Question:
Explain how evaluations are often intended to provide information on program performance and recommendations on policy actions that policy-makers, bureaucrats, or managers should take to improve the performance of ongoing programs or to end funding for unsuccessful programs. Provide a direct link to an example of an evaluation’s recommendations to continue funding a successful program with recommendations for future action and summarize the report’s findings in 3 to 5 sentences.
Week 4 Discussion: Evolution of Performance
Evaluation of a particular program or policy is a systemized method for collecting data, analyzing it, and deriving some sort of information so that it can be used for answering questions about the performance of a policy or program. The primary interest is figuring out whether the program is working or not. This is evaluated by knowing the benefits and satisfaction arising from the use of such a policy.
This also brings out the efficiency of the recruitment strategies being applied in the program. More information is derived by knowing the scope of the program or how it is affecting groups and subgroups in society. ‘What is working’ can be essential for policymakers as it will boost the structure and ‘what is not working will improve the drawbacks of programs including the way it is reaching potential people.
The information from the evaluation is also pushed by funders and the community involved. They like to know that the sphere where they are investing interest is worth the investment. Such demands make it compulsory for bureaucrats to provide details of evaluation to such members involved in the process. During the evaluation, the participants help frontline members go through a practice and make them ready for the operation of the program. The information gained is of implementation and loopholes that were not transparent in the formation of the program. Additionally, knowledge regarding skills is known and also brings focus upon the support system of staff.
Mostly, evaluation is conducted by internal or outside evaluators who help to form surveys and extract information. Further, this outcome is utilized for measuring performance and the way it can be enhanced in the future for extra benefits. Self-critical information is used by policymakers to understand the areas where staff are having problems with the program. Moreover, it also decides whether the objectives and goals of the program are met. The process of evaluation makes it easy for program initiators to have a clear and comprehensive structure of the policy. Capacity building and assessment open new ways for implementation strategies.
Accountability of one’s action in the performance of policy can help keep a record that will be used for better evaluation and results. Upgrading the skills and knowledge of staff that are within the process of the program can help in creating a quality workforce with efficiency. Also, giving incentives after the performance to the motivation of staff can bring loyalty and engagement to members. Maintaining good political goodwill can help policymakers sustain a competitive environment and remove hurdles during the course of the program.
The help of technology can be used to reach and interact with the consumer base and gain more interested people into it. It also saves time and resources. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/read/11872/chapter/7 enlists some of the insightful objectives and plans for making strategies for Water Security Breach. It also highlights prioritized areas to improve the program. Some recommendations are given at the start to introduce the proper method of implementation by The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
