Performance Evaluation: Proven Approaches for Improving Program and Organizational Performance(52 Research Methods for the Social Sciences)

Performance Evaluation is a hands-on text for practitioners, researchers, educators, and students in how to use scientifically-based evaluations that are both rigorous and flexible. Author Ingrid Guerra-L?pez, an internationally-known evaluation expert, introduces the foundations of evaluation and presents the most applicable models for the performance improvement field. Her book offers a wide variety of tools and techniques that have proven successful and is organized to illustrate evaluation in the context of continual performance improvement.

Table of Contents:
Foreword Section 1: Introduction to Evaluation Chapter 1 Introduction to Evaluation Key Points Decisions, Decisions... A Brief Overview of Evaluation History Evaluation: Purpose and Definition Performance Improvement: A Conceptual Framework Making Evaluation Happen: Ensuring Stakeholders Buy-in The Evaluator: A job or a role? The Relationship to Other Investigative Processes: Evaluation, Needs Assessment, and Scientific Research When Does Evaluation Occur? General Evaluation Orientations Challenges Faced By Evaluators Ensuring Commitment Benefits of Evaluation Basic Definitions Chapter 2 Principles of Performance-Based Evaluation Key Points What are we seeking? Principle 1: Evaluation-good evaluation-is based on asking the right questions Evaluation Question Strings Developing Questions that Guide Valid and Useful Evaluation Principle 2: Evaluation of process (means) is a function of obtained results (ends) Getting Ends and Means Identified and Linked Principle 3: Goals and objectives of organizations should be based on valid needs Principle 4: Derive valid needs using a top-down approach: rolling down from external impact and value added to the results and methods used within the organization Principle 5: Every organization should aim for best that society can attain. Evaluation standards must be linked to a useful and real strategic vision Principle 6: The set of evaluation questions drives the evaluation study Section 2 Models of Evaluation Chapter 3 Overview of Existing Evaluation Mode Key Points Overview of Classic Evaluation Models Selected Evaluation Models Which model should you select? Conceptualizing a Useful Evaluation That Fits Your Situation Reflection Questions Chapter 4 Kirkpatrick's Four Levels of Evaluation Key Points Overview of the Model and Relevant Research Description of Kirkpatrick's Levels Criticisms of the Model Strengths and limitations Application Sample Additional Application Reflection Questions Chapter 5 Phillips Return on Investment Key Points Overview of the Model Description of Phillip's ROI Process Application Example Additional case applications Reflection Questions Chapter 6 Brinkerhoff Success Case Method Key Points103 Overview of the Model Description of the SCM Process Conclusion Application Example Reflection Questions Chapter 7 The Impact Evaluation Process Key Points Overview of the Model A note on the nature of inquiry of the Impact Evaluation Process The Impact Evaluation Process: Seven Aligned and Reiterative Steps Conclusion Application Example Reflection Questions Chapter 8 The CIPP Model Key Points Overview of the Model Description of Stufflebeam's Four Types of Evaluation Articulating Core Values of Programs and Solutions Methods Used in CIPP Evaluations Application Example Additional case applications Reflection Questions Chapter 9 Evaluating Evaluations Key Points Can we trust Evaluation Findings? Definition of Metaevaluation Evaluation Standards The American Evaluation Association Principles for Evaluators Application Example Reflection Questions Section 3 Tools and Techniques of Evaluation Chapter 10 Data Key Points Data Defined Characteristics of Data Defining Required Data from Performance Objectives Deriving Measurable Indicators Finding Data Sources Chapter 11 Data Collection Key Points Introduction to Data Collection Methods Observation Methodology and the Purpose of Measurement Problems with Classic Experimental Studies in Applied Settings Time Series Studies Document-Centered Methods Reflection Questions Chapter 12 Analysis of Evaluation Data: Tools and Techniques Key points Methods of Qualitative Analysis Analysis of Models and Patterns Analysis using Structured Discussion Imposing Structure on Emerging Issues Relevancy Controls on Structured Discussion Methods of Quantitative Analysis Statistics Two types of statistics Measures of Central Tendency Measures of Dispersion (Variability) Graphical Representations of Data27 Measures of Relationsh Inferential Statistics: Parametric and Non-Parametric Interpretation Reflection Questions Chapter 13 Communicating the Findings Key Points Recommendations Considerations for Implementing Recommendations Developing the Report The Evaluator's Role After the Report Reflection Questions Section 4 Continual Improvement Chapter 14 Common Errors in Evaluation Errors of System Mapping Errors of Logic Errors of procedure Reflection Questions Chapter 15 Continual Improvement Key Points What is Continual Improvement? Monitoring Performance Adjusting Performance The Role of Leadership Reflection Questions Chapter 16 Contracting for Evaluation Services Key Points The Nature of Contracts Fixed Price Cost Plus Fixed Fee Time and Materials Consulting Retaine Contracting Controls Contract Elements Other Contract Clauses Sample Statement of Work (SOW) General Information Contract Award Meeting General Requirements Specific Mandatory Tasks and Associated Deliverables Description of Tasks and Associated Deliverables: Schedule for Deliverables Changes to Statement of Work Reporting Requirements Travel and Site Visits Sellalot Corporation Responsibilities Contractor Experience Requirements Confidentiality and Nondisclosure Chapter 17 Intelligence Gathering for Decision Making: Performance Measurement Systems Key Points Measures, Intelligence and Decisions Performance Measurements Systems Issues in Performance Measurement Systems Conclusion Reflection Questions Chapter 18 The Future of Evaluation in Performance Improvement Key Points Introduction Evaluation and Measurement in Performance Improvement Today What Does the Future Hold? Conclusion References and Related Readings

About the Author :
Ingrid J. Guerra-Lopez, PhD, is an associate professor at Wayne State University, director of the Institute for Learning and Performance Improvement, associate research professor at the Sonora Institute of Technology in Mexico, and principal of Intelligence Gathering Systems.