Purposeful Evaluation - by David Parsons (Hardcover)

About the Book

With real-world case studies and practical tools, this book offers straightforward advice on overcoming common challenges and delivering effective, fit-for-purpose evaluations across public, academic and voluntary sectors.

Book Synopsis

This book offers a practical guide for those transitioning from research to systematic evaluation.

With growing demand for reliable evaluation across government, charities and other institutions, many new evaluators lack necessary knowledge and skills. This book addresses those gaps, offering step-by-step guidance on designing and delivering fit-for-purpose evaluations to maximise their use and utility. Taking a holistic approach to the evaluation journey, it covers key challenges such as engaging stakeholders, managing expectations and handling resource pressures.

With real-world case studies and practical tools, this is an essential resource for practitioners across public, academic and voluntary sectors.

Review Quotes

"Academics should read Purposeful Evaluation because it offers a strong teaching text for applied evaluation and because it frames evaluation as an interdisciplinary practice involving methods, ethics, organizational judgment, and communication. Practitioners should read it because it offers an honest account of the constraints under which evaluation occurs: imperfect timing, limited resources, shifting stakeholders, contested evidence, and decision windows that can close quickly." IEEE Professional Communication Society

"At last, a book that provides - in one place - everything that the prospective evaluator needs to get started. This is practical, accessible advice grounded in real-world experience." Andrew Jarvis, Vice President, ICF

"This is a highly engaging book on evaluation that will address many of the questions you have, whether you are new to evaluation or more experienced. It is informed by many conversations with researchers from government, academia and charities and, therefore, grounded in the real world. Highly recommended reading." Tina Haux, Chief Executive Officer, Social Research Association

About the Author

David Parsons is a programme evaluator with over 30 years' experience of independent public policy analysis in the UK, Europe and internationally. He is also Visiting Professor at Leeds Beckett University, Principal Consultant at P&A Research and Consulting, and Programme Lead for evaluation practitioner training at the UK's Social Research Association.