Introduction
This is an assessment plan to evaluate the effectiveness of solution and variables of project outcomes. Evaluation should be instituted before implementation of the project initiatives. Evaluation techniques are well-documented, so even if one has not conducted an evaluation before he/she should get sufficient information to opt appropriate methods and apply them successfully (Goldkamp et al, 2001).
Evaluation Methods
Developing evaluation plan involve clarifying program objective goals, developing evaluation questions, dev developing evaluation methods and setting timeline for the activities. Monitoring and feedback system is one of the evaluation methods. It has three elements namely process measures: indicating what project initiatives are and assisting to further evaluation process. Outcome measures: evaluate the outcome of the project result and compares with objectives. Observational system: this is action taken to keep track of the initiative while project is being executed. Member surveys about the initiative are another approach which is essential during evaluation and consist of; member survey of goals to assess the result as soon as possible. Member survey of procedure executed during the initiative and finally member survey of outcomes implemented after the initiative is completed. The other processes important during the evaluation process include: Goal attainment report, which is essential in assessing the outcomes of a project; Behavioral surveys assist one to find out what kind of risk behaviors individuals are taking part in and the stage to which they are executing the project (Fawcett et al, 1993). It is essential to conduct interviews with relevant personnel to assess the outcomes of the outcome of project execution. Community-level indicators of consequence are tested-and-true indicators that assist one assess the ultimate outcome of the initiative.
The variables of evaluation are the key elements that need to be executed to meet the desired results. The variables try to answer what specific information is required to answer the key questions of the evaluation. Determine the most significant variables during the evaluation of collected data involve the assessment of program resources, population characteristics, program activities, program objectives, performance measures, assessment measures and finally, external or environmental factors (Gosling et al, 2006). The variables are related to the method chosen during project execution such as if survey is undertaken the survey of he characteristic of the project samples must be conducted. The practices and processes for evaluating whether the outcome goals of the program have been achieved are similar to those for evaluating accomplishment objectives. To evaluate outcome goals it will be probable to employ both qualitative and quantitative performance assessment methods. The performance measures will permit one to respond to the project questions such as:
• Did residents and the community display changes in acquaintance, attitudes, characters, or awareness.
• Are the reported transformations in knowledge, behavior, attitudes, or awareness a direct outcome of the program?
These are essential considerations that must be implemented during evaluation plan of a project so as to achieve the desired results.
Methods to evaluate outcome of the project are either qualitative or quantitative. Quantitative encompasses usage of techniques such as questionnaires, quality survey, and usage of logs or web server logs. These methods are handy during project evaluation since they have standard approach to be applied during project execution. The qualitative methods are interactive and involve interviews, focus groups and observation peer review. Developing the tools of project evaluation is essential and must be planned before initiative of the project so as to act as check points during implementation (Guskey, 2003).
Conclusion
Evaluation plan is essential for assessing the outcome of a project. Methods and variables must work together to achieve the desired outcome of the evaluation program. Qualitative and quantitative methods are applicable during evaluation.
References
Fawcett, S.B., et al, (1993). Work group evaluation handbook: Evaluating and supporting community initiatives for health and development. Lawrence, KS: Work Group on Health Promotion and Community Development, the University of Kansas.
Goldkamp, J. S., et al, (2001). Developing an evaluation plan for community courts: Assessing the Hartford Community Court Model. Washington, D.C: U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance.
Gosling, L., Edwards, M., & Save the Children Fund (Great Britain). (2006). Toolkits: A practical guide to assessment, monitoring, review and evaluation. London: Save the Children.
Guskey, T. R. (2003). Evaluating professional development. Thousand Oaks [u.a.: Corwin Press.
