Introduction

The recipe for a purposeful evaluation is simple. It mixes realistic goals with on- time delivery and fit- for- purpose delivery process (and deliverables) which have integrity, are well- engaged, and clearly and well communicated. Most evaluators, however, if not operating in fully controlled (trial) circumstances, will find it less than straightforward to ensure all those elements join up as and when needed. Managing challenges and change are inherent to ensuring ‘success’, and it will be a lucky evaluator who does not encounter at least some disruption to planned delivery and quality.

Purposeful evaluation recognises that, of themselves, solid planning and preparation, sound method choice and application are unlikely to guarantee a smooth pathway to delivery. This commonly calls for ‘agile’ management to respond constructively to change and disruption by combining early anticipation, well- placed governance or steering, and sound risk- foresight to inform adaptiveness. This chapter looks at how those capabilities can be drawn into, and drawn upon, in managing for a purposeful evaluation.

Managing for change and responsiveness

Managing an evaluation has much in common with the diligence needed for effective project management in other situations, but it also places additional demands on analytical knowledge to quality assure and resolve technical issues. Beyond those foundations, effectiveness is a mixture of style, structure and systems. This chapter cannot look across all of those; instead, it focuses on the capability and practice needed to respond to challenge and disruption.

A starting point is to recognise that challenges and disruptions happen in the best planned, positioned and prepared evaluations.