Integrating theory and practice. Conceptual frameworks of the CEFP

Area of Science:

• Program Evaluation
• Organizational Learning
• Collaborative Practice

Background:

• The Collaborative Evaluation Fellows Project (CEFP) aimed to improve evaluation practices within an organization.
• Existing evaluation methods needed enhancement to foster learning and collaboration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the conceptual frameworks guiding the CEFP's design, development, and implementation.
• To explain how evaluation standards informed CEFP activities.
• To illustrate the impact of CEFP on organizational evaluation practices.

Main Methods:

• The study integrated utilization-focused evaluation, evaluative inquiry for learning, and collaboration for change frameworks.
• The Program Evaluation Standards were used as criteria for implementation and assessment.
• Case examples illustrate the project's outcomes.

Main Results:

• The CEFP successfully integrated multiple conceptual frameworks into its structure.
• The Program Evaluation Standards provided a robust framework for guiding and assessing evaluation studies.
• Project implementation led to a significant shift in how staff and volunteers approach and conduct evaluations.

Conclusions:

• The CEFP demonstrates the effective application of diverse evaluation theories and standards.
• The project fostered a more collaborative and learning-oriented approach to evaluation.
• The initiative has lasting implications for improving organizational evaluation capacity.