scholarly journals What’s Going On? Developing Program Theory for Evaluation

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 71-82
Author(s):  
Mary E. Arnold ◽  
Brooke D. Nott
Keyword(s):  
Program Evaluation ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Logic Model ◽  
Program Theory ◽  
Program Logic ◽  
Scale Evaluation ◽  
Program Success ◽  
Logic Models ◽  
Program Policy ◽  
Program Logic Model

This paper outlines the process undertaken to develop a program logic model into a program theory that could be tested through a large scale evaluation. Logic models are widely promoted to establish program intention and outcomes, thus setting the stage for effective program evaluation. However, the causal links in program logic models are often assumptive in nature, and lack the specificity of conditions needed in order for the program to achieve its planned success. The authors share a process of observation and focus groups that allowed them to probe some of the links of the program logic model. The result presented is an “enhanced” logic model that reveals possible moderators of program success, which leads to the development of evaluation questions that will be used in a subsequent large-scale evaluation. The value of using an enhanced logic model for program evaluation leading to program policy changes and improvement is underscored.

scholarly journals Evaluating Youth Programs: An Overview of Practitioner Led Evaluations

2010 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 112-117
Author(s):  
Mat D. Duerden ◽  
Peter A. Witt
Keyword(s):  
Program Evaluation ◽  
Youth Programs ◽  
Positive Development ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Program Logic ◽  
Evaluation Strategy ◽  
Logic Models ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Key Issues

Youth programs are prime contexts for the intentional facilitation of positive development. However, not all youth programs achieve positive outcomes equally. In order to promote the identification and dissemination of the characteristics and processes of effective youth programs, increased focus needs to be given to program evaluation. This article briefly reviews the main tenets of evaluation science in order to provide practitioners a roadmap for conducting their own evaluations. This includes an overview of different types of evaluations and key issues to consider when constructing an evaluation strategy such as targeting outcomes and developing program logic models.

scholarly journals Comparing and Contrasting a Program versus System Approach to Evaluation: The Example of a Cardiac Care System

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralph Renger ◽  
Jirina Foltysova ◽  
Jessica Renger ◽  
Stewart I. Donaldson ◽  
Gary Hart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Program Evaluation ◽  
Systems Thinking ◽  
System Approach ◽  
Case Illustration ◽  
System Evaluation ◽  
Cardiac Care ◽  
Evaluation Theory ◽  
Program Logic ◽  
Logic Models ◽  
Versus System

This paper focuses on the application of systems thinking concepts to evaluate systems.  The terms systems and systems thinking concepts are first defined.  The use of systems thinking concepts in program and system evaluation are then highlighted.  It is noted that while there are methods available to assist evaluation practitioners in applying systems thinking concepts to program evaluation, there is a need for similar guidance in applying systems thinking concepts to evaluating systems.  System Evaluation Theory (SET) is then reviewed as one evaluation theory designed to apply systems thinking concepts to evaluating systems. A case illustration is presented to help teach practitioners how to apply SET’s three steps.  The discussion focuses on comparing the differences between evaluation questions answered by applying systems thinking concepts versus those using program logic models.

Use of a Program Logic Model to Guide the Development of a Strategic Plan for Wellington County Hospitals Network

2003 ◽  
Vol 16 (3) ◽  
pp. 12-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brenda Fraser ◽  
R. Grant Hollett
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Strategic Plan ◽  
Logic Model ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Program Logic ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
Program Logic Model ◽  
Decision Making Framework

This article describes how the Wellington County Hospitals Network successfully used a program logic model as a decision-making framework to guide the development of the Network's first strategic plan. The advantages and disadvantages of this approach to the development of a strategic plan and identification of short-term priorities for action by the Network are discussed.

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