How do you know that your project or service is making a difference? How do you determine if you are achieving the results you intended?
You worked hard in the planning process. Groups were consulted, and a needs assessment was conducted. All the pieces were put into place: the people, the training, the money, the operations and the delivery of the project.
And from this effort the project is up and running.
But now you need to determine the effectiveness and efficiency of your project, service or program. What impact is your organization making? How do you document the results and evaluate the success?
It is important to showcase your programs’ results and impact to increase visibility of your organization and to demonstrate your organization’s achievements.
Research and Evaluation Services
Mindwise Communications can help you answer these questions in providing the research and evaluation services to meet your needs.
What is an Evaluation Framework?
Put simply, an evaluation framework is the overall approach to the evaluation of a program (or policy, system or organization) over a period of time.
Ask yourself: “how will I know if the program has been a success?” For each relevant stage of your program’s evolution. The framework can include:
- Program goals/objectives
- Evaluation questions
- Outcomes/indicators
- Data Sources
- Collection Methods/Tools.
Document your plan as soon as the program starts
In order to effectively measure the impact of your program, it’s important to plan your program evaluation from the outset. Considering questions such as ‘what will success look like in three years?’ and ‘how will I know the program is on track to achieve success?’ will help ensure your program is on track from the get-go.
Mindwise Communications can help you in developing a plan and/or in setting up measurement tools, and/or collecting/analyzing data. It is up to you.
“Mindwise Communications has been a big asset to CCIS. Diana provides excellent research and evaluation services, is well organized and a strategic thinker with excellent writing skills. We have used her consulting services many times and we will again in the future. Outstanding service!”
— Fariborz Birjandian, Executive Director, Calgary Catholic Immigration Society
Performance Management – Employees
Performance management is also important to evaluate in measuring how well staff perform. A performance management system consists of four major stages:
- Planning – goal setting, both career development and work objectives
- Feedback
- Appraisals/Reviews
- Coaching/Mentoring/Performance Improvement Plans
It is a continuous process between managers and employees to plan, monitor, and review an employee’s work objectives and overall contribution to the organization.
Mindwise Communications can help you assess your performance management system and then recommend and deliver improvements to enhance components.
Or perhaps you are starting from scratch? And you do not have a performance management system in place. Mindwise Communications can provide consulting services to assist you in developing and implementing a successful system.