The module sets the policy context of evaluation in UK community programmes with a focus on public, private, voluntary and community organisations.
Students assess the scope and nature of monitoring, evaluation, quality assessment and best practice, and the relation of evaluation to performance management and the "learning organisation".
Students, using case materials related to community working environments, appraise different models and approaches used in the monitoring and evaluation of community programmes including community capacity models, the Theory of Change, Realistic Evaluation, randomised experimental and total quality approaches.
Students critically assess the meanings and utilisation of different terms and concepts evaluation.
Students assess the influence of mind-sets and biases in evaluation and ethnographical approaches and the implications for the surfacing of best practice in community programmes.

1. An individual Presentation on a method of evaluation. Weighting 30% (equivalent to 500 words) Learning Outcome 3

2. Essay. Weighting 70% (3,500 words) Learning Outcomes 1- 5

The module incorporates three inter-related learning strategies.
Workshops are devoted to consideration of core issues and themes relating to policies and models relating to evaluation in local community programmes. The workshops combine tutor-centred sessions with case-focused student-centred sessions. (18 hours)
Tutorials allow discussion about assignment research and preparation for individual students with
formative feedback relating to draft work. (2 hours)
Independent study time allows students to read on the topic of evaluation and prepare for assessments.(130 hours)

There are extensive web materials on evaluation, learning and best practice in evaluation.
The Staffordshire University library provides relevant textbooks, journals and audio-visual materials.
The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.

Bryman, A. (2004), Social Research Methods. Oxford: OUP. ISBN: 0-19926-446-5
Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) (2005), Securing Better Outcomes: Developing a New Performance Framework. London: ODPM.
Pawson, R. and Tilley, N. (1998), Realistic Evaluation. London: SAGE. ISBN: 0-7619-5009-5