What is a primary advantage of conducting utilization-focused evaluations?

Conducting utilization-focused evaluations is particularly centered on the needs and interests of the stakeholders involved in a program or project. The primary advantage of this approach is that it ensures stakeholder engagement and the relevance of findings. By involving stakeholders in the evaluation process from the beginning, evaluators can tailor the evaluation framework to produce results that are specifically useful to those who will use the findings. This direct involvement not only enhances the relevance of the findings but also fosters ownership, which can lead to more effective use of the results.

This approach recognizes that evaluations can only have real impact if they are grounded in the actual needs and contexts of those who will apply them, making it a more effective and meaningful process for all parties involved.