Apollo M. Nkwake – författare
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15 produkter
15 produkter
Inbunden, Engelska, 2012
1 439 kr
Skickas inom 5-8 vardagar
A major reason complex programs are so difficult to evaluate is that the assumptions that inspire them are poorly articulated. Stakeholders of such programs are often unclear about how the change process will unfold. Thus, it is so difficult to reasonably anticipate the early and midterm changes that need to happen in order for a longer-term goalto be reached. The lack of clarity about the “mini-steps” that must be taken to reach a long-term outcome not only makes the task of evaluating a complex initiative challenging, but reduces the likelihood that all of the important factors related to the long term goal will be addressed. Most of the resources that have attempted to address this dilemma have been popularized as theory of change or sometimes program theory approaches. Although these approaches emphasize and elaborate the sequence of changes/mini steps that lead to the long-term goal of interest and the connections between program activities and outcomes that occur at each step of the way, they do not do enough to clarify how program managers or evaluators should deal with assumptions. Assumptions, the glue that holds all the pieces together, remain abstract and far from applicable.In this book the author tackles this important assumptions theme head-on-covering a breadth of ground from the epistemology of development assumptions, to the art of making logical assumptions as well as recognizing, explicit zing and testing assumptions with in an elaborate program theory from program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
E-bok
PDF, Engelska, 20121 416 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
A major reason complex programs are so difficult to evaluate is that the assumptions that inspire them are poorly articulated. Stakeholders of such programs are often unclear about how the change process will unfold. Thus, it is so difficult to reasonably anticipate the early and midterm changes that need to happen in order for a longer-term goalto be reached. The lack of clarity about the “mini-steps” that must be taken to reach a long-term outcome not only makes the task of evaluating a complex initiative challenging, but reduces the likelihood that all of the important factors related to the long term goal will be addressed. Most of the resources that have attempted to address this dilemma have been popularized as theory of change or sometimes program theory approaches. Although these approaches emphasize and elaborate the sequence of changes/mini steps that lead to the long-term goal of interest and the connections between program activities and outcomes that occur at each step of the way, they do not do enough to clarify how program managers or evaluators should deal with assumptions. Assumptions, the glue that holds all the pieces together, remain abstract and far from applicable.In this book the author tackles this important assumptions theme head-on-covering a breadth of ground from the epistemology of development assumptions, to the art of making logical assumptions as well as recognizing, explicit zing and testing assumptions with in an elaborate program theory from program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
E-bok
PDF, Engelska, 2025577 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
Assumptions: Complexity, Practice and Values delves into the empirical and theoretical aspects of assumptions in evaluation, offering methodologies to identify and categorize them, and exploring how they influence evaluations and each other. It provides practical guidance for evaluators to help stakeholders identify priorities and plan effective programs, while also presenting conceptual insights into the nature of assumptions and their impact on both programs and evaluations. The chapters push the boundaries of our understanding of assumptions in the field and propose a research agenda to deepen our knowledge and improve evaluation practices. Addressing assumptions is a cornerstone of evaluative thinking, crucial for uncovering the beliefs that guide stakeholders' decisions and actions. This book emphasizes how these assumptions shape the evaluation process, determining the questions asked and the answers sought. By examining these underlying beliefs, evaluators can conduct more meaningful evaluations that truly reflect the needs and realities of the programs they assess. This book also equips methodologists with the tools to design evaluations that yield actionable insights for decision-makers. Practitioners will learn to monitor their own and their stakeholders' assumptions to avoid biases and leverage deeper understanding in their work. Program funders and designers will gain the knowledge to implement more effective programs and avoid unintended consequences. Evaluation educators will find valuable content to enhance their teaching, and researchers will discover new directions for their studies. Ultimately, Assumptions aims to enrich evaluators' ability to reveal and prioritize the most consequential assumptions in their work.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2025
1 005 kr
Skickas inom 5-8 vardagar
Assumptions: Complexity, Practice and Values delves into the empirical and theoretical aspects of assumptions in evaluation, offering methodologies to identify and categorize them, and exploring how they influence evaluations and each other. It provides practical guidance for evaluators to help stakeholders identify priorities and plan effective programs, while also presenting conceptual insights into the nature of assumptions and their impact on both programs and evaluations. The chapters push the boundaries of our understanding of assumptions in the field and propose a research agenda to deepen our knowledge and improve evaluation practices. Addressing assumptions is a cornerstone of evaluative thinking, crucial for uncovering the beliefs that guide stakeholders' decisions and actions. This book emphasizes how these assumptions shape the evaluation process, determining the questions asked and the answers sought. By examining these underlying beliefs, evaluators can conduct more meaningful evaluations that truly reflect the needs and realities of the programs they assess. This book also equips methodologists with the tools to design evaluations that yield actionable insights for decision-makers. Practitioners will learn to monitor their own and their stakeholders' assumptions to avoid biases and leverage deeper understanding in their work. Program funders and designers will gain the knowledge to implement more effective programs and avoid unintended consequences. Evaluation educators will find valuable content to enhance their teaching, and researchers will discover new directions for their studies. Ultimately, Assumptions aims to enrich evaluators' ability to reveal and prioritize the most consequential assumptions in their work.
