You spent months and lots of money crafting your strategic plan. Almost everyone was happy with the goals and new sense of community. But are you really using it? A great indicator of whether your strategic plan is really being implemented – have you stopped and examined your financial sustainability within the framework of your plan? If the answer is no, your plan is just a pretty picture of what your organization could be. (more…)
Posts Tagged ‘ process ’
Is it, or Isn’t It?
Posted by: Elizabeth on April 5, 2011
We return to our Program Evaluation series with the 3rd step – Determining Program Outcomes. Here we examine how to define your program’s objectives. Sometimes the best way to do that is to be sure you know what they are not. We are not looking for outputs but outcomes. An outcome shows a change in knowledge, skills, attitude, or behavior. (more…)
5…4…3…2…1…LAUNCH!
Posted by: Elizabeth on March 24, 2011
Finally we are ready to launch your evaluation! Of course, no one launches without gathering a significant amount of data – do we have all the astronauts, what is the weather report, do we have enough fuel, etc. We will now develop a data collection and management plan for your program beginning with this pre-launch sequence: (more…)
“Cheshire Puss…Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?”
Posted by: Elizabeth on March 22, 2011
“That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat.
“I don’t much care where–” said Alice.
“Then it doesn’t matter which way you go,” said the Cat.
“Alice in Wonderland” by Lewis Carroll
Let’s find out where we are going and identify the purpose of your evaluation. (more…)
“What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make and end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.” T.S. Eliot
Posted by: Elizabeth on March 17, 2011
We must start with the end in mind. There are three different types of program evaluation from which to choose: goal-based, process-based, and outcome-based. Your answers to the evaluation questions below will help to determine which evaluation method will best work for you and the specific end results you aim to accomplish. (more…)
“Let’s Start at the Very Beginning, a Very Good Place to Start” Julie Andrews, The Sound of Music
Posted by: Elizabeth on March 16, 2011
In the previous blog we defined evaluation as having 3 components with the first being an in-depth look at a program based on focused evaluation questions. This second component answers those questions by collecting data using specific and carefully chosen methods such as surveys/questionnaires, checklists, document reviews, case studies or focus groups. The third component provides tools to manage the program, identify performance gaps, develop implementation plans and create stakeholder feedback reports.
While evaluation does contain specific steps, it is neither prescriptive nor linear. Rather, it is a cyclical, ongoing process that is focused on continuous quality improvement. The following are the steps we will share in forthcoming blogs to create (more…)
How are we doing? What can we improve? What impact are we having on our community?
Posted by: Elizabeth on March 10, 2011
Successful organizations must periodically evaluate their performance. Needs and resources change, and stakeholders are more motivated to fund programs that show a track record of success. Program evaluation is a data-driven process that holistically leverages the planning, processes, people, and performance in your organization to deliver high value services. (more…)
Tap Your Inner Inspector Clouseau
Posted by: Elizabeth on January 20, 2011
How can you be sure that the most optimal decisions for your organization are being made and, when the outcomes are not ideal, how can you learn from your decisions? (more…)
Decisions, Decisions…..
Posted by: Elizabeth on January 18, 2011
Elements of uncertainty continually cloud our decision making process. Whether purchasing a product or implementing a new corporate strategy, there are different levels of uncertainty when the outcome is unknown and cannot be accurately estimated. (more…)
Four for the Core
Posted by: Elizabeth on January 4, 2011
Communication without purpose is pointless. Your organization should identify a few specific measurable and realistic communication objectives and messages. These should be directly and explicitly linked to the overall business goals and strategy. We recommend four core communications: (more…)
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