Transcript Developing a Program Evaluation Logic Model
THE IMPACT AND PRACTICAL UNTILITY OF EVALUATION OUTCOME MEASUREMENT AS A FEED-BACK MECHANISM FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT BY APOLLOS B. GOYOL, PhD American University of Nigeria Yola, Adamawa State Nigeria Email:[email protected]
AT International Conference of African Evaluation Association L’Association Africaine d’Evaluation
PERSPECTIVES ON IMPACT EVALUATION: Approaches to Assessing Development Effectiveness
An International Conference in Africa for policy-makers, program managers, evaluators, sponsors and other stakeholders in evaluation and development
Sunday 29 March – Thursday 2 April 2009, CAIRO, EGYPT
What is Outcome measurement evaluation?
Is a continual and systematic process of assessing the value or potential value of programs to guide decision-making for the program’s/projects future and sustainability Is an essential indicator of how programs and projects should be sustained.
Process vs. Outcome Evaluation
Process Evaluation Resources Activities Units produced Did they do what they said they would do?
Outcome Evaluation Measures of change in Individuals Institutions Communities Did they change what they said they would change?
Realities of Today in Nigeria
More Money (billions of Naira) Increased competition Greater expectations for effectiveness Increasing scrutiny Increasing political awareness Greater need for team/collaboration
Critical Accountability Questions:
You received billions of naira last year-- what did your government and agency do with them?
We have supported your party for years, why should we continue this support?
What are you doing to improve or terminate ineffective programs and curtail wastage?
Why evaluate?
Planning purposes Analysis of program effectiveness or quality Direct decision-making Maintain accountability Project impact assessment Project impact and sustenance
When to evaluate?
The timing of program/project evaluation: Project/program design stage Project start-up stage In-progress of formative evaluation Program wrap-up or summative evaluation Follow –up studies and feed –back Continues sustenance
When we evaluate a project/program
We examine the context of the project\program Study its goals and objectives Collect information about a project’s /program’s input, outcome and impact Compare findings to some pre-set standards or mandates Make a value judgment about the project Report findings to stakeholders
Types of outcome evaluation
Formative or process evaluation: Focus on information for program/project improvement, modification, management and sustenance Summative or impact evaluation Focus on determining program/project results and effectiveness (merit and worth) Serves the purpose of making major decisions about program – continuation, expansion, reduction, and funding.
Using the Logic model as road map
Evaluators Credibility
Competence: Knowledge of the program/project Evaluation expertise Data analysis and interpretation skills Report writing and presentation skills Personal Style: Communication skills Strong interpersonal skills Ability to nurture trust and rapport Sensitivity in reporting
Logic Model
Identifies both process and outcome portions of your program Shows relationship of your program inputs to the expected results or outcomes Helps you identify the major questions you want the evaluation to answer
Logic Model
Provides a graphic summary of how program parts relate to the whole Makes explicit the underlying theory of a program Identifies categories to measure in the program evaluation Sets timelines and benchmarks
Developing a Program Evaluation Logic Model
Process
Outcome
Resources
Program ingredients Funds Staff Community support Participants
Activities
Method used to accomplish program goals Classes Counseling Training
Outputs
Units produced by a program Number and type of clients served Number of policies developed Number of events planned
Outcomes
Short term and immediate indicators of progress towards a goal Collaborative partnerships Improved family functioning Improved school performance
Goals
Long term desired program effects Resilient community Economic self-sufficiency Violence prevention
Sample Program Evaluation Logic Model
Program Name: School and Community Violence Prevention Project Process Outcome
Sample Resources
Staff Violence prevention curriculum Case management services Partnerships University Counseling centers Sheriff’s department School district Participants
Sample Activities
Commission Funded Delivery of violence prevention curriculum in the schools Intensive violence prevention groups to high-risk youth Intensive outreach services to families with high-risk youth
Sample Activities
Concurrent Activities DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Family Empowerment Project services to families
Sample Outputs
4-6 hours of violence prevention education for 1,890 students 480 students receive intensive prevention training in 10-week groups of 6-10 students each 185 at risk families receive intensive outreach services 60 at risk families receive Family Empowerment Project services
Sample Outcomes
Improvement in healthy peer social communication Reduction of violent behaviors in school climate Increase in healthy behavior patterns in handling stress Improved school-related behaviors Increase in family support Consumer satisfaction
Sample Goals
Violence prevention
Outcomes You Can Measure
Example: Desired outcome is improvement in parenting skills.
Indicators
Clear parental expectations for child behavior Use of problem-solving and communication skills Increased positive parent-teacher interaction Increased positive family activities
Indicators
Use of behavior reinforcement mechanisms Home learning environment supportive of school work Use of family interaction skills Reduction of conflict
Documenting Impact of outcome evaluation
Impact is a clear description of value of a program/project to people and society. Generally, these are the longer term sustainable benefits and impact to clients or society. It could be: Increased knowledge Improved attitudes Financial gain Production efficiencies Preservation and environmental resources Improved condition of health care Improved condition of roads Improved condition of education Improved condition of water supply, etc
Outcome evaluation checklist for government, organizations, agencies, etc
Present a clear concise plan for evaluation achievement of outcome objectives State what (outcomes and impacts) will be measured with benchmarks State what methods will be use for collecting data Describe any testing instruments to be used State who will do the evaluation Show how outcome evaluation will be used for program evaluation and sustenance.
Summary/Conclusion
Outcome elevation is a tool to assist, plan, implement, monitor, evaluate, account and sustain programs/projects: By having a road map that will assist in implementation and sustaining projects/programs To assist government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to be accountable and effective To enable government measure the impact and benefit of its projects/programs in consonance with their agendas which are sustainable