Introduction
The function of this paper is to critique the book titled “Practical Program Evaluation” by Gerald Andrews Emison. The book has a total of six chapters. The topics include program evaluations and its purpose, the landscape of program evaluation and the importance of the process, the need to understand the client and the interest of the client, knowing the content which concerns the analysis process, control of the work aiding in time management, communication with clarity and personal and professional success. Information concerning the thesis, methods, evidence of thesis support, contribution to the literature and recommendations is discussed. The information gained from these subjects will assist in not only understanding what the author has written but will also give guidance concerning how to use the information successfully in the personal and professional
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As an example, Emison (2007), shares that there is the need to discover the client’s interests. As the consultant or professional there is the necessity to discover what the need is without being judgmental (Emison, 2007, p. 30). Program evaluation can be needed for various reasons to include justification to change the assignment of personnel, to reorganize a group or any various reasons based on client business need. As a business professional with the responsibility of program evaluation, it is of importance to know the decision makers. These decision makers could be stakeholders who are inside or outside of the organization. The process is a multi-step process with the need to know who has the power and influence to make the decisions. The stakeholders and decision makers who reside outside the formal framework of the organization are of importance and play a major role in the acceptance of the program evaluation. This information is just one of many examples used in the book giving evidence of thesis
Identifying stakeholders and collaborators is the second step to the “Nine Step Stairway to Effective Evaluation”. Although all steps are essential, this is probably the most important because an extensive review of who is involved and who will be affected by the evaluation is identified (DiClemente et al., 2013). Once identified, it is critical to note that there may be needs or issues that may need to be addressed from all those involved so it would behoove one to be open to suggestions. Bottom line is to collaborate (DiClemente et al., 2013).
If conducted well, the participant-oriented approach can offer the buy-in needed to remove the stigma of the evaluation process. Using this approach can provide stakeholders “with self knowledge and skills and an understanding of the power arrangements concerning their program and their locality” (Fitzpatrick et al., 2011, p.201). As stated by Cousins and Earl (1992) using key personnel capable of making decisions and who have a strong connection to the program can augment the usefulness and promote the actual use of the evaluation. It can also promote trust in the process and serve to remove any political stigma that may arise.
Per Houser (2015) a program evaluation serves to “test theories, and develop practices and procedures” of intervention programs and it is intended for both the professional and scientific communities (p. 285). There are three types of program evaluations and they are based on program need, program implementation, and outcome of the program (Houser, 2015, p. 286). This paper will review the need, implementation and potential outcome of implementing a group counseling program for youth and their non-offending caregivers that have faced a trauma; after the completion of family sessions.
Owen JM. Program evaluation : forms and approaches / by John M. Owen: St Leonards, N.S.W. : Allen & Unwin, 2006.
The SEEK Program also known as Search for Education,Elevation, and Knowledge program is an undergraduate program that is now operating in CUNY seven senior colleges and four in comprehensive colleges. The SEEK program first started City College in 1965, where their vision was to provide access to CUNY low-income families and students,mostly minorities likes blacks and latinos,who is not prepared for
Cantor Joanne. (1998) Ratings for Programs: The role of research findings. Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science v557 pg54
Program evaluation is a skill that requires for skilled people to conduct an evaluation that is credible. My reason for taking this class was to gain the basic understanding of the program evaluation. As I became involved in the readings and class assignments I discovered a profound level of respect for this application. I uncovered that evaluations should dedicate thoughtfulness to all stakeholders who are invested in the program and affected by its evaluation. This process allows a full range of people and groups to take part in the evaluation; this is also a way to identify and develop the needs of stakeholders. Evaluation should be integrated throughout the preliminary phases of program development. A preliminary phase of the evaluation process is to define the program in-depth detail. This collective endeavor can generate a mutual understanding of the program and the evaluation process. In the environment in which I work this is an unknown process, program evaluation happens at the end of the year. In most cases, most programs are unsuccessful because of the fact of having unrealistic goals and outcomes. Evaluations can be formative and summative. Formative evaluations are conducted in the development and implementation phase of the program. This process can be beneficial because it provides with information on how to best attain the goals or make changes to the program. Summative evaluations happen when the programs are well instituted and inform on to what degree the program is attaining its outcomes and goals (Patton, 1987).
relation to your topic. Your goal is to make details and to gather as much
Hospitalization among adolescent females in an inpatient psychiatric unit is fairly common. However, little research has been done on the topic. This qualitative research proposal will examine the reasoning behind the effects hospitalization has on these adolescent females, between the ages of 12-18, after they spent some time at Chicago Lakeshore Hospital. Self-reporting, via interviews and questionnaires, from hospitalized adolescent girls will be the manner in which the data will be collected. Since the length of hospital stays may vary, questionnaires and interviews will be conducted upon discharge in order to keep procedure unanimous.. A general inductive approach will be used to assess data collected from patients.
...arations needed during implementation of the project while the final phase is meant for overall evaluation.
Discerning the context to the program that you want to explore, and allow people who will be involved with the program, to think about my own organization, and its needs and expectations for the program. It is very important to catch the attention of the organizations that you want to operate for a long time. Keeping people focus on what they are involved in is a major concern. Program planner have to work hard to carry out the context of the program to be able to keep the interest of people. Making that the facets of the program meaningful, learning, and being consistence. New directors may have to make changes after they have taken on a new position. Every culture has a unique way of learning preferences that relates to their organization.
Stakeholders are the individuals or groups of people who are interested or have put money into the development of the program. Another responsibility of an evaluator is to have a good relationship with the stakeholders to ensure that the concerns of the stakeholders are being met. Stakeholders and the evaluator may collaborate in order to get support from the program's proponents, so they are able to improve the program. Having a relationship with stakeholders also helps to clarify the issues that the evaluation is attempting to
...macro level. Knowing if the programs are beneficial is important so that changes can be made if the program does not work. Also if there is more funding that is needed to help the program run smoother.
Define the evaluation stage: “Evaluation is an appropriate stage after the policy implementation as it is effective to evaluate the policy effectiveness in terms of accomplishing policy objectives” (Andersen, Fagerhaug & Beltz
Now there are many key topics that are important throughout this class and throughout our textbook. There