Develop a design for the evaluation

Synonyms:
Plan the evaluation

An evaluation design sets out how data will be collected and analysed in terms of the methods used and the research design.

Evaluation designs should suit the particular evaluation in terms of the nature of the evaluation, the nature of what is being evaluated and the availability of resources:

Methods

There are different ways to go about the task of designing an evaluation.

When the evaluation design is developed

  • Upfront evaluation design

    An upfront evaluation design is done before or near the beginning of the evaluation and then implemented as designed or as revised at the end of the inception period.

  • Iterative evaluation design

    An iterative evaluation design begins with an initial design or process from which a more detailed design is created iteratively as the evaluation progresses in response to emerging findings and information needs.

Who develops the evaluation design

  • Commissioner-led evaluation design

    The organisation commissioning an evaluation develops an evaluation design as part of setting out the terms of reference for the evaluation.

  • Evaluator-led evaluation design

    An evaluation team develops an evaluation design in response to an evaluation brief which sets out the purposes of the evaluation.

  • Community-led evaluation design

    A community develops an evaluation design, sometimes with facilitation or technical support.

  • Joint evaluation design

    A collaboration is involved in designing the evaluation, which might involve an implementing agency, an evaluation team and/or a community working together.

Combining evaluation methods and approaches

  • Single evaluation approach design

    The evaluation design is based on selecting a single existing evaluation model or approach and using it for an evaluation.

  • Bricolage evaluation design

    A bricolage evaluation design flexibly combines and adapts various data collection and analysis methods, approaches, and conceptual and value frameworks to suit the specific context of the evaluation.

'Develop a design for the evaluation' is referenced in:

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