Program Evaluation, 3rd Edition

4Negotiation and Evaluation Planning

In Chapter 1 we adopted a description of evaluative enquiry as the processes of:

• developing an evaluation plan;
• implementing an evaluation design to produce findings;
• disseminating findings to identified audiences.

All three stages are essential to the practice of evaluation. Their execution requires evaluators to possess a range of complementary skills. In the first stage, the emphasis is on planning. Interpersonal skills are required in dealing with stakeholders: those who have a legitimate interest in the program. In the second stage, the emphasis is on data management: the collection and analysis of evidence. This is sometimes referred to as the obtaining stage. Methodological skills are required. ...