Theories and Approaches of Policy Evaluation Paper - Essay Example

Theories and Approaches of Policy Evaluation Paper Theories and Approaches of Policy Evaluation Paper The type of evaluation used depends on both the object and aim of the evaluation. Process evaluation is a type of formative evaluation. Process evaluation involves examination of the process of delivery of the program or technology, with a view of enhancing the object being analyzed (Casey, 2002). Outcome evaluations, on the other hand, are part of summative evaluations that seek to identify whether the program or technology resulted in significant effects on defined target outcomes (Fasten, 2009).

Process evaluation is meant to provide the evaluator with information on how to enhance the quality of a technology or program. Proper process evaluation helps to ensure that the complete quality of a program is attained by ensuring that it is liable to multiple stakeholders such as the administrators, personnel and community among others. This evaluation helps to identify the process involved in decision making, resourced required in implementation of the technology, the unexpected inconsistencies or prospects while running the program and the legal, social and economic conditions in which the program is run.

Process evaluation is a continuous monitoring process that should not interfere with the primary work of an organization. Instead, such information can be used to make the necessary amendments for top performance, especially in the preparation of financial audits (Casey, 2002). Outcome-based evaluation is a vital step when planning a project since it helps in the identification of the possible results of the technology. Outcome-based evaluation is a vital step when developing a new program or analyzing an existing one.

This is because the product of the analysis provides good knowledge of the object’s target group and how it will influence the people it serves (Fasten, 2009). ReferencesCasey, A. E. (2002). Process Evaluation as a Quality Assurance Tool. Community Health Toolkit. Crown Publishing Group: New York. Fasten. (2009). Outcome Based Evaluation. Training and Evaluation Programs . Crown Publishing Group: New York.