E-bok
Engelska, 2025557 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
Assumptions: Complexity, Practice and Values delves into the empirical and theoretical aspects of assumptions in evaluation, offering methodologies to identify and categorize them, and exploring how they influence evaluations and each other. It provides practical guidance for evaluators to help stakeholders identify priorities and plan effective programs, while also presenting conceptual insights into the nature of assumptions and their impact on both programs and evaluations. The chapters push the boundaries of our understanding of assumptions in the field and propose a research agenda to deepen our knowledge and improve evaluation practices. Addressing assumptions is a cornerstone of evaluative thinking, crucial for uncovering the beliefs that guide stakeholders' decisions and actions. This book emphasizes how these assumptions shape the evaluation process, determining the questions asked and the answers sought. By examining these underlying beliefs, evaluators can conduct more meaningful evaluations that truly reflect the needs and realities of the programs they assess. This book also equips methodologists with the tools to design evaluations that yield actionable insights for decision-makers. Practitioners will learn to monitor their own and their stakeholders' assumptions to avoid biases and leverage deeper understanding in their work. Program funders and designers will gain the knowledge to implement more effective programs and avoid unintended consequences. Evaluation educators will find valuable content to enhance their teaching, and researchers will discover new directions for their studies. Ultimately, Assumptions aims to enrich evaluators' ability to reveal and prioritize the most consequential assumptions in their work.
Häftad, Engelska, 2025
539 kr
Skickas inom 5-8 vardagar
Assumptions: Complexity, Practice and Values delves into the empirical and theoretical aspects of assumptions in evaluation, offering methodologies to identify and categorize them, and exploring how they influence evaluations and each other. It provides practical guidance for evaluators to help stakeholders identify priorities and plan effective programs, while also presenting conceptual insights into the nature of assumptions and their impact on both programs and evaluations. The chapters push the boundaries of our understanding of assumptions in the field and propose a research agenda to deepen our knowledge and improve evaluation practices. Addressing assumptions is a cornerstone of evaluative thinking, crucial for uncovering the beliefs that guide stakeholders' decisions and actions. This book emphasizes how these assumptions shape the evaluation process, determining the questions asked and the answers sought. By examining these underlying beliefs, evaluators can conduct more meaningful evaluations that truly reflect the needs and realities of the programs they assess. This book also equips methodologists with the tools to design evaluations that yield actionable insights for decision-makers. Practitioners will learn to monitor their own and their stakeholders' assumptions to avoid biases and leverage deeper understanding in their work. Program funders and designers will gain the knowledge to implement more effective programs and avoid unintended consequences. Evaluation educators will find valuable content to enhance their teaching, and researchers will discover new directions for their studies. Ultimately, Assumptions aims to enrich evaluators' ability to reveal and prioritize the most consequential assumptions in their work.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2019
543 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
This book discusses the crucial place that assumptions hold in conceptualizing, implementing, and evaluating development programs. It suggests simple ways for stakeholders and evaluators to 1) examine their assumptions about program theory and environmental conditions and 2) develop and carry out effective program monitoring and evaluation in light of those assumptions. A survey of evaluators from an international development agency reviewed the state of practice on assumptions-aware evaluation. This 2nd edition has been updated with further illustrations, case studies, and frameworks that have been researched and tested in the years since the first edition.Regardless of geography or goal, development programs and policies are fueled by a complex network of implicit ideas. Stakeholders may hold assumptions about purposes, outcomes, methodology, and the value of project evaluation and evaluators—which may or may not be shared by the evaluators. A major barrier to viable program evaluations is that development programs are based on assumptions that often are not well articulated. In designing programs, stakeholders often lack clear outlines for how implemented interventions will bring desired changes. This lack of clarity masks critical risks to program success and makes it challenging to evaluate such programs. Methods that have attempted to address this dilemma have been popularized as theory of change or other theory‐based approaches. Often, however, theory-based methods do not sufficiently clarify how program managers or evaluators should work with the assumptions inherent in the connections between the steps. The critical examination of assumptions in evaluation is essential for effective evaluations and evaluative thinking."How does one think evaluatively? It all begins with assumptions. Systematically articulating, examining, and testing assumptions is the foundation of evaluative thinking… This book, more than any other, explains how to build a strong foundation for effective interventions and useful evaluation by rigorously working with assumptions." —Michael Quinn Patton, PhD. Author of Utilization-Focused Evaluation and co-editor of THOUGHTWORK: Thinking, Action, and the Fate of the World, USA."This updated edition presents us with a new opportunity to delve into both the theoretical and practical aspects of paradigmatic, prescriptive, and causal assumptions. We need to learn, and apply these insights with the deep attention they deserve." —Zenda Ofir, PhD. Independent Evaluator, Richard von Weizsäcker Fellow, Robert Bosch Academy, Berlin, Germany. Honorary Professor, School of Public Leadership, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.