57 - Engaging Program Stakeholders: A Case Study of Practical Participatory Evaluation in a National Community Engagement Program

Abstract Information: This presentation aims to offer valuable insights into enhancing the utilization of Practical Participatory Evaluation (P-PE) in real-world evaluation projects. It will use a case study approach to explore the advantages and obstacles of implementing P-PE in evaluating a national community engagement program. Participatory evaluation (PE) has evolved as a collaborative research method, emphasizing partnerships between evaluators and stakeholders to incorporate diverse perspectives into evaluations. P-PE is designed to elevate diverse perspectives within evaluation processes and enhance the utilization of evaluation findings in decision-making. The program highlighted in the case study integrates P-PE into its program evaluation activities. Using a case study methodology enables a comprehensive evaluation of the program's effectiveness in applying P-PE. A thorough examination of the implementation processes allows for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of P-PE in practical projects, informing decisions about its application. The presenter will cover the theoretical and practical foundations for using P-PE in this project and explore the encountered challenges and barriers. Additionally, strategies for leveraging the P-PE framework to plan and adapt the evaluation approach for future projects will be discussed.