“Program evaluation is the systematic collection of
information about the activities, characteristics, and
outcomes of programs in order to make judgements about
the program, to improve program effectiveness, and/or to
inform decisions about future programming. Program
evaluation can be used to look at: the process of program
implementation, the intended and unintended results
produced by programs, and the long-term impacts of
interventions. Program evaluation employs a variety of
social science methodologies--from large-scale surveys and
in-depth individual interviews, to focus groups and review
of program records. Although program evaluation is
research-based, unlike purely academic research, it is
designed to produce actionable and immediately useful
information for program designers, managers, funders,
stakeholders, and policymakers.” (Michael Quinn Patton,
Utilization Focused Evaluation, 1999)
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
