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Program Evaluation
Power Analysis, first and foremost, specializes in evaluation research. Our team has conducted many process and summative evaluations of government programs. "Process" (also called formative) evaluations answer the question, "How is the program operating and how can it be made better?" The main objective is to provide feedback to managers on whether the program is being carried out as planned and in an efficient manner. It should provide a detailed account of the program as implemented and compare it to what was intended. To the extent that the implementation diverges from program design, the appropriate treatment may not be delivered, the right target group may not be helped, or both. Even very well planned programs will have unanticipated results and unwanted side effects that arise during implementation; through a process evaluation, problems can be identified and addressed in time to benefit those who depend on the program. Either the program can be modified so it is carried out as planned, or the plan itself can be modified if it is found wanting. As well, a good process evaluation lays the foundation for a good summative evaluation, in part by ensuring appropriate data are being collected. Summative evaluations answer the question "Is the program any good?" The main objective is to ascertain the extent to which the program met the needs of its target group, and/or accomplished its objectives. It broadly examines the program's effects, including intended and unintended effects, and positive and negative outcomes. The essential use of a summative evaluation is to determine whether the program is worth continuing or extending into other settings. As well, it should provide advice for modifying the program so that it will better serve the needs of its clients and becomes more cost-effective. The steps to carry out a typical evaluation follow. |
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André Paradis Tel: (905) 335-0307 Fax: (905) 335-0080 andre@measureresults.com Webmaster |