Evaluation Landscape in Africa

Evaluation Landscape in Africa

Author: Caitlin Blaser Mapitsa

Publisher: AFRICAN SUN MeDIA

Published: 2019-09-02

Total Pages: 231

ISBN-13: 1928480187

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This book explores the discourse on evaluation in Africa and answers these questions: What is the purpose of evaluation in the region, based on the evaluations currently being conducted? What is the professional background of evaluators in Africa? What methods are used in evaluations in the region? What is the status of evaluation capacity development in the region? How is the quality of evaluations being conducted in Africa? The book looks at the evaluation field in its entirety. It does not focus on practice, but includes considerations for the evaluation sector that apply to evaluation commissioners, programme beneficiaries, donors, capacity builders, and the entire constellation of stakeholders working on improving development practice. It hopes to promote a data?driven approach to the evaluation sector to help strengthen engagement and practice.


Book Synopsis Evaluation Landscape in Africa by : Caitlin Blaser Mapitsa

Download or read book Evaluation Landscape in Africa written by Caitlin Blaser Mapitsa and published by AFRICAN SUN MeDIA. This book was released on 2019-09-02 with total page 231 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores the discourse on evaluation in Africa and answers these questions: What is the purpose of evaluation in the region, based on the evaluations currently being conducted? What is the professional background of evaluators in Africa? What methods are used in evaluations in the region? What is the status of evaluation capacity development in the region? How is the quality of evaluations being conducted in Africa? The book looks at the evaluation field in its entirety. It does not focus on practice, but includes considerations for the evaluation sector that apply to evaluation commissioners, programme beneficiaries, donors, capacity builders, and the entire constellation of stakeholders working on improving development practice. It hopes to promote a data?driven approach to the evaluation sector to help strengthen engagement and practice.


Evaluation Landscape in Africa

Evaluation Landscape in Africa

Author: Caitlin Blaser Mapitsa

Publisher: AFRICAN SUN MeDIA

Published: 2019-09-01

Total Pages: 234

ISBN-13: 1928480195

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This book explores the discourse on evaluation in Africa and answers these questions: What is the purpose of evaluation in the region, based on the evaluations currently being conducted? What is the professional background of evaluators in Africa? What methods are used in evaluations in the region? What is the status of evaluation capacity development in the region? How is the quality of evaluations being conducted in Africa? The book looks at the evaluation field in its entirety. It does not focus on practice, but includes considerations for the evaluation sector that apply to evaluation commissioners, programme beneficiaries, donors, capacity builders, and the entire constellation of stakeholders working on improving development practice. It hopes to promote a data'driven approach to the evaluation sector to help strengthen engagement and practice.


Book Synopsis Evaluation Landscape in Africa by : Caitlin Blaser Mapitsa

Download or read book Evaluation Landscape in Africa written by Caitlin Blaser Mapitsa and published by AFRICAN SUN MeDIA. This book was released on 2019-09-01 with total page 234 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book explores the discourse on evaluation in Africa and answers these questions: What is the purpose of evaluation in the region, based on the evaluations currently being conducted? What is the professional background of evaluators in Africa? What methods are used in evaluations in the region? What is the status of evaluation capacity development in the region? How is the quality of evaluations being conducted in Africa? The book looks at the evaluation field in its entirety. It does not focus on practice, but includes considerations for the evaluation sector that apply to evaluation commissioners, programme beneficiaries, donors, capacity builders, and the entire constellation of stakeholders working on improving development practice. It hopes to promote a data'driven approach to the evaluation sector to help strengthen engagement and practice.


Evaluation Management in South Africa and Africa

Evaluation Management in South Africa and Africa

Author: Fanie Cloete

Publisher: AFRICAN SUN MeDIA

Published: 2014-12-01

Total Pages: 649

ISBN-13: 1920689508

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Book Synopsis Evaluation Management in South Africa and Africa by : Fanie Cloete

Download or read book Evaluation Management in South Africa and Africa written by Fanie Cloete and published by AFRICAN SUN MeDIA. This book was released on 2014-12-01 with total page 649 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:


Practical Wisdom for an Ethical Evaluation Practice

Practical Wisdom for an Ethical Evaluation Practice

Author: Marthe Hurteau

Publisher: IAP

Published: 2023-01-01

Total Pages: 214

ISBN-13:

