Evaluation of a program

Evaluation of a program

Evaluation of a program refers to the use of social research procedures to systematically investigate the effectiveness of social intervention programs. The social evaluator uses various methods of social research for study, appraisal, and to help improve essential aspects of the plan (Rossi et al.). This situation includes the diagnosis of related social problems. In most instances, the policymakers who fund organizations, the managers of the programs, the taxpayers, and other interest parties tend to establish the effectiveness of an application. They have the interest to know how important such programs are. In so doing, they must find the answers to essential questions, including the nature and scope of the problem (this relates to the location and its effects on the society). Besides, they must evaluate whether the identified results justify the implementation of a new approach or to modify or expand the existing ones.

Moreover, the evaluators must determine the best intervention that can be applied (Rossi et al.). Finally, the identified response should be that which reaches a large population, the cost and the benefits of the intervention

Purposes of program evaluation

The primary purpose of program evaluation is to ensure the program to be implemented is cost-effective and provide maximum benefit to a larger group of the intended population. During a program evaluation, the extent of its effects on the community must be assessed (Jephson, 1992). Evaluation of a program also gives an in-depth analysis of the sponsors of the program about the benefits that the implementation of such programs will have on the community. The program managers can evaluate the program to come up with the estimates of the costs that the program may require and the number of officers that may be necessary to implement the plan (Metcalfe, Aitken & Gaff, 2008). After the evaluation of several programs, the managers settle on the best alternative that is cost-effective and is likely to bring many benefits to the affected society.

The critical value (s) for public sector agencies conducting evaluations

Public sector agencies can be used to evaluate processes that are to be implemented by the government that should be of many benefits to the general public. This aspect requires the integration of strategic planning, policy, and program designs (Gullickson, 2018). The agencies must begin by formulating clear and strategic objectives for the programs and policies. These must be connected with the affected society and the available resources. During the implementation, the agencies must adopt the organizational processes and structures which facilitate the implementation of the programs (Gullickson, 2018). This process is referred to as formative evaluation. It involves the review based on the implementation strategies that will be used.

In conclusion, evaluation of a program is essential to all the program stakeholders, including the evaluators, the funding authority, and the affected population. The assessment helps identify the associated costs and hence the allocation of appropriate resources. It also ensures that the program offers the best possible benefits to a large number of the population.