Evaluation Planning
Oftentimes planning gets overlooked, as people focus on the nitty gritty of data collection or analysis. Without giving enough to properly plan, resources may be over utilized or underutilized, the wrong outcomes might be assessed, unfeasible targets set, etc. It is critical to the success of your program or project that you spend enough time on this phase.
Internal vs. External Evaluation
What is it? This is simply asking who is going to conduct your evaluation? There are advantages and challenges to both types of evaluation. Having an internal evaluator, whether they are from a different department or within your program, promotes organizational learning, saves money, and brings an understanding of the context itself. Unfortunately, they may face internal politics, not be adequately trained, have insufficient time to conduct a proper evaluation, and be seen as subjective by outside sources (i.e., funders). External evaluators are perceived as more objective and may have more specific technical knowledge of evaluation; they be able to bring new information and perspective to the organization. On the other hand, it could require more resources than if you went with an internal evaluator and may have more difficulty accessing certain information. A third option exists whereby an internal evaluator is coached and trained by external support where they lack critical expertise. Though it still may be perceived as less objective, this option may work for those whose funding sources are less restrictive. Our consultants can help you consider the various options and decide what works best for your organization. Should you choose to use external support, we encourage you to read our article entitled, What Questions Should You Ask Your Research and Evaluation Vendor?
How can we help you?
- Identify what evaluation option best suits your organizational needs
- Identify the information you will need
- Identify the sources of data you will need
- Determine the evaluation design
- Determine a feasible timeline
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Learn MoreArticles and White Papers About Internal vs. External Evaluation
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How Do You Get Started With Your Program Evaluation?
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How Does Your Organization Build Its Credibility?
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Why Is Rapid Assessment Key to Achieving Our Goals?
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Read MoreFAQ About Internal vs. External Evaluation
The process is similar to how research analysis would be conducted, in that an evaluation and coordinating analysis plan would be developed early on in project planning, both tied to key analysis questions that drive the methods used.
Impact assessment should be considered early in planning, and its timing should be carefully considered. It should not be conducted too early because there may not have been enough time to develop longer term impacts, while if conducted too late, the impacts may be declined. The assessment should be conducted when its intended use is clear and its findings used for necessary decisions.
As soon as a program is implemented, and during program implementation.
Lessons learned should come from multiple sources, not just a single source, so that the information gained can be reinforced and triangulated.
Key stakeholder engagement in all evaluation phases, including in the reporting phase, is typically an important part of the evaluation process. Engaging stakeholders in reporting can help define the report audience and make sure the report findings meet the evaluation purpose.
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Peggy Ostrander, DNPc, APRN, FNP-C Plano, Texas