Chart the connections and determine impact.
Evaluation is a systematic, data-based inquiry that seeks to understand the relationship of strategies and activities to outputs and outcomes. Evaluation focuses on demonstrating short-, mid-, and long-term impact, as well as accountability targets. Whether formative or summative in nature, evaluation shows the linkage between the goals and objectives of a plan, the performance specification and strategy impact - it illuminates areas of success as well as areas for improvement. Evaluation should inform decision-makers and stakeholders, and provide information and data for program improvement.
The role of the evaluator is to:
The role of the evaluator is to:
- Prepare an evaluation plan that clearly links goals, objectives, performance measures and outcomes.
- Execute the evaluation plan and assess strategies, activities and initiatives to determine if what was planned was delivered as well as the outcomes achieved.
- Serve as an independent, external party who can provide a perspective that is impartial and unbiased.
- Ensure that the information and data needs of relevant stakeholders are met through appropriate evaluation methodologies and reporting.