"Showing how evaluation practice looks when guided by theory, the third edition of the influential "theory tree" book is significantly revised with over 80% new material, including a greater focus on equity and theories over theorists. Chapters from leading authorities describe the goals of each the
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ory; the type of evaluation for which it is appropriate (formative, summary formative, summative, adaptive); the size of the program for which it is most applicable; specific prescriptions; and observable actions that help to define the theory. Readers are given the tools to select suitable approaches for the size, contexts and stage of an evaluation and their own personal values. New to this edition: chapters on culturally responsive evaluation, indigenous evaluation, and developmental evaluation; organized around theories rather than individual theorists; increased attention to practical applications, including a chapter distilling the goals, methods, and standards of evaluations based on each theory; and a case study chapter on the role of theory in evaluation policy." (Publisher description)
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"The purpose of this guidance is to clarify the concept of quality in developmental evaluations managed by UNFPA. It is intended to increase the understanding of UNFPA evaluation staff, external evaluation consultants, and those contracted to carry out quality assessment of UNFPA developmental evalu
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ations, of how the principles of developmental evaluation and the UNEG evaluation standards translate into UNFPA evaluation quality assurance and assessment work. This in turn will improve the overall quality of developmental evaluations and support the effective use of evaluative evidence for programming and policy decisions." (Introduction)
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"Developmental evaluation involves long-term relationships between evaluators and project or programme staff. Evaluation is ongoing, which means that feedback can be provided on a continuous basis. Development evaluation is particularly appropriate for projects or programmes working in complex or un
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certain environments. It is primarily designed to support learning and management decision-making." (Introduction)
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"Developmental evaluation 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 developmental evaluation framework. Patton draws
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on insights about complex dynamic systems, uncertainty, nonlinearity, and emergence. He illustrates how developmental evaluation 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." (Publisher description)
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