Qualitative methods in regional program evaluation: An examination of the story-based approach

Abstract

The attempt to identify what works and why are perennial questions for evaluators, program and project managers, funding agencies, policy makers and economic geographers interested in regional development (Greene, 2000; Feller, 2007). Policies, programs, plans and projects (hereafter all ‘programs’ for convenience) all start with good intent, often with long-term and usually over-optimistic goals. An important issue is how to assess the success of these programs during their life, often before their goals have been fully achieved. Thus some sense of interim performance is needed – to provide feedback to fine-tune the program; to determine whether subsequent tranche payments should be made; and to assist in decision making about whether similar programs, or projects within these programs, should be funded.