Solving complex evaluation environments with competing stakeholder needs Responding to Sponsors and Stakeholders in Complex Evaluation Environments: New Directions for Evaluation, Number 95 provides in-depth guidance on answering the question: "For whom are we doing this evaluation, anyway?". The answer may be more complex that it appears, and right and wrong answers may actually overlap. This book identifies the challenges of complex evaluation environments, and shows you how to meet the multiple — often competing — needs of everyone involved. From difficulties in context and authorization to initiatives and legislation, this book provides insight every evaluation organization needs.
Tackling Wicked Problems in Complex Ecologies is a call to action, focusing on the role that evaluators can play in addressing social and economic problems. Evaluation extends beyond theories and methods, encompassing a range of proven approaches for addressing ecological complexities that drive inequities around the globe. Bringing together leading thinkers and problem-solvers, this collection traverses the range of contexts at the frontiers of the field—from inadequate food supply and housing to unemployment and poverty. Editors Rodney Hopson and Fiona Cram demonstrate the effects of an engaged approach to evaluation, in which three considerations take center stage: its relevance, the relationships it engenders, and the responsibilities it requires. This is a handbook for tackling the social and economic problems of the twenty-first century which, though wicked, are amenable to the tools of the trade.
Focusing on ethical challenges in program evaluation, this innovative book features six case-study scenarios that end at a point where the evaluator faces a significant decision about how to proceed. For each case, two distinguished evaluators offer insights on the best course of action to choose, and why. "What If?" boxes modify the details of the scenarios, inviting readers to reflect on whether these changes alter the ethical implications of the case. Six additional cases are presented with questions that guide readers to develop their own ethical analyses. The book is organized to follow the progress of an evaluation, from the entry/contracting phase through the utilization of results.
The Fourth Edition of the bestselling Utilization-Focused Evaluation provides expert, detailed advice on conducting program evaluations from one of leading experts. Chock full of useful pedagogy—including a unique utilization-focused evaluation checklist—this book presents Michael Quinn Patton's distinctive opinions based on more than thirty years of experience. Key Features of the Fourth Edition Provides thoroughly updated materials including more international content; new references; new exhibits and sidebars; and new examples, stories, and cartoons Includes follow-up exercises at the end of each chapter Features a utilization-focused evaluation checklist Gives greater emphasis on mixed methods Analyzes the pluses and minuses of the increased emphasis on accountability and performance measurement in government at all levels Details the explosion of international evaluation Intended Audience Both theoretical and practical, this core text is an essential resource for students enrolled in Program Evaluation courses in a variety of disciplines—including public administration, government, social sciences, education, and management. Practitioners will also find this text invaluable.
′This handbook thoroughly covers all aspects of evaluation, yet isn′t too technical to understand. It offers everything an organization needs to know to get the most out of evaluation′ - Nonprofit World `The Handbook succeeds in capturing and presenting evaluation′s extensive knowledge base within a global context. In so doing it provides a useful, coherent and definitive benchmark on the field′s diverse and dynamic purposes, practices, theories, approaches, issues, and challenges for the 21st century. The Handbook is an essential reference and map for any serious evaluation practitioner, scholar and student anywhere in the world′ - Michael Quinn Patton, author of Utilization-Focused Evaluation `Readers of this volume will find a set of texts that provide an evocative overview of contemporary thinking in the world of evaluation. This is not a book of simple tips. It does justice to the complex realities of evaluation practice by bringing together some of the best practitioners in the world to reflect on its current state. It is theoretically sophisticated yet eminently readable, anchored in evaluation as it is undertaken in a variety of domains. It is the kind of book that startles a little and makes you think. I highly recommend it′ - Murray Saunders, University of Lancaster In this comprehensive handbook, an examination of the complexities of contemporary evaluation contributes to the ongoing dialogue that arises in professional efforts to evaluate people-related programs, policies and practices. The SAGE Handbook of Evaluation is a unique and authoritative resource consisting of 25 chapters covering a range of evaluation theories and techniques in a single, accessible volume. With contributions from world-leading figures in their fields overseen by an eminent international editorial board, this handbook is an extensive and user-friendly resource organised in four coherent sections: " Role and Purpose of Evaluation in Society; " Evaluation as a Social Practice; " The Practice of Evaluation; " Domains of Evaluation Practice. The Handbook of Evaluation is written for practicing evaluators, academics, advanced postgraduate students and evaluation clients and offers a definitive, benchmark statement on evaluation theory and practice for the first decades of the 21st century.
