The reason is simple: projects may sound compelling and seem worthwhile, but it is hard to know if they actually achieve their goals without collecting data and conducting an evaluation. Evaluation data provides a window into whether, why and how programs achieve their goals.
Evaluation is also essential to ensure that limited resources are utilized most efficiently for the greatest possible impact. Still need convincing? Here are five reasons why evaluation matters to your project and how to get it done. You learn how to optimize for success and discover the story behind the results. During the planning phase, the evaluation focuses on understanding how to optimally design the project to best meet its goals. During the implementation phase, the evaluation seeks to understand how the initiative is taking shape, where there is early progress and how to maximize the ongoing success of the project.
At the close of a project, the evaluation assesses the extent to which project aims were met and identifies circumstances that led to both high and low levels of success. Evaluation also probes throughout for important unintended consequences of the work e. Monitoring should be accompanied by on-going evaluation, which analyses the information in order to improve performance during a project.
If a project has been conducting regular on-going evaluation, and this is well-documented, more formal evaluations may be unnecessary. Mid-tenn evaluation This may be timed to take place after a particular stage of a project, to see what has happened so far, and make adjustments for the next stage, particularly when activities are planned to go on for two years or more. This kind of evaluation tends to concentrate on management and the balance of inputs and outputs.
Donors may sometimes make payments for a second year conditional on a midterm evaluation. An annual report, written by a project manager, can be a useful evaluative document. Final evaluation This will happen at the end of a project, in order to learn lessons about how the project has been implemented and the results. A final report of a project written by a project manager can be evaluative, comparing objectives with what was achieved. Ex-post evaluations These happen some time often two years or more after a project has finished.
They look at impact and sustainability. They also consider broader 'policy' issues. This kind of evaluation is rare in NGOs, and more effort should be put into promoting such studies. A donor, for example a major co-funder, may request an evaluation to fit in with their own institutional requirements.
What type of evaluation should I conduct and when? What makes a good evaluation? How do I make evaluation an integral part of my program? How can I learn more? What is evaluation? Experts stress that evaluation can: Improve program design and implementation. Demonstrate program impact. Within the categories of formative and summative, there are different types of evaluation.
Which of these evaluations is most appropriate depends on the stage of your program: Type of Evaluation Purpose Formative 1. Needs Assessment Determines who needs the program, how great the need is, and what can be done to best meet the need. For more information, Needs Assessment Training uses a practical training module to lead you through a series of interactive pages about needs assessment. Process or Implementation Evaluation Examines the process of implementing the program and determines whether the program is operating as planned.
Can be done continuously or as a one-time assessment. Results are used to improve the program. Summative 1. Outcome Evaluation Investigates to what extent the program is achieving its outcomes. These outcomes are the short-term and medium-term changes in program participants that result directly from the program. Impact Evaluation Determines any broader, longer-term changes that have occurred as a result of the program.
These impacts are the net effects, typically on the entire school, community, organization, society, or environment. EE impact evaluations may focus on the educational, environmental quality, or human health impacts of EE programs.
Before Program Begins. These summative evaluations build on data collected in the earlier stages. To what extent is the need being met? What can be done to address this need? What predicted and unpredicted impacts has the program had? Needs Assessment. Outcome Evaluation. Impact Evaluation. Evans' Short Course on Evaluation Basics : Good evaluation is tailored to your program and builds on existing evaluation knowledge and resources. Good evaluation is inclusive. Good evaluation is honest.
Good evaluation is replicable and its methods are as rigorous as circumstances allow.
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