“This thought-provoking book explains why assumptions are an essential condition within the theories and methodologies of evaluation; and how assumptions influence the ways that evaluators approach their work…It will enrich the ways that evaluators develop their models, devise their methodologies, interpret their data, and interact with their stakeholders.”—Jonny Morell, Ph.D., President, 4.669… Evaluation and Planning, Editor Emeritus, Evaluation and Program Planning
E-bok
Engelska, 2019712 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
This book discusses the crucial place that assumptions hold in conceptualizing, implementing, and evaluating development programs. It suggests simple ways for stakeholders and evaluators to 1) examine their assumptions about program theory and environmental conditions and 2) develop and carry out effective program monitoring and evaluation in light of those assumptions. A survey of evaluators from an international development agency reviewed the state of practice on assumptions-aware evaluation. This 2nd edition has been updated with further illustrations, case studies, and frameworks that have been researched and tested in the years since the first edition.
Regardless of geography or goal, development programs and policies are fueled by a complex network of implicit ideas. Stakeholders may hold assumptions about purposes, outcomes, methodology, and the value of project evaluation and evaluators—which may or may not be shared by the evaluators. A major barrier to viable program evaluations is that development programs are based on assumptions that often are not well articulated. In designing programs, stakeholders often lack clear outlines for how implemented interventions will bring desired changes. This lack of clarity masks critical risks to program success and makes it challenging to evaluate such programs. Methods that have attempted to address this dilemma have been popularized as theory of change or other theory‐based approaches. Often, however, theory-based methods do not sufficiently clarify how program managers or evaluators should work with the assumptions inherent in the connections between the steps. The critical examination of assumptions in evaluation is essential for effective evaluations and evaluative thinking."How does one think evaluatively? It all begins with assumptions. Systematically articulating, examining, and testing assumptions is the foundation of evaluative thinking… This book, more than any other, explains how to build a strong foundation for effective interventions and useful evaluation by rigorously working with assumptions." —Michael Quinn Patton, PhD. Author of Utilization-Focused Evaluation and co-editor of THOUGHTWORK: Thinking, Action, and the Fate of the World, USA.
"This updated edition presents us with a new opportunity to delve into both the theoretical and practical aspects of paradigmatic, prescriptive, and causal assumptions. We need to learn, and apply these insights with the deep attention they deserve." —Zenda Ofir, PhD. Independent Evaluator, Richard von Weizsäcker Fellow, Robert Bosch Academy, Berlin, Germany. Honorary Professor, School of Public Leadership, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
“This thought-provoking book explains why assumptions are an essential condition within the theories and methodologies of evaluation; and how assumptions influence the ways that evaluators approach their work…It will enrich the ways that evaluators develop their models, devise their methodologies, interpret their data, and interact with their stakeholders.”—Jonny Morell, Ph.D., President, 4.669… Evaluation and Planning, Editor Emeritus, Evaluation and Program Planning
Häftad, Engelska, 2020
543 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
This book discusses the crucial place that assumptions hold in conceptualizing, implementing, and evaluating development programs. It suggests simple ways for stakeholders and evaluators to 1) examine their assumptions about program theory and environmental conditions and 2) develop and carry out effective program monitoring and evaluation in light of those assumptions. A survey of evaluators from an international development agency reviewed the state of practice on assumptions-aware evaluation. This 2nd edition has been updated with further illustrations, case studies, and frameworks that have been researched and tested in the years since the first edition.Regardless of geography or goal, development programs and policies are fueled by a complex network of implicit ideas. Stakeholders may hold assumptions about purposes, outcomes, methodology, and the value of project evaluation and evaluators—which may or may not be shared by the evaluators. A major barrier to viable program evaluations is that development programs are based on assumptions that often are not well articulated. In designing programs, stakeholders often lack clear outlines for how implemented interventions will bring desired changes. This lack of clarity masks critical risks to program success and makes it challenging to evaluate such