Purpose of Evaluability Assessment

Purpose of Evaluability Assessment

            An evaluability assessment is the systematic process of determining the justifiability, feasibility, and informational value of evaluating a program. Evaluability assessment is also the evaluation made before starting an actual program evaluation to determine whether the program is worth the assessment and the barriers to useful evaluation. (Harrell, n.d.) If the result of the assessment provides justification for the program evaluation, methods of actualizing the assessment, and high value for the information likely achieved, then the decision or recommendation is to continue the program assessment and/or provide initial support in continuing the program. Otherwise, the evaluation and/or the program do not justify continuation.

            An evaluability assessment has a number of purposes revolving around resource allocation, stakeholder interest, and decision-making.

            First is to decide primarily on the merit or worth of the program and decide specifically on the needs requiring modification and stoppage of the program (Harrell, n.d.). As a prelude to an actual evaluation, the evaluability assessment provides initial information on whether an evaluation or the program is worthwhile. This is necessary to determine whether the program deserves an evaluation with an affirmative answer providing a preliminary indication of the merit of the program.

            Second is to determine the program logic including the assumptions, mechanisms, and outcomes of the program (Harrell, n.d.). A program usually has a purpose expressed through predetermined outcome expectations and these expectations provide justification in evaluating the program.   

            Third is to determine the extent of appropriateness of the design, resources, strategy, and implementation systems that are appropriate in relation to the logic of the program (Harrell, n.d.). Apart from the purpose of the program, the evaluability assessment also touches on the framework and processes involved in program implementation.

            Fourth is to determine the likelihood that the program would achieve the policies or priorities pre-determined for the program (Harrell, n.d.).

            Fifth is to assess availability of the needed information covering primary and secondary resources together with the possible cost and ease of accessing the information (Harrell, n.d.). Cost pertains to the allocation financial resources for the collection of data while ease refers to ways and means of accessing data together with the cooperation of the sources of data as needed.

            Sixth is to assist program managers and policymakers in improving program coherence and program logic in relation to its feasibility (Harrell, n.d.).

            Seventh is to coordinate with partners and stakeholders regarding the manner of using program evaluation and treatment of data derived encompassing inputs, outputs and processes (Harrell, n.d.).

            Eight is to clarify with partners and stakeholders on the manner that they would prefer to select and utilize a program evaluation (Harrell, n.d.). This is in relation to the extent that the evaluation and the method selection would likely support real improvements in the performance and success of the program as well as the match between the monetary and non-monetary costs of undertaking the evaluation. 

 

Reference

 

Harrel, A.  (n.d.). Evaluation strategies for human services programs.  Washington DC: The Urban Institute.

 

           

 

 

 

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