Overview Program Evaluation

Overview of Program Evaluation HCS/549 April 15, 2013 Overview of Program Evaluation Program evaluation is a useful resource to evaluate programs that are currently an organization or an industry is making good use of. Evaluating programs not only bring out the strengths and weaknesses but also identifies the picture of the plans implemented. The purpose of this paper is to examine the purpose for program evaluation and why it can be useful to an organization.

This paper will speak of the five most common types of program evaluation models and will select one program evaluation model to describe from week one’s reading. Purpose for program evaluation “There is only one overall purpose for program evaluation activities: contributing to the provision of quality services to people in need. Program evaluation contributes to quality services by providing feedback from program activities and outcomes to those who can make changes in programs” (Posavac & Carey, 2007, p. 14).

If there is no feedback, then the programs will be very hard to carry out and be effective. The processes of evaluation require feedback systems; similarly, feedback on behavior in organizations is also crucial for the success of an organization. Delayed feedback, not clearly associated with the examination of behavior, is not very informative. In the readings, the writers have argued that environmental problems are hard to solve because of the long delay between environmentally destructive activities and feedback indicating a weakening of natural systems. Assessing needs, measuring the implementation of programs to meet those needs, evaluating the achievement of carefully formed goals and objectives, and comparing the level of outcome with the costs involved relative to similar programs serve to provide information from which to develop program improvements” (Posavac & Carey, 2007, p. 14). This is useful for organizations because it gives them an idea of their programs and what needs help if there are any issues related to the programs evaluated. Five most common models

A number of different approaches to evaluation have been put forward to guide the planning and implementation of program evaluations. Each of the models discussed includes emphases that are valid aspects of program evaluation. “One value of thinking about models lies in developing an appreciation of the range of questions evaluators can consider. The specific questions being addressed by an evaluation or the specific aspects of the program setting often make one or another of the models especially useful” (Posavac & Carey, 2007, p. 23-25).

The models: The traditional model, Social Science model, Industrial Inspection model, Black Box Evaluation, and Objectives-Based Evaluation model, are very common and helpful in different types of organizations and environment. The model that is very interesting to use and describe is the Objective-Based Evaluation model. Objectives-Based Evaluation In an effort to design an evaluation for a specific program, some approaches emphasize working with clearly stated program goals and objectives so that the degree to which such goals and objectives are achieved can be measured. This has been the most prevalent model used for program evaluation. Examining goals and objectives seems to be an essential aspect of evaluation; it is important to judge a program relative to its particular structure and what it is designed to achieve” (Posavac & Carey, 2007, p. 23-25). It is very important for organizations to clearly and closely examine their goals and objectives to successfully plan for future. At the same time, taking objectives-based evaluation to evaluate the situation is also important to know the points of view of the staff in the organization. Conclusion

In conclusion, evaluation of different types of programs is important in organizations because it bring out the ups and downs of the organization. Purpose of program evaluation is to provide feedback that can be helpful for organizations. Without feedback, the organizations programs cannot be effective or put in proper use. Also feedback on behaviors within the program evaluations is crucial for the success of an organization. The five models: The traditional model, Social Science model, Industrial Inspection model, Black Box Evaluation, and Objectives-Based Evaluation model give a ood idea of what it is like to use these models in different scenarios. The Objective-based model is the most prevalent model to use because it closely examines goals and objective that play an important part in an organization. Using this model a company or an organization can prepare for plans and goals, which can be achieved successfully. Reference Posavac, E. J. , & Carey, R. G. (2007). Program Evaluation: Methods and Case Studies (7th ed. ). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall.