Which statement about evaluation planning is accurate?

• A. Evaluation planning is solely the responsibility of the Senior Management.
• B. Management responses are optional.
• C. Specialists/Advisors support evaluation planning by providing tools, guidance and training.
• D. Stakeholders/Participants should not participate.

Answer: (C)

Evaluation planning is a collaborative process where specialists bring methodological tools, guidance, and training to help shape a clear, feasible plan that defines what will be evaluated, how data will be collected, who will do what, and when activities will happen. Because of this, the statement that best reflects how planning works is that specialists or advisors support evaluation planning by providing tools, guidance, and training. They equip the team with the approaches, templates, and skills needed to design a solid plan, select appropriate methods, and build capacity so the evaluation can be carried out effectively.

Leadership matters, but planning isn’t a sole responsibility of senior management. It benefits from input across roles, including program staff and other stakeholders who understand the context and constraints. Management feedback and decisions are not optional; timely input helps shape scope, resources, and priorities. Finally, stakeholders and participants should participate; their involvement ensures the evaluation addresses real needs, enhances relevance, and boosts the likelihood that findings will be used.