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This book provides a contemporary and thought-provoking exploration of the concept of practical wisdom--what it is and how it can be incorporated into evaluation practice. It defines what practical wisdom is, explores its roots, where it stands today, what constitutes the "wise" evaluator, and how we can develop sound judgment in an unpredictable and chaotic time. It brings together evaluation thought leaders and practitioners to examine the concept of practical wisdom. The authors’ enlightening essays are interwoven with reflective strands comprised of commentaries, examples, and new ideas added by Hurteau and her colleagues that offer a recursive and intricate pattern of reflection on the topic of practical wisdom. This is a rare book because it moves beyond evaluation methodology to explore how practical wisdom can help us develop new and better solutions for difficult evaluation situations. It will become a standard reference for practitioners, trainers. and teachers of evaluation because it considers the history, ethics, and competencies that underpin practical wisdom, and examines the ways that this untaught skill can be applied, to do, as House says, “the right thing in the special circumstances of performing the job.”


Book Synopsis Practical Wisdom for an Ethical Evaluation Practice by : Marthe Hurteau

Download or read book Practical Wisdom for an Ethical Evaluation Practice written by Marthe Hurteau and published by IAP. This book was released on 2023-01-01 with total page 214 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book provides a contemporary and thought-provoking exploration of the concept of practical wisdom--what it is and how it can be incorporated into evaluation practice. It defines what practical wisdom is, explores its roots, where it stands today, what constitutes the "wise" evaluator, and how we can develop sound judgment in an unpredictable and chaotic time. It brings together evaluation thought leaders and practitioners to examine the concept of practical wisdom. The authors’ enlightening essays are interwoven with reflective strands comprised of commentaries, examples, and new ideas added by Hurteau and her colleagues that offer a recursive and intricate pattern of reflection on the topic of practical wisdom. This is a rare book because it moves beyond evaluation methodology to explore how practical wisdom can help us develop new and better solutions for difficult evaluation situations. It will become a standard reference for practitioners, trainers. and teachers of evaluation because it considers the history, ethics, and competencies that underpin practical wisdom, and examines the ways that this untaught skill can be applied, to do, as House says, “the right thing in the special circumstances of performing the job.”


Equitable Evaluation

Equitable Evaluation

Author: Steven Masvaure

Publisher: AOSIS

Published: 2024-02-09

Total Pages: 316

ISBN-13: 1779953011

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The World Health Organization (WHO) defines equity as the absence of preventable or remediable disparities among various groups of individuals, regardless of how these groups are delineated, whether by social, economic, demographic or geographic factors. The goal of equity is to eliminate the unfair and avoidable circumstances that deprive people of their rights. Therefore, inequities generally arise when certain population groups are unfairly deprived of basic resources that are made available to other groups. A disparity is ‘unfair’ or ‘unjust’ when its cause is due to the social context rather than biological factors. Equitable evaluation contends that conducting evaluation practices with an equity approach is more powerful, as evaluation is used as a tool for advancing equity. It emphasises that context, culture, history, and beliefs shape the nature of evaluations, specifically in the diverse and often complex African reality. Equitable evaluation can render power to the powerless, offer a voice to the silenced and give presence to those treated as invisible. Evidence from various sources shows that inequality is prevalent on the African continent, hence the need to focus on evaluative solutions that address the structural issues that contribute to the different forms of inequality, such as economic, political and social inequality. Despite a plethora of development interventions on the African continent, a large proportion of the population on the continent is still lacking access to basic goods and services for survival. The effectiveness of developmental programmes in sub-Saharan Africa has been elusive, to the extent that minimal inroads have been made in addressing key challenges such as poverty, inequality and the effects of climate change. This scholarly book aims to invigorate academic discussions surrounding developmental programmes, with the goal of generating insights that can be utilised by evaluation commissioners and decision-makers to help address inequality and promote a more equitable society in Africa through improved evaluation processes.


