Recommendations in evaluation

This presentation, given by Lori Wingate for the Evaluation Center, Western Michigan University, takes a look at the 'why, what and how' of making recommendations in an evaluation.

The presentation outlines the reasons for giving recommendations and provides a range of tips and advice for making them more effective. 

Contents

• Continuum of Evaluative Information
• WHY (or WHY NOT) should evaluators make recommendations?
• WHAT types of recommendations should evaluators make?
• HOW should evaluators make recommendations?
  • Base recommendations on evaluation findings and conclusions and other credible sources.
  • Organize recommendations, such as by type, focus, timing, audience, and/or priority.
  • At the design stage, determine the nature of recommendations needed or expected.
  • Generate possible recommendations throughout the evaluation, not just at the end.
  • Engage key stakeholders in developing or reviewing recommendations prior to finalization
  • Focus recommendations on actions within control of intenders users.
  • Provide multiple options for achieving desired results
  • Clearly distinguish between findings and recommendations
  • Write recommendations using clear and specific language.
  • Specify the justification/ information sources for each recommendation.
  • Explain the potential costs, benefits, and challenges associated with implementing recommendation
  • Exercise interpersonal and political sensitivity in the focus and wording of recommendations
  • Meet with stakeholders to review and discuss recommendations in their final form. 
  • Provide tools to facilitate decision making and action planning around recommendations