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Book Title: Handbook on Evaluation
Editors: Reinhard Stockmann
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4337/9781035321483
Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing
Hardcover ISBN: 978 1 03532 147 6
Published: 06 Aug 2024
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We are thrilled to announce the release of the “Handbook on Evaluation,” a comprehensive guide authored by Professor Reinhard Stockmann and the CEval team. This new publication serves as a vital resource for those engaged in the evaluation of public and social policies, projects, and programs.
The Handbook provides a systematic and comprehensive exploration into the planning, process, implementation, and utilization of evaluations. Covering the process and individual steps of evaluation in detail, in chronological order, and in terms of practical application, this Handbook identifies the characteristics and standards that distinguish a professionally and competently conducted evaluation.
The Handbook is an English translation of the “Handbuch zur Evaluation – Eine praktische Handlungsanleitung“, first published in 2007, with an updated second edition released in 2022. It remains the most widely sold evaluation handbook in Germany. The book is exclusively written by the CEval team—including Professor Reinhard Stockmann, Professor Wolfgang Meyer, Stefan Silvestrini, Vera Hennefeld, Laszlo Szentmarjay, Janis Wicke and Niklas Zierke—the Handbook draws on more than 30 years of expertise gained at Saarland University’s Chair of Sociology and the Center for Evaluation (CEval). This extensive background, built upon hundreds of research projects, evaluations, and consultancy roles for governments, NGOs, and civil society organizations worldwide, serves as the foundation of the book.
The Handbook begins by defining key concepts such as monitoring and quality management, before delving into the organizational implementation of evaluations and how these evaluations are embedded within their social and political contexts. It then covers various evaluation designs and methods for data collection, management, measurement, and analysis—detailing the conditions under which these methods are most effective. The book concludes with a summary of the forms of reporting to ensure their optimal use.
Evaluations go beyond project and program management—they contribute to rational management, create transparency, and serve societal enlightenment. In today’s society, where evidence-based decision-making is more critical than ever, this Handbook is an indispensable tool for students, scholars, evaluators, and decision-makers alike.
You can purchase this book with a 35% discount using the provided discount code. The book is also available as an eBook via Google Play, ebooks.com, and other vendors, as well as for subscribing institutions on Elgaronline.
Expert Reviews
“This is an important Handbook that comprehensively lays out the foundational institutional and methodological issues in evaluation. Written in a pragmatic style, it is especially helpful to young and emerging evaluators, though experienced practitioners will also find useful insights to refresh their knowledge.”
– Jos Vaessen, Evaluation Advisor, The Independent Evaluation Group, World Bank Group
“The Handbook explains evaluation principles, concepts, and technical aspects in simple, accessible terms. It will benefit a broad audience, including academics, evaluation practitioners, development professionals, and development organizations. This book is an essential resource for advocating, designing, and enhancing evaluation capacity.”
– Asela Kalugagampitiya, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka
“Evaluation is crucial in modern project and program work, particularly in the public sector. Whether for planning, implementation, justification, or control, this Handbook provides the necessary foundations in a comprehensive and accessible manner, making it an indispensable resource for anyone working in the field.”
Fritz Sager, Professor of Political Science, University of Bern, Switzerland
