TECHNOLOGY - The Purpose of Evaluation

The Purpose of Evaluation

Evaluations of prevention programs fulfill a number of functions:

1.       Measure the program’s outcomes and impact

·         Did the program achieve its stated objectives?

·         Did it reach its intended audience?

·         Was the size of the outcome as expected?

·         Did the program have unexpected or unintended consequences?

·         Are outcomes consistent with those of similar programs?

2.       Inform future program planning and design

·         What are the strengths and weaknesses of a given approach?

·         What implementation problems have emerged?

·         Are measurement criteria appropriate and adequate?

·         Are confounding influences affecting outcomes (e.g., other interventions that may have been aimed at the same issue or target group)?

·         Have new ideas emerged, and can they be tested?

3.       Provide important internal lessons for those conducting programs

For example, evaluations can offer feedback on whether the expenditure of financial and human resources needed for the program was justifiable:

·         Were funds used properly?

·         Is there a return on investment?

4.       Ensure transparency and accountability

Particularly where outside funding has been used on an initiative, evaluations help provide justification for the project. They can also be used as a form of stakeholder engagement, helping to gain buy-in from local community members, local authorities, and target audiences.

·         Are suitable systems in place to ensure sound financial reporting, monitoring, etc.?

·         Have lessons been taken on board for future initiatives?

5.       Provide broader lessons about good practice

·         What lessons can be learned from this approach?

·         Are there lessons about policy options?

·         Do the results support existing evidence?