Program Development and Evaluation

Course Description

This course prepares the student to identify operational goals and to design programs with associated policies and procedures required for the successful achievement of performance objectives.

Topics and Objectives

Problem Identification and Needs Assessment

• Identify methods for collecting and analyzing pertinent data
• Apply concepts of participatory management and learn to involve key personnel in identifying problems and organizational needs
• Conduct cause and effect analyses, differentiating between symptoms and root causes
• Examine the complexities of human behavior and distinguish between subjective and objective information criteria
• Determine the depth, breadth, and magnitude of a problem and evaluate its human and fiscal impact.

Program Conceptualization and Design

• Design program elements to address causal factors
• Organize and effectively utilize teams to provide diversity in perspectives
• Identify and quantify resource needs for identified problems
• Develop a program mission statement and supporting principles
• Design program objectives with conceptual policies, procedures, assignments, and budget factors necessary for achievement of specified outcomes
• Organize and prioritize proposed program elements, including training requirements, job responsibilities, oversight procedures, and feedback process
• Conceptualize methods for receiving and acting upon concerns and complaints
• Prepare and present program justifications for administrative approval
• Identify data to be proactively collected for program evaluation

Program Development and Implementation

• Write policies, procedures, and job descriptions for implementing and conducting a specified program
• Develop the implementation plan and timeframe
• Develop training materials for administrators, supervisors, and service providers
• Identify funding sources and submit requests for budget support
• Determine education, training, and experience requirements for personnel
• Develop a process to solicit, review, and respond to feedback
• Provide training and assignments to key personnel

Program Evaluation Design

• Determine and develop criteria and process for program evaluation
• Develop data collection methods
• Determine the system for sampling
• Establish the significance of both internal and external evaluations
• Distinguish between process and outcome evaluation
• Prepare a comprehensive program evaluation plan

Conducting the Program Evaluation

• Collect and analyze data in accordance with the program evaluation plan
• Explore ethical issues that impact the practice of program evaluation
• Determine the relationship between ethical practices, methods of data collection, and analysis and reporting on program evaluation
• Examine and evaluate data using qualitative and quantitative methods
• Prepare and present evaluation results
• Assess feedback from stakeholders in response to the evaluation report

Program Maintenance and Change Process

• Apply effective means for continuous monitoring of program operations and personnel performance
• Utilize quality control criteria to evaluate all aspects of program operations
• Institute a system whereby stakeholders can submit concerns or recommendations
• Engage in meaningful communication on a regular basis and involve line personnel in any operational change process
• Recognize when to repeat the needs assessment and program development process for individual components of the program or for the entire program when problems evolve and needs change