"Program evaluation is a systematic method for collecting, analyzing, and using information to answer questions about projects, policies and programs, particularly about their effectiveness and efficiency."
Introduction to the concept and purpose of program evaluation in public administration. Covers the types of evaluations and steps involved in the evaluation process.
Overview of Evaluation: Understanding the concept of evaluation, its importance, and various types of evaluations.
Evaluation Models: Introduction to the different evaluation models such as Goal-Based, CIPP, and Context-Input-Process-Product.
Evaluation Design: Planning, developing, and implementing systematic methods and strategies for evaluation.
Evaluation Frameworks and Standards: A thorough understanding of the evaluation process, standards, best practices, and guiding principles.
Data Collection Methods: Understanding of the various methods of data collection such as interviews, surveys, focus groups, and observation.
Data Analysis and Interpretation: Analyzing the data collected from the evaluation process, interpreting it, and drawing appropriate conclusions.
Evaluation Reporting: Preparation of evaluation reports and presenting the findings and recommendations.
Evaluation Ethics: Understanding and promoting ethical practices in the evaluation process.
Evaluating Public Programs: Evaluation of public programs such as public health programs, social welfare programs, environmental programs, and educational programs.
Evaluation of Policy: Evaluating the impact of public policy on the targeted population.
Evaluation in Non-profit Organizations: Understanding evaluation practices in non-profit organizations such as measuring the effectiveness of fundraising programs.
Evaluation in Private Sector: Understanding how evaluations are conducted in the private sector.
Evaluation in International Development: Understanding evaluation practices in the international development sector and measuring the impact of international development programs.
Evaluation and Decision Making: Understanding how evaluations can help in the decision-making process for public administration.
Evaluation and Accountability: Understanding the role of evaluation in monitoring and ensuring accountability in public administration.
Outcome Evaluation: Outcome evaluation focuses on measuring the effectiveness of the program in achieving its objectives and goals. It assesses the impact of the program on the target population to determine if it has achieved desired outcomes.
Process Evaluation: Process evaluation seeks to assess the implementation of the program, the delivery of services, and whether the program is being delivered according to the stated plan.
Impact Evaluation: Impact evaluation measures the long-term effects that the program has had on the target population, including changes in behavior, attitudes, and policies.
Cost-Benefit Analysis: This evaluation method compares the cost of the program with the benefits accrued. It helps to determine if the program is cost-effective or if some changes would be necessary to maximize outcomes.
Formative Evaluation: This method assesses the program's implementation and provides feedback on how to improve the program or its implementation strategies.
Summative Evaluation: This evaluation method assesses the program's effectiveness and efficiency. It focuses on the overall success of the program, taking into account its aims and objectives.
Needs Assessment: Needs assessment evaluates the extent to which the need for the program exists, its target population, and the best approach to use in providing the program.
Qualitative Evaluation: This method involves the collection and analysis of non-numerical data, such as narratives and observations. It helps to provide a clear understanding of the context, reasons, and motivations behind program outcomes.
Quantitative Evaluation: This evaluation method involves the collection and analysis of numerical data, such as surveys and statistical data, in measuring the effectiveness of a program.
Realist Evaluation: Realist evaluation assesses the implementation and effect of programs by analyzing the links between context, mechanisms, and outcomes. It identifies which parts of the program are working, which ones are not, and why.
"To some degree, program evaluation falls under traditional cost–benefit analysis, concerning fair returns on the outlay of economic and other assets; however, social outcomes can be more complex to assess than market outcomes, and a different skillset is required."
"Considerations include how much the program costs per participant, program impact, how the program could be improved, whether there are better alternatives, if there are unforeseen consequences, and whether the program goals are appropriate and useful."
"Best practice is for the evaluation to be a joint project between evaluators and stakeholders."
"A wide range of different titles are applied to program evaluators... Program Analysts, Program Assistants, Program Clerks (United Kingdom), Program Support Specialists, or Program Associates, Program Coordinators."
"Evaluation became particularly relevant in the U.S. in the 1960s during the period of the Great Society social programs associated with the Kennedy and Johnson administrations."
"Extraordinary sums were invested in social programs, but the impacts of these investments were largely unknown."
"People who do program evaluation come from many different backgrounds, such as sociology, psychology, economics, social work, as well as political science subfields such as public policy and public administration."
"Some universities also have specific training programs, especially at the postgraduate level in program evaluation, for those who studied an undergraduate subject area lacking in program evaluation skills."
"Program evaluations can involve both quantitative and qualitative methods of social research."
"Stakeholders might be required to assess—under law or charter—or want to know whether the programs they are funding, implementing, voting for, receiving or opposing are producing the promised effect."
"Evaluators help to answer these questions."
"The process of evaluation is considered to be a relatively recent phenomenon. However, planned social evaluation has been documented as dating as far back as 2200 BC."
"...to answer questions about projects, policies and programs, particularly about their effectiveness and efficiency."
"Social outcomes can be more complex to assess than market outcomes, and a different skillset is required."
"...how the program could be improved, whether there are better alternatives..."
"Considerations include how much the program costs per participant... concerning fair returns on the outlay of economic and other assets."
"If there are unforeseen consequences..."
"Best practice is for the evaluation to be a joint project between evaluators and stakeholders."
"...whether the program goals are appropriate and useful."