Practical Evaluation [Paperback]

Patton demonstrates that the main failing of most evaluations is a lack of practicality. They fail to be cheap, accurate, attuned to the differences between different programmes or to provide useful, realistic policy alternatives for decision-makers. Patton discusses the major stages of the evaulation process, describing evaluation design, measurement, analysis and reporting. Using his own field and workshop experiences, he provides a new vision of evaluation that emphasizes the elements of feasibility, efficiency, and utility.Patton demonstrates that the main failing of most evaluations is a lack of practicality. They fail to be cheap, accurate, attuned to the differences between different programmes or to provide useful, realistic policy alternatives for decision-makers. Patton discusses the major stages of the evaulation process, describing evaluation design, measurement, analysis and reporting. Using his own field and workshop experiences, he provides a new vision of evaluation that emphasizes the elements of feasibility, efficiency, and utility.THE PRACTICAL MANDATE
The Source of the Mandate to Be Practical
ISSUES AND OPTIONS
Evaluation Issues in Practical Perspective
Collaborative Evaluation Practice With Groups
FUNDAMENTALS
Practicing With and Without Goals
Thoughful Questionnaires
Thoughtful Interviewing
Thoughtful Methods Decisions
Practical and Creative Evaluation Data Collection
Managing Management Information Systems
Fundamental Principles of Data Analysis
Practical and Useful Recommendations
RETURN TO THE MANDATE
Practical Evaluation