In their desire to perform effective program evaluation, organizations are free to choose between the two broad methodological categories: first, organizations can successfully utilize quantitative evaluation methods, which translate evaluation experience into transparent measurable elements that can be manipulated statistically (Anonymous, 2008a); second, qualitative evaluation approaches are expected to provide continuous feedback by means of interviews, field observation, or document review.
Despite the benefits which both methods offer, organizations believe that only reasonable and balanced integration of qualitative and quantitative evaluation techniques can provide organizations with objective, unbiased, and multifaceted evaluation results. Bearing in mind that “the strengths of one approach potentially complement the weaknesses of the other, and vice versa” (Rao & Woolcock, 2003), the combination of qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods offers an optimal balance of evaluation instruments.
Quantitative methods are appropriate, when organizations require determining frequency or related measurable aspects of program development implementation. Quantitative methods help establish numerical baselines (Anonymous, 2008a). In distinction from quantitative approaches, qualitative evaluation is used, when organizations need to review the program from different perspectives or “identify approximate indicators that clients are moving in the right direction” (Anonymous, 2008a).The major difference between the two methodologies lies in the presence (or lack) of measurability with regard to evaluation results. That is why the applicability and usability of either of the two evaluation techniques depends on the ultimate evaluation goals, as well as availability of qualitative or quantitative research data.
3. What information goes into the methods or program plan component of a proposal?
The methods component of a grant proposal usually comprises a set of activities, initiatives, or ideas, which organizations will use to achieve specified objectives and to satisfy the identified community needs. Beyond listing and describing the methods, organizations should ground and justify their choice by providing the funding organization with a good reason for choosing these (and not other) methods. “The section should also describe program staffing and identify the client populations to be served along with a justification of why they were selected” (Anonymous, 2008b).
It is easier to develop an effective methods component by answering a set of simple questions. These questions are to guide organizations in their striving to produce positive impression on the funding organization. Sample questions may include: “what activities do organizations need to carry to achieve strategic project objectives?”; “what is the timeline for these activities?”; “who will carry the responsibility for completing the specified activities in time?”, etc.
It is essential that organizations are reasonable and thorough in their choice of methods and activities: these methods should be realistic, and organizations must possess sufficient tangible and intangible resources to utilize the benefits of the proposed methods.
To prove that the chosen methodology is realistic and reasonable, organizations are recommended to provide the rationale for the chosen methods, as well as the detailed description of resources and facilities, which will be available for each method. The methods section should be as detailed as possible, to guarantee that the funding organization can evaluate the feasibility of proposed activities.
References
Anonymous. (2008a). Developing your methods.
Anonymous. (2008b). Preparing the evaluation component.
Edelman, I. (2000). Evaluation and community-based initiatives. Social Policy, Winter, pp.
13-23.
McNamara, C. (2002). A basic guide to program evaluation. Authenticity Consulting, LLC.
Retrieved January 20, 2009 from
Approximate price: $22
We value our customers and so we ensure that what we do is 100% original..
With us you are guaranteed of quality work done by our qualified experts.Your information and everything that you do with us is kept completely confidential.You have to be 100% sure of the quality of your product to give a money-back guarantee. This describes us perfectly. Make sure that this guarantee is totally transparent.The Product ordered is guaranteed to be original. Orders are checked by the most advanced anti-plagiarism software in the market to assure that the Product is 100% original. The Company has a zero tolerance policy for plagiarism.The Free Revision policy is a courtesy service that the Company provides to help ensure Customer’s total satisfaction with the completed Order. To receive free revision the Company requires that the Customer provide the request within fourteen (14) days from the first completion date and within a period of thirty (30) days for dissertations.The Company is committed to protect the privacy of the Customer and it will never resell or share any of Customer’s personal information, including credit card data, with any third party. All the online transactions are processed through the secure and reliable online payment systems.By placing an order with us, you agree to the service we provide. We will endear to do all that it takes to deliver a comprehensive paper as per your requirements. We also count on your cooperation to ensure that we deliver on this mandate.
What are qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods in organizations ?
Never use plagiarized sources. Get Your Original Essay on
What are qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods in organizations ?
Hire Professionals Just from $11/Page