Discussion One
Evaluation is a crucial and important process that needs to be done in an effective and timely manner. Evaluation entails the process of determining whether the goals and objectives of a project have been achieved or not. Therefore, before settling on the type of evaluation method to be used, the project managers must ensure that the method is not expensive and time-consuming (Nutbeam and Bauman, 2006). Some of the questions that can assist managers to establish the effectiveness of an evaluation approach include
How many individuals will be needed to undertake successful evaluations?
What is the time span of the evaluation process?
Discussion Two
The evaluation findings are curial and necessary to determining whether the objectives of the project have been achieved. Nevertheless, they should be used in a cautious manner with the full knowledge that some of the results may not be realistic and accurate. Nevertheless, to enhance the understanding of the results, the program managers should choose appropriate ways of presenting the results. Essentially, graphs, figures, and charts should be used to breakdown the results to facilitate their interpretation and understanding (Patton, 2008).
Discussion Three
Data collection tools are very crucial to the evaluation process because they lead to the achievement of accurate and realistic results. Some of the strategies that can be used to collect the data include questionnaires, surveys, and focus group discussions (Britton and Thorogood, 2004).
Discussion Four
The program evaluation results should be analysed and shared among stakeholders in the healthcare field. Essentially, they should act as baselines for future research studies. Furthermore, the results should act as bases for seeking additional finances to support projects aimed at addressing health issues (Johnson, K. et al., 2009).
Discussion Five
When selecting the evaluation approaches, program managers should ensure they are based on the context. Specifically, they should be pegged on elements such as the available staffs and finances. On the other hand, some approaches are scientifically ideal because they guarantee scientifically stronger evidence regarding the effects of the intervention. Moreover, some are easier to implement while others are cumbersome and expensive (Mertens and Wilson, 2012).
References
Britton, A., & Thorogood, M. (2004). Evaluating health promotion: practice and methods. New York: Oxford University Press
Johnson, K. et al. (2009). “Research on Evaluation Use: A Review of the Empirical Literature From 1986 to 2005, “American Journal of Evaluation, Vol. 30 No. 3, Pp. 377-410.
Mertens, D. M., & Wilson, A.T. (2012). Program evaluation theory and practice: A
comprehensive guide. New York, London: The Guilford Press
Nutbeam, D., & Bauman, A. (2006). Evaluation in a nutshell: a practical guide to the evaluation of health promotion programs. McGraw-Hill: Sydney.
Patton, M. (2008). Utilization-Focused Evaluation. London: SAGE
