Working with Assumptions in International Development Program Evaluation: With a Foreword by Michael Bamberger - Softcover
Synopsis
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 2 nd 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 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
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
From the Back Cover
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. Even when all participants share goals, failure to recognize and articulate assumptions can impede clarity and derail progress.
Working with Assumptions in International Development Program Evaluation probes their crucial role in planning, and their contributions in driving, global projects involving long-term change. Drawing on his extensive experience in the field, the author offers elegant logic and instructive examples to relate assumptions to the complexities of program design and implementation, particularly in weighing their outcomes. The book emphasizes clarity of purpose, respect among collaborators, and collaboration among team members who might rarely or never meet otherwise. Importantly, the book is a theoretical and practical volume that:
· Introduces the multiple layers of assumptions on which global interventions are based.
· Explores various approaches to the evaluation of complex interventions, with their underlying assumptions.
· Identifies ten basic types of assumptions and their implications for program development and evaluation.
· Provides examples of assumptions influencing design, implementation, and evaluation of development projects.
· Offers guidelines in identifying, explicating, and evaluating assumptions
A first-of-its-kind resource, Working with Assumptions in International Development Program Evaluation opens out the processes of planning, implementation, and assessment for professionals in global development, including practitioners, development economists, global development program designers, and nonprofit personnel.
About the Author
Apollo is a researcher with 12 years experience in evaluation of international development programs. He has led evaluation and strategy work for World Vision, Unicef, USAID, World Bank, Compassion International, among others. He is strong in conceptualization, methodology (quantitative and qualitative approaches) and documentation (more than 20 publications). He holds a PhD in Social Development from University of Cape Town.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
