Program Evaluation Implementation Plan Quantitative data analysis techniques provide guidelines for program evaluators to understand what to do with data from such sources as close-ended questions, checklist types of data, scales, number of years, and number of service contracts. Any data collection technique that is structured can be put into numerical form. Qualitative data analysis techniques enable program evaluators to analyze data from such sources as open-ended questions, process notes from training programs or group programs, descriptive-form records, case examples, and other types of nonquantitative data. In both quantitative and qualitative analysis, it is essential to have a plan for data analysis. In this assignment, you will propose and defend the methodology for implementing a program evaluation plan for the organization you referenced in Module 2: below is what I referenced. What are the most important questions to ask when planning a program evaluation? Why? What strategies best derive the key considerations involved in planning? Why? Shaver, (2003) states there are multiple questions that should be asked before and during an evaluation planning process. The key considerations are the purpose of the evaluation, the uses of the plan once it is finished, the individuals who will utilize and benefit from the evaluation, the questions that are asked when the evaluation is being planned, and the methodology that will be required to have the evaluation plan actualized. Why is the evaluation being conducted initially? Who will benefit if the evaluation is finished? What questions will be answered to achieve the goals and will the goals be achieved when all is said and done? What resources will be used so the evaluation plan can be implemented? Where is the money coming from to do the plan and who are the stakeholders who have a say on what should or should not be done? Per Conel, Kabisch, Schorr, & Weiss, (1995) there are three designs that are possible for impact evaluations; experimental, quasi experimental, and non-experimental. They all share the same strategies of comparing program outcomes with the concept of what would happen without the program at all. A major consideration according to Royse,Thayer, & Padgett, (2016) after the data collection and analysis, after the plan is put into play, the program needs to be monitored and managed so the achievement of the goals can be met, and when realized, kept running smooth. A needs assessment plan can be utilized and if so, it has to have defined parameters. There will be different questions asked when planning to do a needs assessment; what are the needs of the program, what stakeholders will be involved, how long will the assessment take, and what resources and how much money will be used if the needs assessment will be utilized? Is this a plan within the initial plan and should the needs assessment plan be combined with the evaluation plan with the same set of questions to be answered for both to have both plans work for the benefit of the program? Conel, Kubisch, Schorr, & Weiss, (1995). New approaches to evaluating community initiatives: Concepts models, and contextsDC:The Aspen Institute. Royse, Thayer, & Padgett, (2016). Program evaluation: An introduction (6th ed). Boston, MA: Cenage Learning Shaver, (2003). Orgnizational power and politics: More than meets the eye in progrm planning. National Common, National Louis University Directions: In a paper (1,250-1,500 words), propose a plan for implementing a program evaluation study for the program found in the organization you referenced in the Module 2 assignment. Your implementation plan should include the following: 1. The selection and description of both a quantitative and a qualitative method of data collection to carry out the study. 2. A research-based explanation of your rationale for selecting the data-collection procedures that clearly identifies the strengths and weaknesses of the procedures. 3. An explanation of how you would maintain validity and reliability of the quantitative data being collected.
