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An Introduction to Evaluation
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An Introduction to Evaluation

First Edition
  • Chris Fox - Manchester Metropolitan University, UK
  • Robert Grimm - Ipsos Political and Social Research
  • Rute Caldeira - Head of Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning at Transparency International


October 2016 | 328 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd

Both practical and theoretical in approach, this book is the perfect companion for student researchers and policy makers alike. It provides actionable advice for planning and implementing evaluations, while also instilling an ability to assess the evaluations of others and consider the ways in which evaluation evidence could influence policy and practice.

Drawing upon a wide range of examples from policy areas like education, criminal justice, and health and social care, this book showcases how evaluation is an interdisciplinary research practice with a spectrum of applications. Each chapter contains philosophical underpinnings and applied knowledge as well as examples from published evaluations.

Specific topics include how to:

  • Choose an approach to evaluation
  • Plan, design, and conduct evaluations
  • Approach evaluations using theories of change
  • Differentiate between process, impact, and economic evaluations
  • Understand the role of quantitative and qualitative methods in data collection
  • Use systematic reviews and other tools to assess and disseminate evaluation findings

From getting started in the field to turning evidence into policy, this book will guide you through every step of the evaluation process.

 
SECTION ONE: GETTING STARTED
 
What is evaluation?
 
The ethics of evaluations
 
SECTION TWO: UNDERTAKING AN EVALUATION
 
Theories of change
 
Process evaluation
 
Impact evaluation
 
Economic evaluation
 
Evaluation methods
 
SECTION 3: THE PRACTICE OF EVALUATION
 
Planning an evaluation
 
Conducting an evaluation
 
SECTION 4: USING EVALUATION FINDINGS
 
Systematic reviews
 
Knowledge mobilisation: getting evidence into policy and practice
 
SECTION 5: EVALUATION PARADIGMS
 
Evaluation paradigms and the limits of evidence based policy
 
Conclusion

Program evaluation is key to the evidence based policy making that governments, NGOs, and even businesses are embracing all over the world. This unique, outstanding publication is required reading for anyone interested in understanding the key elements of this important topic. 

Darrell Bricker
CEO, Ipsos Public Affairs

This book offers a refreshingly applied view of evaluation and shows how to fit methods and techniques to the contrasting circumstances and needs of different projects. Its cross-theory approach and practical examples will help advanced students and researchers alike address the real tensions that evaluators today face from rising user expectations and diminishing budgets and timeframes.

David Parsons
Visiting Professor, Carnegie Faculty, Leeds Beckett University

Compact and informative book. Very useful reference. Added to the reference list.

Michele Gazzola
Institute for Research in Social Sciences, Ulster University
May 31, 2022

A very interesting book on evaluation which is suitable for both students and practitioners, using a range of real life examples. Wide coverage of the topic from definition, design, practical advice, systematic reviews, and key paradigms and perspectives.

Dr Mansour Pourmehdi
Sociology, Manchester Metropolitan University
April 1, 2022

the book is well-written and well-organised. Perhaps pitched somewhat high for my students but definitely recommend it

Dr Spyros Themelis
Sch of Education & Lifelong Learning, University of East Anglia
February 2, 2018

For instructors

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ISBN: 9781473902879
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