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Ten steps to making evaluation matter

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  • Sridharan, Sanjeev
  • Nakaima, April

Abstract

This paper proposes ten steps to make evaluations matter. The ten steps are a combination of the usual recommended practice such as developing program theory and implementing rigorous evaluation designs with a stronger focus on more unconventional steps including developing learning frameworks, exploring pathways of evaluation influence, and assessing spread and sustainability. Consideration of these steps can lead to a focused dialogue between program planners and evaluators and can result in more rigorously planned programs. The ten steps can also help in developing and implementing evaluation designs that have greater potential for policy and programmatic influence. The paper argues that there is a need to go beyond a formulaic approach to program evaluation design that often does not address the complexity of the programs. The complexity of the program will need to inform the design of the evaluation. The ten steps that are described in this paper are heavily informed by a Realist approach to evaluation. The Realist approach attempts to understand what is it about a program that makes it work.

Suggested Citation

  • Sridharan, Sanjeev & Nakaima, April, 2011. "Ten steps to making evaluation matter," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 34(2), pages 135-146, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:epplan:v:34:y:2011:i:2:p:135-146
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    5. Pluye, Pierre & Potvin, Louise & Denis, Jean-Louis, 2004. "Corrigendum to `Making public health programs last: conceptualizing sustainability' [Evaluation and Program Planning 27 (2004) 121-133]," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 27(4), pages 453-453, November.
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    1. Juan David Parra, 2017. "Introducción a la evaluación realista y sus métodos: ¿Qué funciona, para quién, en qué aspectos, hasta qué punto, en qué contexto y cómo?," Revista Economía y Región, Universidad Tecnológica de Bolívar, vol. 11(2), pages 11-44, December.
    2. Sridharan, Sanjeev & Jones, Bobby & Caudill, Barry & Nakaima, April, 2016. "Steps towards incorporating heterogeneities into program theory: A case study of a data-driven approach," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 58(C), pages 88-97.
    3. Sridharan, Sanjeev & Nakaima, April, 2023. "Learning from experiences of evaluators implementing theory-driven evaluations in diverse settings: Building on the contributions of John Mayne," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 97(C).
    4. Cole, Donald C. & Levin, Carol & Loechl, Cornelia & Thiele, Graham & Grant, Frederick & Girard, Aimee Webb & Sindi, Kirimi & Low, Jan, 2016. "Planning an integrated agriculture and health program and designing its evaluation: Experience from Western Kenya," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 56(C), pages 11-22.
    5. Nordhagen, Stella & Nielsen, Jennifer & van Mourik, Tom & Smith, Erin & Klemm, Rolf, 2019. "Fostering CHANGE: Lessons from implementing a multi-country, multi-sector nutrition-sensitive agriculture project," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    6. Okwaro, Ferdinand M. & Chandler, Clare I.R. & Hutchinson, Eleanor & Nabirye, Christine & Taaka, Lilian & Kayendeke, Miriam & Nayiga, Susan & Staedke, Sarah G., 2015. "Challenging logics of complex intervention trials: Community perspectives of a health care improvement intervention in rural Uganda," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 131(C), pages 10-17.
    7. Tannahill, Carol & Sridharan, Sanjeev, 2013. "Getting real about policy and practice needs: Evaluation as a bridge between the problem and solution space," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 36(1), pages 157-164.
    8. Clark, Alexander M., 2013. "What are the components of complex interventions in healthcare? Theorizing approaches to parts, powers and the whole intervention," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 93(C), pages 185-193.
    9. Arasanz, Carla & Nylen, Kirk, 2020. "The theory of change of the evaluation support program: Enhancing the role of community organizations in providing an ecology of care for neurological disorders," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 80(C).
    10. Schultes, Marie-Therese & Kollmayer, Marlene & Mejeh, Mathias & Spiel, Christiane, 2018. "Attitudes toward evaluation: An exploratory study of students’ and stakeholders’ social representations," Evaluation and Program Planning, Elsevier, vol. 70(C), pages 44-50.
    11. Juan, Parra, 2017. "¿Qué Funciona, Para Quién, En Qué Aspectos, Hasta Qué Punto, En Qué Contexto Y Cómo? Una Introducción A La Evaluación Realista Y Sus Métodos [What Works, For Whom, In What Respects, To What Extent,," MPRA Paper 81137, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    12. Mehdipanah, Roshanak & Manzano, Ana & Borrell, Carme & Malmusi, Davide & Rodriguez-Sanz, Maica & Greenhalgh, Joanne & Muntaner, Carles & Pawson, Ray, 2015. "Exploring complex causal pathways between urban renewal, health and health inequality using a theory-driven realist approach," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 124(C), pages 266-274.

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