Book Synopsis Equitable Evaluation by : Steven Masvaure

Download or read book Equitable Evaluation written by Steven Masvaure and published by AOSIS. This book was released on 2024-02-09 with total page 316 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The World Health Organization (WHO) defines equity as the absence of preventable or remediable disparities among various groups of individuals, regardless of how these groups are delineated, whether by social, economic, demographic or geographic factors. The goal of equity is to eliminate the unfair and avoidable circumstances that deprive people of their rights. Therefore, inequities generally arise when certain population groups are unfairly deprived of basic resources that are made available to other groups. A disparity is ‘unfair’ or ‘unjust’ when its cause is due to the social context rather than biological factors. Equitable evaluation contends that conducting evaluation practices with an equity approach is more powerful, as evaluation is used as a tool for advancing equity. It emphasises that context, culture, history, and beliefs shape the nature of evaluations, specifically in the diverse and often complex African reality. Equitable evaluation can render power to the powerless, offer a voice to the silenced and give presence to those treated as invisible. Evidence from various sources shows that inequality is prevalent on the African continent, hence the need to focus on evaluative solutions that address the structural issues that contribute to the different forms of inequality, such as economic, political and social inequality. Despite a plethora of development interventions on the African continent, a large proportion of the population on the continent is still lacking access to basic goods and services for survival. The effectiveness of developmental programmes in sub-Saharan Africa has been elusive, to the extent that minimal inroads have been made in addressing key challenges such as poverty, inequality and the effects of climate change. This scholarly book aims to invigorate academic discussions surrounding developmental programmes, with the goal of generating insights that can be utilised by evaluation commissioners and decision-makers to help address inequality and promote a more equitable society in Africa through improved evaluation processes.


Monitoring Systems in Africa

Monitoring Systems in Africa

Author: Caitlin Blaser Mapitsa

Publisher: African Sun Media

Published: 2023-12-08

Total Pages: 243

ISBN-13: 1991260156

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Monitoring systems are essential to Africa’s development effectiveness. Too often, however, monitoring is a time consuming exercise that is done exclusively for compliance. When developed with an understanding of the context within which they are implemented, monitoring systems have the potential to provide an evidence base from which progress can be evaluated and informed decisions made. The establishment, implementation, and institutionalisation of monitoring systems is a nuanced process, shaped by the unique characteristics and culture of each organisation. While ‘how to guides’ on the subject are abundant, their focus is often technical, and they do not sufficiently consider how monitoring practice links to the context of governance and development in the region, and what role monitoring systems can play to strengthen processes of reform. Monitoring Systems in Africa balances a strong theoretical foundation in governance and development with a practical approach to asking some of the big-picture questions about why and how we could more effectively build and institutionalise systems for useful monitoring. Given the scale of resources already being invested in monitoring, taking a systemic view and theoretically informed approach to monitoring can support decision-making around compliance, accountability, development effectiveness, and performance.


Book Synopsis Monitoring Systems in Africa by : Caitlin Blaser Mapitsa

Download or read book Monitoring Systems in Africa written by Caitlin Blaser Mapitsa and published by African Sun Media. This book was released on 2023-12-08 with total page 243 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Monitoring systems are essential to Africa’s development effectiveness. Too often, however, monitoring is a time consuming exercise that is done exclusively for compliance. When developed with an understanding of the context within which they are implemented, monitoring systems have the potential to provide an evidence base from which progress can be evaluated and informed decisions made. The establishment, implementation, and institutionalisation of monitoring systems is a nuanced process, shaped by the unique characteristics and culture of each organisation. While ‘how to guides’ on the subject are abundant, their focus is often technical, and they do not sufficiently consider how monitoring practice links to the context of governance and development in the region, and what role monitoring systems can play to strengthen processes of reform. Monitoring Systems in Africa balances a strong theoretical foundation in governance and development with a practical approach to asking some of the big-picture questions about why and how we could more effectively build and institutionalise systems for useful monitoring. Given the scale of resources already being invested in monitoring, taking a systemic view and theoretically informed approach to monitoring can support decision-making around compliance, accountability, development effectiveness, and performance.


