Reference no: EM133392075

Developing a Theory-based Evaluation Framework

Theory-based approaches to evaluation use an explicit theory of change to draw conclusions about whether and how an intervention contributes to observed results.

Evaluation is a branch of applied research that attempts to identify cause-effect (if-then) relationships within a specific intervention context. 

An evaluation framework sets the parameters of the evaluation - its purposes, key evaluation questions and the criteria and standards to be used.

Context:

The Global Trust for Cultural and Creative Industries, based in Cannes, France has partnered with the Lowveld Chamber of Business and Tourism (LCBT) and the Mbombela Local Municipality (MLM). The partnership has agreed to explore options for rolling out initiatives in the cultural and creative industries that support sustainable youth employment.

You have been appointed to evaluate the E3YDH's Creating Opportunities for Youth Program to inform the partnership's decision to pursue, re-engineer or reject the program's approach.

Note: The E3YDH Case Study and the fictitious partnership are provided as a means for you to anchor your submission. You are not required to evaluate the intervention, but you may use elements of the context provided to ground/illustrate your argument.

Assignment Task

1. Describe and comment on the E3YDH program's underlying theory of change. (Case Study attached)
2. Propose a comprehensive, "fit for purpose" evaluation approach and method that will inform and guide the implementation of your program evaluation.
3. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of various evaluation approaches
4. Critically interrogate the potential of theory-based evaluation
5. Formulate evaluation questions for different evaluation purposes
6. Identify appropriate methods to respond to different evaluation questions
7. Describe the linkages between research and evaluation methods