Evaluation
Measuring and analysing to make better decisions
Evaluations are applied research studies that are adapted to the specific nature of policies, programs and initiatives, and that aim at:
- Assessing the need and relevance of a public intervention;
- Determining how the intervention has improved the situation;
- Measuring and analysing the effectiveness of the intervention;
- Measuring the extent to which the strategic objectives of the intervention have been achieved;
- Determining the actual program contribution to the observed results.
When properly done, evaluation studies should also provide empirical evidence about program characteristics (i.e. activities and output criteria) that have predictive capability and that can be used to reliably report on the actual program contribution to long-term and/or strategic results.
Evaluation requires an in-depth understanding of the individual program intervention theories. This is normally achieved through the development of a logic model (see example below) that clarifies the overall strategy (and the main assumptions) on which a given policy, program or initiative is built.
By testing these assumptions, evaluations can provide a detailed assessment of ‘how’ and ‘why’ results have been achieved. As such, evaluations are essential sources of empirical information supporting management in:
- Clarifying mission, purpose and goals of an intervention;
- Improving design and delivery;
- Assessing costs and benefits of alternatives;
- Meeting accountability requirements.
SIRRIS specializes in the conduct of evaluations that are supported by appropriate methodologies and that provide relevant and reliable information for decision-making. Our evaluation frameworks and work plans are developed by tailoring our evaluation approach (i.e. data collection tools and analytical techniques) to the evaluation questions to ensure that the information is useful for decision-making. At the end of every evaluation, we always discuss evaluation findings with our clients and consult with them to ensure that our recommendations are actionable.
Contact us right away by phone at 613-833-2660 or by email at info@sirris.ca to know more about how we can assist you in achieving your goals.