programs. Methods that have attempted to address this dilemma have been popularized as theory of change or other theory‐based approaches. Often, however, theory-based methods do not sufficiently clarify how program managers or evaluators should work with the assumptions inherent in the connections between the steps. The critical examination of assumptions in evaluation is essential for effective evaluations and evaluative thinking."How does one think evaluatively? It all begins with assumptions. Systematically articulating, examining, and testing assumptions is the foundation of evaluative thinking… This book, more than any other, explains how to build a strong foundation for effective interventions and useful evaluation by rigorously working with assumptions." —Michael Quinn Patton, PhD. Author of Utilization-Focused Evaluation and co-editor of THOUGHTWORK: Thinking, Action, and the Fate of the World, USA."This updated edition presents us with a new opportunity to delve into both the theoretical and practical aspects of paradigmatic, prescriptive, and causal assumptions. We need to learn, and apply these insights with the deep attention they deserve." —Zenda Ofir, PhD. Independent Evaluator, Richard von Weizsäcker Fellow, Robert Bosch Academy, Berlin, Germany. Honorary Professor, School of Public Leadership, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.“This thought-provoking book explains why assumptions are an essential condition within the theories and methodologies of evaluation; and how assumptions influence the ways that evaluators approach their work…It will enrich the ways that evaluators develop their models, devise their methodologies, interpret their data, and interact with their stakeholders.”—Jonny Morell, Ph.D., President, 4.669… Evaluation and Planning, Editor Emeritus, Evaluation and Program Planning
Inbunden, Engelska, 2023
1 333 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
This book focuses on methods of choice in program evaluation. Credible methods choice lies in the assumptions we make about the appropriateness and validity of selected methods and the validity of those assumptions. As evaluators make methodological decisions in various stages of the evaluation process, a number of validity questions arise. Yet unexamined assumptions are a risk to useful evaluation. The first edition of this book discussed the formulation of credible methodological arguments and methods of examining validity assumptions. However, previous publications suggest advantages and disadvantages of using various methods and when to use them. Instead, this book analyzes assumptions underlying actual methodological choices in evaluation studies and how these influence evaluation quality. This analysis is the basis of suggested tools.The second edition extends the review of methodological assumptions to the evaluation of humanitarian assistance. While evaluatorsof humanitarian action apply conventional research methods and standards, they have to adapt these methods to the challenges and constraints of crisis contexts. For example, the urgency and chaos of humanitarian emergencies makes it hard to obtain program documentation; objectives may be unclear, and early plans may quickly become outdated as the context changes or is clarified. The lack of up-to-date baseline data is not uncommon. Neither is staff turnover. Differences in perspective may intensify and undermine trust. The deviation from ideal circumstances challenges evaluation and calls for methodological innovation. And how do evaluators work with assumptions in non-ideal settings? What tools are most relevant and effective? This revised edition reviews major evaluations of humanitarian action and discusses strategies for working with evaluation assumptions in crises and stable program settings.
E-bok
Engelska, 20231 692 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
This book focuses on methods of choice in program evaluation. Credible methods choice lies in the assumptions we make about the appropriateness and validity of selected methods and the validity of those assumptions. As evaluators make methodological decisions in various stages of the evaluation process, a number of validity questions arise. Yet unexamined assumptions are a risk to useful evaluation. The first edition of this book discussed the formulation of credible methodological arguments and methods of examining validity assumptions. However, previous publications suggest advantages and disadvantages of using various methods and when to use them. Instead, this book analyzes assumptions underlying actual methodological choices in evaluation studies and how these influence evaluation quality. This analysis is the basis of suggested tools.
The second edition extends the review of methodological assumptions to the evaluation of humanitarian assistance. While evaluatorsof humanitarian action apply conventional research methods and standards, they have to adapt these methods to the challenges and constraints of crisis contexts. For example, the urgency and chaos of humanitarian emergencies makes it hard to obtain program documentation; objectives may be unclear, and early plans may quickly become outdated as the context changes or is clarified. The lack of up-to-date baseline data is not uncommon. Neither is staff turnover. Differences in perspective may intensify and undermine trust. The deviation from ideal circumstances challenges evaluation and calls for methodological innovation. And how do evaluators work with assumptions in non-ideal settings? What tools are most relevant and effective? This revised edition reviews major evaluations of humanitarian action and discusses strategies for working with evaluation assumptions in crises and stable program settings.
