Developing a Theory-based Evaluation Framework

Notes:

Theory-based approaches to evaluation use an explicittheory of changeto draw conclusions aboutwhether and howan intervention contributes to observed results.

Evaluation is a branch ofapplied researchthat attempts to identify cause-effect (if-then) relationships within a specific intervention context.

Anevaluation frameworksets the parameters of the evaluation - its purposes, key evaluation questions and the criteria and standards to be used.

Context:

TheGlobal Trust for Cultural and Creative Industries [1], 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 toexplore options for rolling out initiativesin the cultural and creative industries that supportsustainable youth employment.

You have been appointed to evaluate theE3YDH'sCreating Opportunities for Youth Program[2]to inform the partnership's decision topursue, re-engineer or rejectthe program's approach.

Note: The E3YDH Case Study and the fictitious partnership are provided as a means for you to anchor your submission. You arenotrequired to evaluate the intervention, but you may use elements of the context provided to ground/illustrate your argument.

Assignment Task

1. Describe the strengths and weaknesses of various evaluation approaches concerning E3YDH's programe
2. Critically interrogate the potential of theory-based evaluation for E3YDH's programe
3. Formulate evaluation questions for different evaluation purposes for E3YDH's programe
4. Identify appropriate methods to respond to different evaluation questions for E3YDH's programe
5. Describe the linkages between research and evaluation methods for the E3YDH

guidance

• Your proposal should be structured asa well-reasoned and substantiated argumentthat convinces your client that your approach is appropriate, practical, feasible and ethical.