Public Relations Management in Africa Volume 1

Public Relations Management in Africa Volume 1

Author: Albert A. Anani-Bossman

Publisher: Springer Nature

Published: 2023-07-12

Total Pages: 282

ISBN-13: 3031267044

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This two-part volume examines current pedagogical modules, research directions and other emerging issues in public relations and communication management in Africa. In comparison to its Western and Asian counterparts, the literature on public relations management in Africa is limited, and much of it is examined through the lenses of Western philosophies and pedagogies that do not generally resonate with Africa's socioeconomic, political, and cultural contexts. This book aims to change that. Through analyzing the organizational dynamic, Volume 1 brings together contributors from across Africa to provide valuable insights into how public relations contributes to organizational effectiveness on the continent. Chapters discussed include a review of public relations research in Africa, the role of the African CEO as a public relations activist, the use of social and digital media in public relations, the measurement and evaluation of communication programs, and the implications of the fourth industrial revolution on public relations practice in Africa. Providing important pathways and overviews of public relations management in Africa, this volume not only highlights current practices but offers insights into the future of the practice within its evolving global landscape.


Book Synopsis Public Relations Management in Africa Volume 1 by : Albert A. Anani-Bossman

Download or read book Public Relations Management in Africa Volume 1 written by Albert A. Anani-Bossman and published by Springer Nature. This book was released on 2023-07-12 with total page 282 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This two-part volume examines current pedagogical modules, research directions and other emerging issues in public relations and communication management in Africa. In comparison to its Western and Asian counterparts, the literature on public relations management in Africa is limited, and much of it is examined through the lenses of Western philosophies and pedagogies that do not generally resonate with Africa's socioeconomic, political, and cultural contexts. This book aims to change that. Through analyzing the organizational dynamic, Volume 1 brings together contributors from across Africa to provide valuable insights into how public relations contributes to organizational effectiveness on the continent. Chapters discussed include a review of public relations research in Africa, the role of the African CEO as a public relations activist, the use of social and digital media in public relations, the measurement and evaluation of communication programs, and the implications of the fourth industrial revolution on public relations practice in Africa. Providing important pathways and overviews of public relations management in Africa, this volume not only highlights current practices but offers insights into the future of the practice within its evolving global landscape.


The Language Issue in the Teaching of Mathematics in South Africa

The Language Issue in the Teaching of Mathematics in South Africa

Author: Lindiwe Tshuma

Publisher: African Sun Media

Published: 2021-01-26

Total Pages: 320

ISBN-13: 1928480969

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The book is the result of a five-year project that culminated (within the first three years) in doctoral research interrogating language competency for meaningful mathematics instruction at upper primary level conducted at University of Stellenbosch in 2017; and this book in the succeeding two years. The initial research project received countrywide coverage in several South African media outlets including Times Live and Radio 2000.


Book Synopsis The Language Issue in the Teaching of Mathematics in South Africa by : Lindiwe Tshuma

Download or read book The Language Issue in the Teaching of Mathematics in South Africa written by Lindiwe Tshuma and published by African Sun Media. This book was released on 2021-01-26 with total page 320 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The book is the result of a five-year project that culminated (within the first three years) in doctoral research interrogating language competency for meaningful mathematics instruction at upper primary level conducted at University of Stellenbosch in 2017; and this book in the succeeding two years. The initial research project received countrywide coverage in several South African media outlets including Times Live and Radio 2000.


Integrated Evaluation of Change: a New Perspective for Planning and Evaluation in Multiple Intervention Environments

Integrated Evaluation of Change: a New Perspective for Planning and Evaluation in Multiple Intervention Environments

Author: Ulrich Schiefer

Publisher: Ulrich Schiefer

Published: 2008

Total Pages: 92

ISBN-13: 9898079061

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Abstract: Most evaluations are done from a policy/ programme/ project perspective. The downstream perspective which accompanies the flow of resources through the dissipative structures of the agencies to produce change in societies requires an organised upstream flow of information in order to keep the resources flowing downstream, where they feed the agencies and produce the intended impact. This perspective has dominated and limited method-driven evaluation as well as the different approaches of theory-based evaluation. An integrated evaluation of change approach tries to understand what is happening at the receiving end of development and social intervention through a perspective that looks first at the society and the wide range of organisations in the organisational landscape. Evaluation can thus cross the boundary of the learning organisation and contributes to a learning organisational landscape - networks, clusters or just assorted organisations targeting the same reality, and thereb


Book Synopsis Integrated Evaluation of Change: a New Perspective for Planning and Evaluation in Multiple Intervention Environments by : Ulrich Schiefer

