ABSTRACT
An evaluation is a systematic assessment of a program's effectiveness, quality, and value. High-quality evaluations are scientific studies that result in unbiased evidence of the program's achievements, impact, and costs. Stakeholders use evaluation information to better understand their program and to make informed decisions about program improvement, continuation, and funding. This chapter defines and discusses effectiveness, quality, and value and explains the methods that evaluators use to obtain unbiased evidence. The chapter gives examples of program evaluations and describes their purposes, methods, and stakeholders. The chapter also discusses formative and summative evaluations, qualitative and mixed-methods research, and stakeholder engagement in participatory and collaborative projects. It introduces comparative, pragmatic, and cost-effectiveness evaluations and describes their methods and importance. The chapter also provides examples of program evaluation frameworks that can be used to structure the evaluation process. The chapter discusses how to conduct and report on evaluations that follow internationally accepted ethics principles by respecting the uniqueness and independence of individuals, securing their well-being, and balancing the risks and benefits of participation in evaluation studies. It also explains how to recognize research misconduct. The evaluator's job is complex, and evaluation project management includes organizing the evaluation team and creating and justifying a budget and a timeline. The chapter provides a job description that lists the skills that program evaluators must have to ensure a successful evaluation. Evaluators are also responsible for following a budget, and the chapter gives a checklist for creating one that will support the team's activities. Keeping to a timeline is extremely important, and the chapter gives an example of a timeline for a four-year evaluation.
