Practical Program Evaluation : Assessing and Improving Planning, Implementation, and Effectiveness

" Practical Program Evaluation presents a useful and usable model for deciding which kind of evaluation activities to undertake in different circumstances. Chen identifies different kinds of evaluation activities that are appropriate for different stages of a program. He also shows how information needs, inside and outside the program, as well as a set of possible trade-offs, should affect the choice of evaluation activities. Chen provides a new and important framework for thinking about these fundamental issues. That is no small accomplishment. Like Chen's previous book on theory-driven evaluation, this book should have a major impact on evaluation theory and practice." -Melvin Mark, Pennsylvania State University Practical Program Evaluation: Assessing and Improving Planning, Implementation, and Effectiveness introduces students to the real world of evaluation, focusing on issues that arise in professional practice. Author Huey T. Chen concentrates on the steps vital to program evaluation: systematically identifying stakeholder needs, selecting evaluation options best suited to particular needs and reconciling any necessary tradeoffs, and turning the decisions into action. Using illustrative examples from the field, the book details the methods and procedures involved in analyzing and identifying stakeholder expectations and selecting an evaluation strategy. The principles and strategies presented are reinforced with theoretical justification. This provides students and professional evaluators the knowledge and flexibility to design suitable evaluations and follow them through from start to finish. Key Features * Adds perspective to program evaluation theory, furnishing students with the tools needed to conceptualize problems and strategies to tackle them * Provides a practical evaluation taxonomy as a road map for evaluators to facilitate better communication with stakeholders * Covers evaluation as full program cycle, including planning, initial implementation, mature implementation, and outcomes * Illustrates qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research approaches and their impact on program evaluation * Highlights both the art and science of program evaluation Practical Program Evaluation is ideally suited as a text for evaluation courses across the social sciences, including departments of education, sociology, political science, health, and many others. Professional evaluators interested in expanding the scope of their work or strengthening their practical skills will also find this an invaluable desk reference.