RealWorld Evaluation: Working Under Budget, Time, Data, and Political Constraints

by Michael J. Bamberger, Jim Rugh, Linda Mabry

This book addresses the challenges of conducting program evaluations in real-world contexts where evaluators and the agencies face budget and time constraints and where critical data is missing. The book is organized around a seven-step model developed by the authors, which has been tested and refined in workshops. Vignettes and case studies―representing evaluations from a variety of geographic regions and sectors―demonstrate adaptive possibilities for small projects with budgets of a few thousand dollars to large-scale, long-term evaluations. The text incorporates quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method designs and this Second Edition reflects important developments in the field over the last five years.

712 pages, Paperback

First published February 13, 2006

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really great handbook for evaluators. It can serve as an introduction to evaluation for a relative beginner or can be used by higher-level experts stuck on a certain topic. The worksheets in the appendices are great. I really enjoyed reading this. Fantastic resource for international development evaluation specialists

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Things came together a bit for evaluation with a government department after I read this. Maybe just because I am getting through the material and remembering what I need to know. I think part of it was the accessibility and down to earth approach.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everyone who works in evaluation should read this book. It's a little like drinking from a fire hose even for an experienced evaluator/social scientist like me just because it is so full of details. But it's the kind of book to keep on your desk and refer to constantly in your work.