Purposeful Evaluation A Practical Guide to Design, Development and Delivery
Produktdetaljer
Biografisk notat
David Parsons is a programme evaluator with over 30 years’ experience of independent public policy analysis in the UK, Europe and internationally. He is also Visiting Professor at Leeds Beckett University, Principal Consultant at P&A Research and Consulting, and Programme Lead for evaluation practitioner training at the UK’s Social Research Association.<p>“At last, a book that provides - in one place - everything that the prospective evaluator needs to get started. This is practical, accessible advice grounded in real-world experience.” Andrew Jarvis, Vice President, ICF</p><p>
</p>
<p>“This is a highly engaging book on evaluation that will address many of the questions you have, whether you are new to evaluation or more experienced. It is informed by many conversations with researchers from government, academia and charities and, therefore, grounded in the real world. Highly recommended reading.” Tina Haux, Chief Executive Officer, Social Research Association</p><p>
</p>
This book offers a practical guide for those transitioning from research to systematic evaluation.
With growing demand for reliable evaluation across government, charities and other institutions, many new evaluators lack necessary knowledge and skills. This book addresses those gaps, offering step-by-step guidance on designing and delivering fit-for-purpose evaluations to maximise their use and utility. Taking a holistic approach to the evaluation journey, it covers key challenges such as engaging stakeholders, managing expectations and handling resource pressures.
With real-world case studies and practical tools, this is an essential resource for practitioners across public, academic and voluntary sectors.
Part 1: Starting Points
1. Why purposeful evaluation?
Part 2: Setting the Foundations
2. Defining the purpose
3. Managing evaluation objectives and expectations
4. Managing the ethical dimension
Part 3: Choosing the Right Method
5. Understanding the choices
6. Process evaluation
7. Economic evaluation
8. Fully experimental impact evaluation
9. Quasi-experimental impact evaluation
10. Theory-based impact evaluation
11. Meta-evaluation
Part 4: Putting it in Place: Preparation into Delivery
12. Preparation and groundwork
13. Managing challenges and delivery
Part 5: Presenting and Mobilising Evidence
14. Delivering the evidence
15. Optimising evaluation influence
A comprehensive guide designed specifically for new evaluators and early practitioners;
Covers the entire evaluation journey, from design to delivery, addressing real-world challenges;
Includes case studies, practical tools and guidance on avoiding common pitfalls in evaluation practice.