Program evaluation

This course maps to capability: 2
COST Prices include GST and are subject to change
Please contact IPAA New South Wales for more information.

Overview

This workshop is designed for public sector managers and team leaders who wish to learn practical, simple approaches to evaluating their agency’s programs and services to determine whether they are making a difference. The workshop explores the use of two evaluation approaches: the program logic (or outcomes hierarchy approach) and Mark Friedman's results-based accountability (RBA) and considers the links between evaluation and strategic planning and budgeting systems.

 

Customised Agency Program

Customised agency programs are training programs uniquely designed in content and format to address the particular needs of your organisation. Customised agency programs are delivered at your workplace, thus saving your organisation money and enhancing team building.

All IPAA NSW courses are available as customised agency programs. Case studies and organisational policies and procedures from your organisation can be incorporated into these programs.

IPAA NSW matches the most appropriate consultant to the needs of your organisation, and offers flexibility in content, length and timetable, all at a convenient location. This flexible and cost-effective option benefits all agencies, particularly those with offices in regional NSW.

For further information or to receive a written proposal, contact IPAA NSW:

Tel: 02 9228 5225

Fax: 02 9241 1920

info@nsw.ipaa.org.au

Course Content

The program uses real world case studies to give participants experience in applying the results logic and RBA approaches. Participants are also encouraged to bring along examples of evaluation challenges from their own agency to practise the skills covered in the workshop. The two evaluation and accountability models aim to answer the key question: 'Has our program or activity made a difference?' and both approaches distinguish between outcomes at the population or community level and outcomes at the program or activity level. Participants examine the implications of this distinction for cause-effect relationships, and learn how the two approaches align with the NSW RSP budget process. The workshop also considers how evaluations can be designed to improve confidence in concluding that our programs or services have contributed to improved results for clients and the community.

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course attendees should be able to:

  • understand the program logic and results-based accountability (RBA) models
  • apply the models to their agency’s services and activities
  • understand cause-and-effect links at the community/ population and program/activity levels
  • understand the strengths and weaknesses of different types of evaluation design on drawing cause-and-effect links.

Benefits to your organisation

  • staff have the skills to apply practical approaches to evaluate agency programs and services
  • staff acquire skills in Friedman's results-based accountability (RBA) and program logic, two commonly used approaches across the NSW government
  • better aligned planning, evaluation and budgeting processes

Benefits to you

  • ability to distinguish between results or outcomes at the community and program levels
  • ability to use two recognised evaluation processes, Friedman's results-based accountability and outcomes logic
  • ability to apply these evaluation approaches in the workplace