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Handbook on Evaluation
In this Handbook, Reinhard Stockmann and other esteemed experts in the field provide a systematic and comprehensive exploration into the planning, process, implementation and utilisation of evaluations. Covering the process and individual steps of evaluation in detail, in chronological order and in terms of practical application, it identifies the characteristics and standards that distinguish a professionally and competently conducted evaluation.
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Critical Acclaim
Contents
More Information
In this Handbook, Reinhard Stockmann and other esteemed experts in the field provide a systematic and comprehensive exploration into the planning, process, implementation and utilisation of evaluations.
Covering the process and individual steps of evaluation in detail, in chronological order and in terms of practical application, this Handbook identifies the characteristics and standards that distinguish a professionally and competently conducted evaluation. The first chapters define the differing concepts of monitoring and quality management before exploring the organisational implementation of evaluations and how evaluations are embedded within their social and political contexts. The Handbook then lays out which evaluation designs, quantitative and qualitative data collection, management, measurement and analysis methods can be used, and under which conditions. It concludes with a summary of the forms of reporting to ensure that evaluation results are used optimally.
A thorough overview of the dynamic and evolving field of evaluation, this Handbook is beneficial to students and scholars looking to innovate their research methods and evaluation techniques across public and social policy. It will also be valuable to those who conduct evaluations themselves, as well as decision-makers who commission evaluations, clients and users of evaluations and those who are evaluated.
Covering the process and individual steps of evaluation in detail, in chronological order and in terms of practical application, this Handbook identifies the characteristics and standards that distinguish a professionally and competently conducted evaluation. The first chapters define the differing concepts of monitoring and quality management before exploring the organisational implementation of evaluations and how evaluations are embedded within their social and political contexts. The Handbook then lays out which evaluation designs, quantitative and qualitative data collection, management, measurement and analysis methods can be used, and under which conditions. It concludes with a summary of the forms of reporting to ensure that evaluation results are used optimally.
A thorough overview of the dynamic and evolving field of evaluation, this Handbook is beneficial to students and scholars looking to innovate their research methods and evaluation techniques across public and social policy. It will also be valuable to those who conduct evaluations themselves, as well as decision-makers who commission evaluations, clients and users of evaluations and those who are evaluated.
Critical Acclaim
‘This Handbook explains evaluation principles, concepts and technical aspects comprehensively and in simple terms. It will benefit a vast range of users including academics, evaluation practitioners, development professionals, development organisations and many others. It will be a useful resource in advocating for evaluation, designing evaluations and enhancing capacity on evaluation.’
– Asela Kalugagampitiya, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
‘This is an important Handbook that comprehensively lays out the foundational institutional and methodological issues and approaches in evaluation. It is written in a pragmatic style and is particularly helpful to young and emerging evaluators as well as other evaluation stakeholders. More experienced evaluators will find in many parts of the Handbook useful sections to refresh their knowledge.’
– Jos Vaessen, The World Bank
‘Evaluation is a crucial aspect of modern project and program work, particularly in the public sector, be it for planning, implementation, justification or control. This Handbook provides the necessary basics in a comprehensive and accessible manner, making it an indispensable resource for anyone working in the field of evaluation.’
– Fritz Sager, University of Bern, Switzerland
– Asela Kalugagampitiya, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
‘This is an important Handbook that comprehensively lays out the foundational institutional and methodological issues and approaches in evaluation. It is written in a pragmatic style and is particularly helpful to young and emerging evaluators as well as other evaluation stakeholders. More experienced evaluators will find in many parts of the Handbook useful sections to refresh their knowledge.’
– Jos Vaessen, The World Bank
‘Evaluation is a crucial aspect of modern project and program work, particularly in the public sector, be it for planning, implementation, justification or control. This Handbook provides the necessary basics in a comprehensive and accessible manner, making it an indispensable resource for anyone working in the field of evaluation.’
– Fritz Sager, University of Bern, Switzerland
Contents
Contents
Preface x
1 Introduction to the Handbook on Evaluation: what do we need evaluation for? 1
Reinhard Stockmann
2 An introduction to evaluation 11
Reinhard Stockmann
3 Monitoring 58
Wolfgang Meyer and Niklas Zierke
4 Competing and complementary approaches to evaluation 83
Reinhard Stockmann
5 Organisational implementation of evaluations 116
Stefan Silvestrini
6 Social and political context of evaluation 145
Reinhard Stockmann
7 Evaluation designs 184
Wolfgang Meyer and Niklas Zierke
8 Measuring: indicators – scales – indices – interpretations 222
Wolfgang Meyer
9 Data collection: surveys – observations – non-reactive procedures 247
Wolfgang Meyer
10 Introduction to data management and data analysis 295
Niklas Zierke
11 Reporting 336
Laszlo Szentmarjay, Janis Wicke and Vera Hennefeld
References 359
Index 399
Preface x
1 Introduction to the Handbook on Evaluation: what do we need evaluation for? 1
Reinhard Stockmann
2 An introduction to evaluation 11
Reinhard Stockmann
3 Monitoring 58
Wolfgang Meyer and Niklas Zierke
4 Competing and complementary approaches to evaluation 83
Reinhard Stockmann
5 Organisational implementation of evaluations 116
Stefan Silvestrini
6 Social and political context of evaluation 145
Reinhard Stockmann
7 Evaluation designs 184
Wolfgang Meyer and Niklas Zierke
8 Measuring: indicators – scales – indices – interpretations 222
Wolfgang Meyer
9 Data collection: surveys – observations – non-reactive procedures 247
Wolfgang Meyer
10 Introduction to data management and data analysis 295
Niklas Zierke
11 Reporting 336
Laszlo Szentmarjay, Janis Wicke and Vera Hennefeld
References 359
Index 399
