Guide to Project Evaluation: A Participatory Approach

Chapter 1: Introducing the Guide

Evaluation can be useful, exciting and an important knowledge development tool. This evaluation guide has been developed to help make all these things happen. The goal of this evaluation guide is to provide easy-to-use, comprehensive framework for project evaluation. This framework can be used to strengthen evaluation skills and knowledge to assist in the development and implementation of effective project evaluations.

1.1 Why evaluate?

Effective project evaluations can

account for what has been accomplished through project funding
promote learning about which health promotion strategies work in communities and which don't
provide feedback to inform decision-making at all levels: community, regional and national
contribute to the body of knowledge about health promotion
assess the cost-effectiveness of different health promotion strategies
position high quality projects for future funding opportunities
increase the effectiveness of project and program management
contribute to policy development.

A good project evaluation provides an extremely useful tool to manage ongoing work, identify successes and plan effectively for new health promotion initiatives.

1.2 Getting started

The Guide to Project Evaluation: A Participatory Approach provides direction for your work in planning and implementing effective project evaluations.

While no single resource can answer all your questions, we hope that the Guide to Project Evaluation: A Participatory Approach provides you with clear directions. Add to it, adapt it, and customize it to meet your own needs.

1.3 A note on terminology

For many people the language of evaluation is a barrier that prevents them from getting on with the real evaluation work. This guide attempts to avoid this problem by using plain language throughout. Appendix 1 provides a brief overview of definitions of the more common evaluation terms.


	Last Updated: 2002-11-29		Important Notices