The Purpose Of Program Evaluation

The purpose of program evaluation is to determine whether the program is efficient in terms of using resources wisely to perform the needed work, effective by performance measures or objectives set, and implemented as stated. The efficiency and effectiveness of a program can help make decisions, fix accountability problems, and aid in planning. It can also improve operations, reallocation of resources and contract monitoring (Lane 1999). In order to understand the importance, knowledge of the components of the program evaluation is required.

There are several steps prior to beginning the evaluation process. There must be a commitment to the evaluation process, clear communication to staff, decisions on a budget, determination if the evaluation
The implementation of the program evaluation is very important because if it is not done correctly the results will be skewed. Attribution (did the program produce the measured results) and whether or not it can be generalized to other programs is also very important (Rutman & Mowbary 1983). The evaluator must ensure that the data is as objective, reliable and valid as possible.

Program evaluation is often used to assist lawmakers in government and in organizations to make policy decisions. Often policy makers have many choices in selecting a particular policy. In order for them to choose, they need to have information regarding the effectiveness of policies. Performance evaluation can give the information necessary to make informed decisions.

Political executives, legislators, and organizations use program evaluation to provide information on the efficiency and effectiveness of programs and policies. It affects decisions on which programs and policies to fund, whether to continue funding the same way or not to fund the program or policy at all. It assists in future decision making, policy formulation and policy revisions, and can be used for monitory resources and monitoring the implementation of programs (Milakovich & Gordon