"The evaluation approach presented here is particularly relevant to process evaluations in which the aim is to assess the program implementation process. This methodology has been used in programs in a number of countries and found very effective. The evaluation methodology focuses on the analysis o
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f program activities and strategies, which have been implemented and on the development of “lessons learned” which can be applied in the future. Given this orientation, it is particularly well suited for use in mid-term evaluations of ongoing programs. The concept of a “participatory evaluation methodology,” used here, implies that program implementers are actively involved in all steps of the evaluation process. While participatory approaches are currently very popular in development programs, it is my belief that participation is effective only when the aim of the participation is clear and when a process to structure and channel that participation is clearly defined. This manual describes a simple and straightforward way in which program stakeholders can be involved in planning and carrying out a program evaluation. The success of a participatory evaluation depends largely on the experience and skills of the evaluation coordinator who is responsible for both designing and facilitating the exercise. This is a very challenging and demanding role and for this reason the coordinator must be carefully chosen. He/she can be an outside consultant or someone from a partner organization, depending upon where the required expertise can be found." (Introduction)
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"Written in an easy language, this manual offers the reader clear action steps to be taken: the planning phase (identifying stakeholders, developing evaluation questions, budgeting, selecting an evaluator), the implementation (determining data-collection methods, collecting data, analyzing and inter
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preting data) and the utilisation phase (communicating findings and utilising the process and results)." (commbox)
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"This book provides a comprehensive review of the available techniques for monitoring and evaluating social programs. Specifically the book discusses: (a) methods of evaluating social and economic projects; (b) methods for participatory and rapid assessment; (c) quasi-experimental designs; and (d) t
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he relationship between qualitative and quantitative evaluation. The authors also cover new developments in: (a) qualitative evaluation; (b) stakeholder analysis; (c) sustainability analysis; and (c) the politics of evaluation. While paying special attention to the organization of monitoring and evaluation at the project, sectoral, and national levels, this book also reviews cost-effective methods of estimating a project's impact, identifies potential beneficiaries and their information needs, and discusses the role of nongovernmental organizations in evaluating social development programs." (Publisher description)
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