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Return to 'Toolkit' Structure: Ten features of evaluation
3 Evaluation Planning: RUFDATA
CSET use a range of planning tools to assist practitioners in developing a framework for evaluation and indicators of performance. For identifying, planning and collecting evaluation data we use the RUFDATA tool which consists of a series of topics, each with a set of questions that allow you to develop your evaluation in a methodical way.
The RUFDATA tool is suitable for developing an evaluation plan, or for planning an individual evaluation project listed on a wider plan. In essence the process is the same.
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Evaluation Preparation: RUFDATA - a theoretical
explanation 3A (pdf
209kB) Saunders, M (2000) Beginning an evaluation with RUFDATA: theorising a practical approach to evaluation planning. Evaluation, Vol 6, Number 1, pp 7 - 21 |
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Evaluation Preparation: RUFDATA
Headings 3B (pdf slides 435kB) (pdf Handout 200kB) This pdf file includes the headings used in the RUFDATA planning framework, it can be used as a basis for workshops or group discussion |
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Things to doReview the RUFDATA questions and materials to decide which will be most suitable for you to use for your context. The presentation 3B provides a basis for general discussion and identification of answers relevant to the evaluation plan itself, the activity sheets in 3C are suitable for individual evaluations within your plan and the table more suited for the plan itself. In developing the overall evaluation plan it is worth ensuring that those involved have either participated in the evaluation preparation activities or received the outcome and ideas generated during that process. Remember it is not possible to evaluate everything so you will need to decide on priorities. It saves time and increases institutional commitment if key institutional stakeholders help decide priorities and the relevant member of the senior management team or committee signs off the plan. A key evaluation activity in year 1 is to confirm and evaluate your data collection, recording and reporting mechanisms. You may have begun this process as part of the evaluation preparation, nevertheless the importance of establishing a robust set of ‘core participant data’ means that participant data, progression and attainment are key activities in your evaluation plan. NB If you believe you have data sorted, then
you could focus your evaluative activity on identifying the enabling
and process impact indicators to disseminate your good practice |
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Evaluation Preparation: RUFDATA Record Sheet
3C (pdf
60kB) (word
45kB) This activity template includes two formats for the RUFDATA questions and prompts. The portrait version is most suitable for planning individual evaluations. The landscape version provides a tabular format for recording multiple evaluations and could be used as an action plan for the evaluation plan itself. |
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Evaluation Preparation: RUFDATA
a worked example 3D (pdf
135kB) This information sheet includes the bullet points and ideas generated by an HEI working through the RUFDATA framework. Although institutional specific it illustrates how the RUFDATA framework supports the identification of broad ideas suitable as a basis for a specific evaluation plan. |
NB As individual evaluations planned using RUFDATA become available these will be posted on the website for others to adapt and modify see Evaluation Evidence
RUFDATA: Further Guidance
RUFDATA operates as a framework for guiding the evaluation process. The metaphor of a 'framework' is apt. A framework should provide a generic context for action in which some recognisable shaping characteristics are evident but within the shape, a wide range of actions is possible. Our interpretation of the context of work of WP teams suggests the need for a framework, which would enable each WP team to fulfil some basic evaluation activity and develop a reporting mechanism for its activities to the wider University within a coherent management process.
RUFDATA is an acronym for the procedural decisions which can shape evaluation activity within a widening participation strategy based in a University or an Aimhigher Partnership. RUFDATA provides the basis for a series of decisions, which can frame an institutional or partnership widening participation evaluation plan as well as developing a plan for a specific activity.
Reasons
What are our Reasons and Purposes for evaluation?
These could be planning, managing, learning, developing, accountability
Uses
What will be our Uses of our evaluation?
They might be providing and learning from embodiments of good practice,
staff development, strategic planning, PR, provision of data for management
control
Focus
What will be the Foci for our evaluations?
These include the range of activities, aspects, emphasis to be evaluated,
they should connect to the priority areas for evaluation
Data
What will be our Data and Evidence for our evaluations?
numerical, qualitative, observational, case accounts
Audience
Who will be the Audience for our evaluations?
Community of practice, commissioners, yourselves
Timescale
What will be the Timing for our evaluations?
When should evaluation take place, coincidence with decision making cycles,
life cycle of projects
Agency
Who should be the Agency conducting the evaluations?
Yourselves, external evaluators, combination
