
A new book from the National Research Council recommends changes in how the federal government evaluates the efficiency of research at EPA and other agencies. Assessing efficiency should be considered only one part of gauging a program's quality, relevance, and effectiveness. The efficiency of research processes and that of investments should be evaluated using different approaches. Investment efficiency should examine whether an agency's R&D portfolio, including the budget, is relevant, of high quality, matches the agency's strategic plan. These evaluations require panels of experts. In contrast, process efficiency should focus on "inputs" (the people, funds, and facilities dedicated to research) and "outputs" (the services, grants, publications, monitoring, and new techniques produced by research), as well as their timelines and should be evaluated using quantitative measures. The committee recommends that the efficiency of EPA's research programs be evaluated according to the same standards used at other agencies. To ensure this, OMB should train and oversee its budget examiners so that the PART questionnaire is implemented consistently and equitably across agencies.

Outcome Mapping

Outcome Mapping PDF Author: Sarah Earl
Publisher: IDRC (International Development Research Centre)
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 158

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Book Description
Outcome Mapping: Building learning and reflection into development programs

Program Evaluation Theory and Practice

Program Evaluation Theory and Practice PDF Author: Donna M. Mertens
Publisher: Guilford Press
ISBN: 1462503241
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 642

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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.

Evaluating Professional Development

Evaluating Professional Development PDF Author: Thomas R. Guskey
Publisher: Corwin Press
ISBN: 9780761975618
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 332

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Book Description
Explains how to better evaluate professional development in order to ensure that it increases student learning, providing questions for accurate measurement of professional development and showing how to demonstrate results and accountability.

Evaluating Progress of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program

Evaluating Progress of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program PDF Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
ISBN: 0309108268
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 178

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Book Description
The U.S. Climate Change Science Program (CCSP) coordinates the efforts of 13 federal agencies to understand why climate is changing, to improve predictions about how it will change in the future, and to use that information to assess impacts on human systems and ecosystems and to better support decision making. Evaluating Progress of the U.S. Climate Change Science Program is the first review of the CCSP's progress since the program was established in 2002. It lays out a method for evaluating the CCSP, and uses that method to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the entire program and to identify areas where progress has not met expectations. The committee found that the program has made good progress in documenting and understanding temperature trends and related environmental changes on a global scale, as well as in understanding the influence of human activities on these observed changes. The ability to predict future climate changes also has improved, but efforts to understand the impacts of such changes on society and analyze mitigation and adaptation strategies are still relatively immature. The program also has not met expectations in supporting decision making, studying regional impacts, and communicating with a wider group of stakeholders.

Evaluation of Economic Development Programs

Evaluation of Economic Development Programs PDF Author: United States. Congress. House. Committee on Public Works. Special Subcommittee on Economic Development Programs
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Economic assistance, Domestic
Languages : en
Pages : 248

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Book Description


Evaluation of Economic Development Programs- Part II, Hearings Before the Special Subcommittee on Economic Development Programs ... 91-2

Evaluation of Economic Development Programs- Part II, Hearings Before the Special Subcommittee on Economic Development Programs ... 91-2 PDF Author: United States. Congress. House Public Works
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 420

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Book Description