An ideal resource for students and professionals, this comprehensive reader offers a diverse collection of the foremost writings on leadership and management in the public and nonprofit sectors. The book includes previously published essays, articles and extracts from leading books and periodicals, framed and vetted by author and professor James L. Perry. The anthology covers a wide range of topics, offering a third sector perspective on the general leadership questions essential to any manager--principles and practices of leadership, organizational change, corporate culture, communication, efficiency, ethics--as well as issues unique to public and nonprofit organizations--understanding leadership roles in the nonprofit world, founder vs. ED relationships, board leadership, alternative and collaborative leadership, strategic management, sustainability, and the future of leadership. Praise for The Jossey-Bass Reader on Nonprofit and Public Leadership: "The Jossey-Bass Reader on Nonprofit and Public Leadership is the most comprehensive collection of essays on leadership available. It should be required reading for all of those who teach, practice and are students of the art and science of leadership." ?Stephen E. Condrey, University of Georgia "This collection of short and readable pieces will be very valuable for students and practitioners of public and nonprofit leadership." ?Michael O'Neill, professor of nonprofit management, School of Business and Professional Studies, University of San Francisco "James Perry has provided a very valuable tool for nonprofit and public sector leaders. This collection represents the very best lessons for leaders, from John Gardner to Kouzes and Posner. The clear structuring and framing of the articles makes this a perfect handbook for nonprofit and public sector leaders of all types." ?Ronald E. Riggio, Henry R. Kravis Professor of Leadership and Organizational Psychology Director, Kravis Leadership Institute, Claremont McKenna College "Jim Perry brings together in a single volume much of the best writing on leadership theory and leadership 'doing.' For anyone interested in the attributes and practice of leadership, this is the book, looking back at what's been proven effective and forward to what's needed in the next generation of leaders." ?Timothy L. Seiler, director, The Fund Raising School, The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana
Accountability in Social Services examines how - and why - social and human services programs can function even though they are monitored by written communication instead of face-to-face interaction. Author Jill Florence Lackey draws on her experience as a consultant for more than 50 social programs and as director of two nonprofit organizations to demonstrate the strong need for accountability mechanisms and an ethics-based leadership when running social service programs. This unique book walks you through the process of how “paper programs” emerge and operate, the monitoring mechanisms that are - and aren’t - in place during program operations, and recommendations to increase accountability in the social service delivery system. The book examines programs focusing on: youth aftercare adolescent health drug prevention rural community development crime prevention violence intervention services to the homeless and more. Accountability in Social Services concludes with recommendations for organized action by consumer groups to increase responsibility in the social service delivery system. This book is invaluable as a resource for students, teachers, and practitioners working in social work and welfare, evaluation, organizational leadership, public policy, applied anthropology, and consumer science, including local organizations such as PIRGs (Public Interest Research Groups).
Fully revised for a second edition, this essential guide provides a concise and accessible overview of the public policy process: agenda-setting, policy formulation, decision-making, implementation, and evaluation. The book provides an introduction to the key policy functions, the challenges they entail, and how the challenges may be addressed by policy actors. Written from a comparative perspective, the authors include examples from a diverse range of countries at different stages of development, highlighting key principles and practices through which policy actors can effectively manage their policy processes and outcomes. Key features of the second edition: fully updated and revised content throughout; expanded references and further reading; more guidance towards understanding the key concepts in public policy. This important tool offers students of public policy and policy practitioners guidance on how to make, implement, and evaluate public policies in ways that improve citizens' lives.
This volume brings together key articles in the burgeoning field of regulation. The collection is interdisciplinary, in keeping with study of regulation itself, yet the book arranges and explores these articles to make the bewildering array of issues and concepts that comprise the study of regulation comprehensible to a criminological audience. It will be of interest to all scholars and students of criminology and criminal justice, as well as those concerned with reducing the crimes and harms of the powerful.
Health Policy and Politics: A Nurse’s Guide, Fifth Edition encompasses the entire health policy process from agenda setting through policy and program evaluation. This is an essential text for both graduate and undergraduate students. The Fifth Edition includes expanded information on the breadth of policy making and includes the impact of social media, economics, finance and other timely topics. The authors draw from their experience and provide concrete examples of real-life situations that help students understand the link between policy theory and political action. New to the Fifth Edition: Updated case studies involve the reader in making the connection between theory and active participation in policy making New chapter on inter-professional practice, education, and research Reference to the Affordable Care Act and other laws that affect the health care of consumers and the organization of health care system Expanded content on economics and finance New co
