Evaluation, like everything else in life, takes careful planning to reap what one sows. The need to plan an evaluation before conducting it has always been recognized, but the scope and complexity of evaluation projects today demand even better planning than in the past. Without proper planning, evaluations often run into trouble. Data may become contaminated and conclusions drawn may be invalid. Evaluations may also fall behind schedule, go over budget, and be abandoned altogether. Thus, launching an evaluation without a plan is similar to taking a trip without an itinerary.