Häftad, Engelska, 2024
1 333 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
This book focuses on methods of choice in program evaluation. Credible methods choice lies in the assumptions we make about the appropriateness and validity of selected methods and the validity of those assumptions. As evaluators make methodological decisions in various stages of the evaluation process, a number of validity questions arise. Yet unexamined assumptions are a risk to useful evaluation. The first edition of this book discussed the formulation of credible methodological arguments and methods of examining validity assumptions. However, previous publications suggest advantages and disadvantages of using various methods and when to use them. Instead, this book analyzes assumptions underlying actual methodological choices in evaluation studies and how these influence evaluation quality. This analysis is the basis of suggested tools.The second edition extends the review of methodological assumptions to the evaluation of humanitarian assistance. While evaluatorsof humanitarian action apply conventional research methods and standards, they have to adapt these methods to the challenges and constraints of crisis contexts. For example, the urgency and chaos of humanitarian emergencies makes it hard to obtain program documentation; objectives may be unclear, and early plans may quickly become outdated as the context changes or is clarified. The lack of up-to-date baseline data is not uncommon. Neither is staff turnover. Differences in perspective may intensify and undermine trust. The deviation from ideal circumstances challenges evaluation and calls for methodological innovation. And how do evaluators work with assumptions in non-ideal settings? What tools are most relevant and effective? This revised edition reviews major evaluations of humanitarian action and discusses strategies for working with evaluation assumptions in crises and stable program settings.
Inbunden, Engelska, 2015
543 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
This book focuses on assumptions underlying methods choice in program evaluation. Credible program evaluation extends beyond the accuracy of research designs to include arguments justifying the appropriateness of methods. An important part of this justification is explaining the assumptions made about the validity of methods. This book provides a framework for understanding methodological assumptions, identifying the decisions made at each stage of the evaluation process, the major forms of validity affected by those decisions, and the preconditions for and assumptions about those validities. Though the selection of appropriate research methodology is not a new topic within social development research, previous publications suggest only advantages and disadvantages of using various methods and when to use them. This book goes beyond other publications to analyze the assumptions underlying actual methodological choices in evaluation studies and how these eventually influence evaluation quality. The analysis offered is supported by a collation of assumptions collected from a case study of 34 evaluations. Due to its in-depth analysis, strong theoretical basis, and practice examples, Credibility, Validity and Assumptions is a must-have resource for researchers, students, university professors and practitioners in program evaluation. Importantly, it provides tools for the application of appropriate research methods in program evaluation
E-bok
PDF, Engelska, 2015712 kr
Läs direkt efter köp
This book focuses on assumptions underlying methods choice in program evaluation. Credible program evaluation extends beyond the accuracy of research designs to include arguments justifying the appropriateness of methods. An important part of this justification is explaining the assumptions made about the validity of methods. This book provides a framework for understanding methodological assumptions, identifying the decisions made at each stage of the evaluation process, the major forms of validity affected by those decisions, and the preconditions for and assumptions about those validities.
Though the selection of appropriate research methodology is not a new topic within social development research, previous publications suggest only advantages and disadvantages of using various methods and when to use them. This book goes beyond other publications to analyze the assumptions underlying actual methodological choices in evaluation studies and how these eventually influence evaluation quality. The analysis offered is supported by a collation of assumptions collected from a case study of 34 evaluations. Due to its in-depth analysis, strong theoretical basis, and practice examples, Credibility, Validity and Assumptions is a must-have resource for researchers, students, university professors and practitioners in program evaluation. Importantly, it provides tools for the application of appropriate research methods in program evaluation
Häftad, Engelska, 2016
543 kr
Skickas inom 10-15 vardagar
This book focuses on assumptions underlying methods choice in program evaluation. Credible program evaluation extends beyond the accuracy of research designs to include arguments justifying the appropriateness of methods. An important part of this justification is explaining the assumptions made about the validity of methods. This book provides a framework for understanding methodological assumptions, identifying the decisions made at each stage of the evaluation process, the major forms of validity affected by those decisions, and the preconditions for and assumptions about those validities. Though the selection of appropriate research methodology is not a new topic within social development research, previous publications suggest only advantages and disadvantages of using various methods and when to use them. This book goes beyond other publications to analyze the assumptions underlying actual methodological choices in evaluation studies and how these eventually influence evaluation quality. The analysis offered is supported by a collation of assumptions collected from a case study of 34 evaluations. Due to its in-depth analysis, strong theoretical basis, and practice examples, Credibility, Validity and Assumptions is a must-have resource for researchers, students, university professors and practitioners in program evaluation. Importantly, it provides tools for the application of appropriate research methods in program evaluation