Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation [Hardcover]

The leading program evaluation reference, updated with the latest tools and techniques

The Handbook of Practical Program Evaluation provides tools for managers and evaluators to address questions about the performance of public and nonprofit programs. Neatly integrating authoritative, high-level information with practicality and readability, this guide gives you the tools and processes you need to analyze your program's operations and outcomes more accurately. This new fourth edition has been thoroughly updated and revised, with new coverage of the latest evaluation methods, including:

• Culturally responsive evaluation
• Adopting designs and tools to evaluate multi-service community change programs
• Using role playing to collect data
• Using cognitive interviewing to pre-test surveys
• Coding qualitative data

You'll discover robust analysis methods that produce a more accurate picture of program results, and learn how to trace causality back to the source to see how much of the outcome can be directly attributed to the program. Written by award-winning experts at the top of the field, this book also contains contributions from the leading evaluation authorities among academics and practitioners to provide the most comprehensive, up-to-date reference on the topic.

Valid and reliable data constitute the bedrock of accurate analysis, and since funding relies more heavily on program analysis than ever before, you cannot afford to rely on weak or outdated methods. This book gives you expert insight and leading edge tools that help you paint a more accurate picture of your program's processes and results, including:

• Obtaining valid, reliable, and credible performance data
• Engaging and working with stakeholders to design valuable evaluations and perfló´