Seeking Knowledge Essay Example for Free

Seeking Knowledge Essay A program evaluation is an investigation into the process to determine the quality of the results it produces (Rallis Bolland 2004). Organizations initiate program evaluations to see what improvements can be made as priorities changes based on consumer needs and desires (Rallis Bolland 2004). There are three important components to a program evaluation: an inquiry, judgment, and decision (Rallis Bolland 2004). An evaluation demonstrates knowledge of the process which includes an indepth analysis of program’s goals and processes (Rallis Bolland 2004). Evaluating program functioning is a method the organizations use to learn about the processes that define the organization’s values and methods used to accomplish the mission (Rallis Bolland 2004). A program evaluation initiates a series of questions which begins with defining the goals and expectation of both the staff and organization (Rallis Bollard 2004). Evaluation principles recommended by the American Evaluation Association are: systematic inquiry, competence, integrity, respect and responsibility for public welfare (Rallis Bollard 2004). A program evaluation needs to account for the position of the evaluators, the program and the organization (Rallis Bollard 2004). The first step of a program evaluation is to define the purpose and the audience (Rallis Bollard 2004). To start a program evaluation one must start with questions and answering it must involve three basic principles description, comparison, and prediction (Rallis Bollard 2004). When the process of a program is being evaluated the report should include a discussion on alternative plans for improving the delivery of services (Rallis Bollard 2004). Program evaluations seek to help both staff and organizations to improve the delivery of services. Reference: Rallis, S. F. , Bolland, K. A. (2004). What is Program Evaluation? Generating Knowledge for Improvement? Archival Science 4 5-16. Retrieved on January 15, 2009 from the ebscohost database.