Introduction
Theory based evaluation refers to a list of policy arrangements, projects, organization as well as structure of administration in which practitioners and experts exchange ideas, lessons and methods applicable to the process of evaluation of a problem.
For instance, the success of a government agency in trying to control the levels of use of a drug such as tobacco is directly dependent on factors such as the reactions of the community towards the policies, availability of resources for implementing the policies, likely reactions of the authorities of the specifics areas and possibility of obtaining findings from the government( Blanke,2004).
This is achieved through determining the causes of abuse of tobacco in the society and the methods of control that are believed to be capable of resulting into its control. This is followed by determining the steps that need to be monitored as the program is implemented and methods that can be used to develop the program for the control of the drug.
Success factors are then listed and if the available data and information shows that the factors cannot be achieved, it is concluded that the project is less likely to be successful in accomplishing its objectives. There are various approaches that can be used to control tobacco consumption or production. This article provides a theory based evaluation of the success in applying these approaches towards control of tobacco in a community or a country (Pechacek, 1999).
Discussion
There are many goals for control of tobacco consumption in any country in the world. However, the major goals are reduction of consumption of the drug by under-age youth, reduction of exposure of adults and youth to tobacco smoking and monitor and assess tobacco consumption to improve compliance.
In order to ensure control, there are various approaches that can be used.
This paper provides an evaluation of these approaches.
Construction of regional offices
By constructing these offices, it will be possible to monitor drugs distribution to the youth, monitoring compliance with tobacco distribution regulations, regulating the levels of tobacco promotions, provision of management services for prevention, cessation, and education of the public to reduce the levels of tobacco consumption, build capacity organizations that empower the youth with knowledge regarding the consequences of tobacco consumption (Teh-Wei, 2010)
This approach towards control of tobacco consumption has certain demands that will have to be met. For instance, it will be necessary to allocate resources for construction of these offices, training of extension officers to educate the people with regards to tobacco consumption and paying them.
It will also depend on the readiness of the people in the community towards accepting the recommendations of the regional workers. The control process will be regarded a success if there is a possibility of attaining these demands. However, if these demands cannot be satisfied, the control plan is considered a failure.
The role of Office of Policy and Strategic planning
Tobacco control plan can also be achieved by creating the Office of planning and Strategic planning. This is an office that ensures frameworks and policies are developed to reduce tobacco use. It ensures a country is represented in international referendum and in creation of agreements that enhance international partnership in control of tobacco.
Internally, the office analysts who take part in educating the public can be trained by establishing partnerships with stakeholders and advisory individuals or other agencies of government and experts from other areas of the world. The evaluation process is based on the capability of the office to accomplish these objectives.
The success of the control program is dependent on their capability to control these objectives. However, this office has the capability to construct tobacco control policies that are informed, stable and focused on preventing excessive consumption of tobacco.
Formation of offices of Regulation and compliance offices
The success of control of tobacco use and manufacture is also another step towards control of its production and distribution, sales, labeling and promotion to ensure citizens are protected from health complications of tobacco use. The office is also responsible for developing regulations of tobacco production and monitoring the activities of tobacco manufacturing industries to ensure they comply with tobacco production regulations (Huey-Tish, 1990).
The success of this approach will be dependent on the willingness of the government to provide funding for management of these offices and availability of government control over the manufacture and distribution of tobacco in a country.
Formation of Office of Research, Evaluation and Surveillance
This is also an office that can effectively contribute towards control of tobacco consumption. The level of control of tobacco use will be dependent on its ability to monitor and analyze the use of tobacco and its impacts on the health of the people in a country.
Its success will also be measured by its ability to educate the people on the right way of behavior towards the drug and the economic and chemical impacts of use of the drug. Furthermore, its success will be measured by its ability to direct research on bio makers of tobacco and other toxic substances. They ensure Health Warning Messages are evaluated, tobacco sales data is monitored and research is conducted to estimate the level of exposure to tobacco our smoke.
References
Blanke, D., Vera, S. (2004). Tobacco Control Legislation: An Introductory Guide: NJ. World Health Organization,
Huey-Tish, C. (1990). Theory-driven evaluations. London; Sage.
Pechacek, T. (1999). Best Practices for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Programs. DIANE Publishing.
Teh-Wei, H. (2010) Tobacco Control Policy Analysis in China: Economics and Health. London; World Scientific