How to Evaluate - York Consulting

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Oldham and Rochdale HMREvaluation Techniques “How to Evaluate”1 INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW“How to Evaluate”1.1 York Consulting LLP (YCL) was asked to carry out an evaluation of theCohesion Counts projects and produce an Evaluation Techniques: “How ToEvaluate” Guide in May 2009. The evaluation of the Cohesion Countsprojects was carried out from May 2009 to January 2010.1.2 This “How to Evaluate” Guide provides an overview of the projects involvedin the Cohesion Counts Evaluation and provides guidelines, developed fromYCL’s experience as evaluators, for projects or programmes to undertaketheir own evaluation (Section 2). The guidelines aim to provide projects andprogrammes with the opportunity to reflect on how they could structuretheir own evaluation. The information provides helpful suggestions andhints on what evaluation should cover as well as things to watch out for.1.3 The guide also includes reflections on the successes and challengesexperienced through using the specific types of evaluation activity chosenfor the Cohesion Counts evaluation (Section 3). Some of the evaluationmethodologies used are outlined in Section 2, the examples and reflectionsgiven in Section 3 build on the methodology suggestions and offer somereal-life examples of how they were implemented and what lessons theevaluation team learnt.1.4 The findings from the evaluation activity were based on a quantitative andqualitative methodology which consisted of questionnaires, surveys, faceto-faceand telephone consultations, mood boards, scenario testing, onlineblogs and forums, secondary and primary data. Those involved in theevaluation included funders, stakeholders, project deliverers, communitymembers and project participants.1
Oldham and Rochdale HMREvaluation Techniques “How to Evaluate”1.5 This report has been produced on behalf of Oldham and Rochdale HousingMarket Renewal. The study team is very grateful for the guidance andsupport of all those who gave up their time to engage with the reflectivelearning process. The views expressed in this report are those of the authorsand do not necessarily represent those of Oldham and Rochdale HousingMarket Renewal.What is “Evaluation”?1.6 There are many similar definitions and explanations of "what evaluation is"available in widely recognised literature which studies evaluation both as aconcept, and as a tool. Each definition, and in fact, each evaluation isslightly different, some explanations given by recognised authors on thetopic define Evaluation as:“…a specific type of research activity, which is closely related to appliedresearch. The emphasis is less on theoretical development that on practicalimplications. Usually (although... not always) evaluation focuses on the aimsof a program and investigates to what extent the intentions of the programproviders are being realized. An evaluation report will comment on theeffects of program provision on those involved in receiving or delivering itand usually indicate potential future directions. Evaluation thus implies ajudgement of the worth or value of a program”Irene Hall and David Hall; Evaluation and Social Research: Introducing smallscalepractice 1“….the systematic application of social research procedures for assessingthe conceptualization, design, implementation, and utility of ... programs."Rossi and Freeman: Evaluation: A systematic approach 21 New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2004.2 Newbury Park, Calif: Sage Publications, 19932
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