Purposeful Evaluation: A Practical Guide to Design, Development and Delivery

by David Parsons

Overview

This book offers a practical guide for those transitioning from research to systematic evaluation.

With growing demand for reliable evaluation across government, charities and other institutions, many new evaluators lack necessary knowledge and skills. This book addresses those gaps, offering step—by—step guidance on designing and delivering fit—for—purpose evaluations to maximise their use and utility. Taking a holistic approach to the evaluation journey, it covers key challenges such as engaging stakeholders, managing expectations and handling resource pressures.

With real—world case studies and practical tools, this is an essential resource for practitioners across public, academic and voluntary sectors.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781447376125
Publisher:	Bristol University Press
Publication date:	12/23/2025
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	348
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

David Parsons is a programme evaluator with over 30 years’ experience of independent public policy analysis in the UK, Europe and internationally. He is also Visiting Professor at Leeds Beckett University, Principal Consultant at P&A Research and Consulting, and Programme Lead for evaluation practitioner training at the UK’s Social Research Association.

Table of Contents

Part 1: Starting Points

1. Why purposeful evaluation?

Part 2: Setting the Foundations

2. Defining the purpose

3. Managing evaluation objectives and expectations

4. Managing the ethical dimension

Part 3: Choosing the Right Method

5. Understanding the choices

6. Process evaluation

7. Economic evaluation

8. Fully experimental impact evaluation

9. Quasi—experimental impact evaluation

10. Theory—based impact evaluation

11. Meta—evaluation

Part 4: Putting it in Place: Preparation into Delivery

12. Preparation and groundwork

13. Managing challenges and delivery

Part 5: Presenting and Mobilising Evidence

14. Delivering the evidence

15. Optimising evaluation influence

Editorial Reviews

At last, a book that provides — in one place — everything that the prospective evaluator needs to get started. This is practical, accessible advice grounded in real—world experience.” Andrew Jarvis, Vice President, ICF

“This is a highly engaging book on evaluation that will address many of the questions you have, whether you are new to evaluation or more experienced. It is informed by many conversations with researchers from government, academia and charities and, therefore, grounded in the real world. Highly recommended reading.” Tina Haux, Chief Executive Officer, Social Research Association

From the Publisher