Worksheet 61a Evaluation Planning Questionnaire Use
Worksheet 61a Evaluation Planning Questionnaireuse The Filled Out
Use The Filled Out Worksheet 6.1B in the book as an example to follow as you complete this questionnaire.
1. What questions will your organization’s evaluation activities seek to answer?
2. What are the specific evaluation plans and time frames?
a. What kinds of data will be collected?
b. At what points?
c. Using what strategies or instruments?
d. Using what comparison group or baseline, if any?
3. If you intend to study a sample of participants, how will this sample be constructed?
4. What procedures will you use to determine whether the program was implemented as planned?
5. Who will conduct the evaluation?
6. Who will receive the results?
7. How are you defining success for this program or project?
Paper For Above instruction
Evaluating programs effectively is essential for understanding their impact, improving implementation, and ensuring accountability. The evaluation planning process involves formulating targeted questions, designing systematic data collection plans, and establishing criteria for success. This comprehensive approach enables organizations to assess whether their initiatives achieve intended outcomes and to make data-driven decisions for future improvements.
Evaluation Questions and Objectives
The first step in the evaluation process is to identify key questions that the organization's activities seek to answer. These questions should align with the program's goals and objectives and may include inquiries about the program's effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, and sustainability. For example, the organization might ask, "Has the program improved participant knowledge?" or "Is the program reaching its targeted population?" Clearly articulated questions guide the evaluation design and ensure that findings are relevant and actionable.
Evaluation Plan and Timeline
A detailed evaluation plan specifies what data will be collected, when, how, and from whom. The plan should include specific data collection points such as baseline, mid-term, and end-line evaluations to capture changes over time. The choice of strategies and instruments—such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or observation—depends on the evaluation questions and the context of the program. For instance, standardized questionnaires might be used to measure participant satisfaction, while interviews could explore implementation challenges.
The plan must also specify whether a comparison group or baseline data will be used to attribute observed changes to the program. Employing control groups or pretest-posttest designs enhances the rigor of the evaluation and helps establish causality.
Sampling Strategy
When studying a subset of participants, it's crucial to develop a sampling strategy that ensures representativeness and validity. This may involve random sampling, stratified sampling, or purposive sampling, depending on the evaluation's objectives and constraints. A well-constructed sample enhances the generalizability of findings and reduces bias.
Implementation Monitoring Procedures
To assess whether the program is being implemented as planned, specific procedures such as fidelity checks, process documentation, and compliance monitoring should be employed. These measures help identify deviations, understand reasons for variances, and inform necessary adjustments to enhance program delivery.
Evaluator and Stakeholder Engagement
Designating qualified individuals or teams to conduct the evaluation is essential. Preferably, evaluators should have expertise in research methods, data analysis, and the program's domain. Additionally, determining who will receive the results—from program staff to funders or community members—ensures that findings are used effectively for decision-making and continuous improvement.
Defining Success
Success criteria should be clearly articulated early in the planning process. These could include specific outcome measures, such as increased knowledge levels, improved health metrics, or policy changes. Establishing measurable indicators of success facilitates objective assessment and accountability.
Conclusion
A well-structured evaluation plan rooted in clear questions, systematic data collection, and defined success criteria enables organizations to assess their programs comprehensively. This systematic approach not only demonstrates accountability but also provides insights for refining practices and increasing impact.
References
1. Patton, M. Q. (2018). Utilization-Focused Evaluation. Sage Publications.
2. Rossi, P. H., Lipsey, M. W., & Freeman, H. E. (2004). Evaluation: A Systematic Approach. Sage Publications.
3. Wholey, J. S., Greene, J. C., & Camilli, G. (2014). Evaluability Assessment. SAGE Publications.
4. Chen, H. T. (2015). Practical Program Evaluation: Assessing and Improving Planning, Implementation, and Effectiveness. SAGE Publications.
5. Bamberger, M., Rugh, J., & Mabey, N. (2012). RealWorld Evaluation: Working Under Budget, Time, Data, and Political Constraints. SAGE Publications.
6. Cronbach, L. J. (1982). Designing Evaluations of Educational and Social Programs. Teachers College Record.
7. Scriven, M. (1991). Evaluation Thesaurus. Sage Publications.
8. Stake, R. E. (1995). The Art of Case Study Research. Sage Publications.
9. Fetterman, D. M., Kaftarian, S. J., & Wandersman, A. (2014). Empowerment Evaluation: Knowledge and Tools for Self-Assessment, Evaluation Capacity Building, and Accountability. Sage Publications.
10. USDA, (2008). Evaluation Planning: Reaching the Right Stakeholders at the Right Time. United States Department of Agriculture.