Evaluation Theory for Practice of Program- myassignmenthelp.com

Question: Discuss about theEvaluation Theory for Practice of Program Evaluation. Answer: Introduction Organizations use the theory of change to evaluate the learning activities. The theory of change examines how a learning activity is meant to give results in the organization. It outlines the outputs into the learning activity and the outcomes. This model stipulates the methods of change, the risks and the barriers to this theory that hinder the expected outcome. The theory of change creates a good link between the outputs and the expected results in the organization. When evaluators in the organization direct focus on the theory at the beginning of the project it ensures that stakeholder involvement is purposeful, useful and intentional to the client. According to Chen (2015), the theory-driven evaluation stipulates the need to work with stakeholders to understand the logic of a project. A logic model helps to realize the causal relationships involved in outputs involved and the outcomes. Evaluation of learning activities in the organization can be carried out through various modules. Utilization-focused evaluation module When an organizations end goal is decision making on a project, utilization-focused evaluation module is applicable. This module focuses on the evaluation of learning activities regarding their use by primary users. Thus, the evaluator in the organization should establish which stakeholders are more significant in the projects results (Patton 2013). The evaluator must use this stakeholder in every evaluation process to achieve results. Values engaged evaluation module This module involves engaging the stakeholders value in an intervention. When the stakeholders values are included, it increases their interest in the intervention. The users are likely to use the project if they feel some sense of ownership and a sense of presentation. Empowerment evaluation module This module is used in the organization to help in improving an intervention through empowerment. It stipulates that the role of an evaluator is to empower the stakeholders involved to take up the evaluation process to help them with self-determination (Link and Vonortas 2013). The evaluator in the organization guides the stakeholders through the evaluation process. Theory-driven evaluation module This module focuses on achieving change in the evaluation process through working together with stakeholders to stipulate the inputs, outputs, and results of the project. The organization can realize ROI from learning and development activities through assessing the methodology tools chosen and involving the right stakeholders. The organization needs to understand the evaluation process and the theories concerned to ensure that the purpose of the learning activities guides the designs to achieve the intended outcomes. Evaluation theory plays a major role in the value for money regarding performance and relevance when the right module is used in the evaluation process. The evaluation process in the organization should be improved through carrying out more evaluations in a year rather than annually. When an evaluation process is carried out frequently, accurate results are expected. Training of the evaluators is another way in which the evaluation process can be improved. Evaluators should be well equipped when carrying out the evaluation process. Thus they should be trained through internal workshops to strengthen their skills. References Chen, H., T., (2015)Practical program evaluation: Theory-Driven Evaluation and the Integrated Evaluation Perspective. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Link, A. N., Vonortas, N., S., (2013)Handbook on the theory and practice of program evaluation, Cheltenham, UK. Patton, M., Q., (2013) Utilization-Focused Evaluation (U-FE) Checklist, Western Michigan University Checklists. Thompson, G., Alba-Juez, L., (2014)Evaluation in context. University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.