The development of effective tools for program evaluation remains a critical task since the ability to conduct accurate and focused evaluations impacts the quality of life in many situations. The first chapter of the book by Rossi, Lipsey, and Freeman (2004) introduces the basic concepts related to program evaluation and its practical aspects. Focusing on the process of evaluation, the source outlines the history of the practice and illustrates the concept using examples.
The chapter refers to a variety of ideas related to social and political studies, paying special attention to the meaning of program evaluation. The process of program evaluation is defined as a series of steps taken to analyze the planned social programs in terms of effectiveness and distinguish between the worthwhile and insignificant ones (Rossi et al., 2004). Social programs that are understood as any organized efforts aimed at solving certain social issues are evaluated with attention to their target populations, the outcomes of implementation strategies, and the degree to which program costs align with the expected benefits.
Modern evaluation tools can range from cost-effectiveness analysis to randomized experiments that use reliable sampling techniques which reduce the effects of biases on results. In the context of program evaluation, these and other methods are applicable to a large number of social programs, including the establishment of non-profit healthcare organizations for financially disadvantaged citizens (Rossi et al., 2004). The method of program evaluation can be applied to decisions concerning reductions in tuition costs for low-income students or the provision of free nutritional supplements to improve children’s health.
According to Rossi et al. (2004), each evaluation plan should be unique and specific. The evaluation criteria are to be chosen based on the analysis of the target population, and the process is to be structured using different domains such as need, delivery, and outcome. There are many programs such as Play 60 aimed at the reduction of childhood obesity rates with the help of free football training sessions (Walker & Hills, 2017).
With this initiative in mind, it is possible to construct a method of program evaluation including the assessment of needs – the statistical analysis of obesity prevalence in the location. To prevent the misuse of resources, it is critical to evaluate the quality of underlying theories, for instance, determine whether the intended objectives (reductions in obesity) are realistic and properly defined. As for the implementation domain, evaluators need to answer questions concerning coaches’ qualifications, the presence of necessary equipment, and the logic of training sessions.
Concerning effectiveness and efficiency, such evaluations can be conducted with the help of controlled experiments with pre- and post-intervention measurements and comparative analysis of program costs and actual changes in obesity levels.
To sum up, the chapter reviews and explains the notion of program evaluation with reference to some social programs. The basic principles of evaluation listed in the source are applicable to initiatives focused on low-income citizens and people with specific health needs. Also, they can be applied to initiatives coordinated with obesity-prevention policies.
References
Rossi, P. H., Lipsey, M. W., & Freeman, H. E. (2004). Evaluation: A systematic approach (7th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Walker, M., & Hills, S. (2017). Social program evaluations: Strategies and shared value. Sport and Entertainment Review, 3, 65-71.