Download or read book Integrated Evaluation of Change: a New Perspective for Planning and Evaluation in Multiple Intervention Environments written by Ulrich Schiefer and published by Ulrich Schiefer. This book was released on 2008 with total page 92 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Abstract: Most evaluations are done from a policy/ programme/ project perspective. The downstream perspective which accompanies the flow of resources through the dissipative structures of the agencies to produce change in societies requires an organised upstream flow of information in order to keep the resources flowing downstream, where they feed the agencies and produce the intended impact. This perspective has dominated and limited method-driven evaluation as well as the different approaches of theory-based evaluation. An integrated evaluation of change approach tries to understand what is happening at the receiving end of development and social intervention through a perspective that looks first at the society and the wide range of organisations in the organisational landscape. Evaluation can thus cross the boundary of the learning organisation and contributes to a learning organisational landscape - networks, clusters or just assorted organisations targeting the same reality, and thereb


Managing Natural Resources for Development in Africa

Managing Natural Resources for Development in Africa

Author: Washington Odongo Ochola

Publisher: IDRC

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 572

ISBN-13: 9966792090

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The complex and dynamic interlinks between natural resource management (NRM) and development have long been recognized by national and international research and development organizations and have generated voluminous literature. However, much of what is available in the form of university course books, practical learning manuals and reference materials in NRM is based on experiences from outside Africa. Managing Natural Resources for Development in Africa: A Resource Book provides an understanding of the various levels at which NRM issues occur and are being addressed scientifically, economically, socially and politically. The book's nine chapters present state-of-the-art perspectives within a holistic African context. The book systematically navigates the tricky landscape of integrated NRM, with special reference to Eastern and Southern Africa, against the backdrop of prevailing local, national, regional and global social, economic and environmental challenges. The authors' wide experience, the rich references made to emerging challenges and opportunities, and the presentation of different tools, principles, approaches, case studies and processes make the book a rich and valuable one-stop resource for postgraduate students, researchers, policymakers and NRM practitioners. The book is designed to help the reader grasp in-depth NRM perspectives and presents innovative guidance for research design and problem solving, including review questions, learning activities and recommended further reading. The book was developed through a writeshop process by a multi-disciplinary team of lecturers from the University of Nairobi, Egerton University, Kenyatta University, the University of Zimbabwe, the University of Malawi, Makerere University and the University of Dar es Salam. In addition, selected NRM experts from regional and international research organizations including the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), the Africa Forest Forum, RUFORUM, IIRR and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) participated in the writeshop and contributed material to the book.


Book Synopsis Managing Natural Resources for Development in Africa by : Washington Odongo Ochola

Download or read book Managing Natural Resources for Development in Africa written by Washington Odongo Ochola and published by IDRC. This book was released on 2010 with total page 572 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The complex and dynamic interlinks between natural resource management (NRM) and development have long been recognized by national and international research and development organizations and have generated voluminous literature. However, much of what is available in the form of university course books, practical learning manuals and reference materials in NRM is based on experiences from outside Africa. Managing Natural Resources for Development in Africa: A Resource Book provides an understanding of the various levels at which NRM issues occur and are being addressed scientifically, economically, socially and politically. The book's nine chapters present state-of-the-art perspectives within a holistic African context. The book systematically navigates the tricky landscape of integrated NRM, with special reference to Eastern and Southern Africa, against the backdrop of prevailing local, national, regional and global social, economic and environmental challenges. The authors' wide experience, the rich references made to emerging challenges and opportunities, and the presentation of different tools, principles, approaches, case studies and processes make the book a rich and valuable one-stop resource for postgraduate students, researchers, policymakers and NRM practitioners. The book is designed to help the reader grasp in-depth NRM perspectives and presents innovative guidance for research design and problem solving, including review questions, learning activities and recommended further reading. The book was developed through a writeshop process by a multi-disciplinary team of lecturers from the University of Nairobi, Egerton University, Kenyatta University, the University of Zimbabwe, the University of Malawi, Makerere University and the University of Dar es Salam. In addition, selected NRM experts from regional and international research organizations including the World Agroforestry Center (ICRAF), the Africa Forest Forum, RUFORUM, IIRR and the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) participated in the writeshop and contributed material to the book.