Working with assumptions in international development program evaluation / / Apollo M. Nkwake; with a foreword by Michael Bamberger

• Autore: Nkwake Apollo M
• Pubblicazione: New York, : Springer, 2012, c2013
• Descrizione fisica: 1 online resource (190 p.)
• Disciplina: 361.61
• Soggetto topico: Economic development; International economic relations
• Note generali: Description based upon print version of record.
• Nota di bibliografia: Includes bibliographical references and index.
• Nota di contenuto: Working with Assumptions in International Development Program Evaluation; Foreword; Preface; Contents; 1 Introduction; Abstract; Challenges of a Growing Profession; AssumptionsAssumptions in Responding to Evaluation's Challenges; Focus of this Book; References; Part I Designing and Evaluating Complex Development Programs; 2 Attributes of Complex Development Programs; Abstract; The More Complex, the More Assumptions; Complexity Theory; Development ProgramsDevelopment Programs as Complex SystemsComplex Systems; Other Characteristics of Complex Development Programs; Nonlinearity; Dynamism ; Dynamic StratificationComplexity and Certainty; Conclusion: Complexity and Assumptions in Program Evaluation; References; 3 Designing Complex Development Programs; Abstract; Introduction; Stakeholder-Focused Approaches; Change Perspective; Outcome-Focused Frameworks; The LFA and Assumptions: Does It Adequately Reflect Complexity?; The ZOPP; Box 3.1 Levels of the ZOPP Cycle; Other Variations of the LFA; Box 3.2 Variations in LFA; LFA as a Formal Procedure; enspLFA as a Way of Thinking; enspLFA as a Brand or Label; enspLFA as a System ; How is the LFA Helpful in Dealing with Complexity and Assumptions?Lessons from the LFA; Simplification or an Extension of Clarity; The Necessity of Explicit Assumptions; What Else Might Hinder the Effectiveness of These Approaches (Or Support Their Success), and What Have We Thought About the Likelihood of Those Factors?; The Theory of Change Approach; Pathway of Change; Outcome and Precondition; Indicators; Intervention; Assumptions; Theory of Change Versus Log Frame; Participatory Impact Pathways Analysis; Comparing PIPA, LFA, and ToC Approaches; References ; 4 Evaluating Complex Development ProgramsAbstract; Introduction; The DQuant Camp; The DQual Camp; What the DQuants Think of the DQuals; What the DQuals Think of the DQuants; An Example of the Paradigm Fights; Conclusion: The Need for an Integrated Approach; References; Part II Evaluation Theory and Assumptions; 5 Theory in Evaluation; Abstract; Introduction; General TheoryGeneral Theory; Social Science Theory; Evaluation Theory; Program Theory; Theory-Based Evaluation (TBE); Box 5.1: Core Principles and Subprinciples of Theory-Driven Evaluation; Box 5.2: Steps in Contribution Analysis ; References6 What are AssumptionsAssumptions?; Abstract; Introduction; Definitions of Assumptions; Types of Assumptions; ParadigmaticParadigmatic Assumptions; Forms of Paradigmatic Assumptions; Ontological Assumptions; Epistemological Assumptions; Axiological Assumptions; Cultural AssumptionsAssumptions; Idiosyncratic Assumptions; PrescriptivePrescriptive Assumptions; Categories of Prescriptive Assumptions Include; Legal Presumptions; Metaphoric Assumptions; Intellectual Assumptions; CausalCausal AssumptionsAssumptions; Categories of Assumptions by Degree of Articulation; Explicit Assumptions ; Implicit Assumptions
• Sommario/riassunto: Regardless of geography or goal, development programs and policies are fueled by a complex network of implicit ideas. Stakeholders may hold assumptions about purposes, outcomes, methodology, and the value of project evaluation and evaluators—which may or may not be shared by the evaluators. Even when all participants share goals, failure to recognize and articulate assumptions can impede clarity and derail progress. Working with Assumptions in International Development Program Evaluation probes their crucial role in planning, and their contributions in driving, global projects involving long-term change. Drawing on his extensive experience in the field, the author offers elegant logic and instructive examples to relate assumptions to the complexities of program design and implementation, particularly in weighing their outcomes. The book emphasizes clarity of purpose, respect among collaborators, and collaboration among team members who might rarely or never meet otherwise. Importantly, the book is a theoretical and practical volume that: · Introduces the multiple layers of assumptions on which global interventions are based. · Explores various approaches to the evaluation of complex interventions, with their underlying assumptions. · Identifies ten basic types of assumptions and their implications for program development and evaluation. · Provides examples of assumptions influencing design, implementation, and evaluation of development projects. · Offers guidelines in identifying, explicating, and evaluating assumptions A first-of-its-kind resource, Working with Assumptions in International Development Program Evaluation opens out the processes of planning, implementation, and assessment for professionals in global development, including practitioners, development economists, global development program designers, and nonprofit personnel. .
• Titolo autorizzato: Working with assumptions in international development program evaluation
• ISBN: 1-283-62447-8; 9786613936929; 1-4614-4797-6
• Formato: Materiale a stampa
• Livello bibliografico: Monografia
• Lingua di pubblicazione: Inglese
• Record Nr.: 9910438331703321
• Lo trovi qui: Univ. Federico II