Program Evaluation: Methods and Case Studies

by Kenneth J. Linfield, Emil J. Posavac

This text provides a solid foundation in program evaluation, covering the main components of evaluating agencies and their programs, how best to address those components, and the procedures to follow when conducting evaluations. Different models and approaches are paired with practical techniques, such as how to plan an interview to collect qualitative data and how to use statistical analyses to report results. In every chapter, case studies provide real world examples of evaluations broken down into the main elements of program the needs that led to the program, the implementation of program plans, the people connected to the program, unexpected side effects, the role of evaluators in improving programs, the results, and the factors behind the results. In addition, the story of one of the evaluators involved in each case study is presented to show the human side of evaluation. This new edition also offers enhanced and expanded case studies, making them a central organizing theme, and adds more international examples.

New online resources for this edition include a table of evaluation models, examples of program evaluation reports, sample handouts for presentations to stakeholders, links to YouTube videos and additional annotated resources.  All resources are available for download under the tab eResources at www.routledge.com/9781138103962.

Genres: Nonfiction, Academic

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 1985

Reviews

[Jess]

Required reading for my Program Evaluation class. It was great at simplifying the evaluation process, but is just very dull read.

[Kayla]

Actually read all but 1 chapter! Textbook for school...

[Steven Peterson]

When I taught a graduate course in program evaluation, I used an earlier edition of this book. It served as a text very nicely. It explores such key issues, at the outset, as planning an evaluation, developing good measures of program performance, and ethical issues involved. Then, three key elements of evaluation--assessing need and planning programs and assessing if the program is being implemented as desired. Ultimately, evaluation is about assessing whether or not a program is having desirable (or undesirable) effects. Part III considers how one might go about that task. Finally, Part IV speaks of how one can apply finsings effectively.

All in all, a nice introduction to program evaluation.

[Oscar Lilley]

I never do this but I have had my head in this book for 5 months for class and have spent more time with this content than most of the books I actually want to read. The content is really helpful in understanding program development and is very comprehensive, but it would have been more palatable in a digital version.

[Mrs. Schonour]

This book is great if you're interested in program evaluation, which I am not. It's well-organized and fairly easy to read. I got the information I needed for my grad class and it wasn't torture to read.

[Dave]

"Liked" might be a strong word, but it explained things pretty well. Other than statistics.

[Marina]

This is a good book for a new educators. It provides with various evaluation methods and illustrative case studies.