Running head: PERSONAL PROJECT AND EVALUATION METHODS

Personal Project and Evaluation Methods Sheila E. O'Kane AET/535 May 11, 2014 Mandy Seybold

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Personal Project and Evaluation Methods This paper deals with evaluation methods as they apply to a work project for the Welfare to Work program offered by the Community Service and Employment Training (CSET) organization. This organization is a nonprofit group that is dedicated to helping individuals gain the skills necessary to secure long-term employment. The dealing with disappointment project is elucidated describing the purpose, goals, activities and expected outcome of the project. Reasons for evaluating the project are explored and the two definitions of evaluations are reviewed resulting in the selection of the appropriate definition as it applies to the project. Five models of evaluations are analyzed resulting in the choice of one model that best fits the desired knowledge regarding the project. Project Description This project involves the development of a workshop that addresses the issue of disappointment faced by the jobseekers during his or her efforts to find a job. During the process of trying to find a job there are many instances of rejection that jobseekers face. These rejections often result in a downward spiral of attitude, effort, and feelings of self-worth. Project Purpose The purpose of this project is to present participants with useful tools to combat the downward spiral and negative feelings that accompany ongoing, repeated rejection. Project Goal There are three primary goals for this project. 1. To provide participants with knowledge regarding the effects of repeated rejection. 2. To provide participants with tools to combat the effects of repeated rejection.

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3. To reengaged and keep participants active in job search efforts. Project Activities The program will consist of a workshop on dealing with disappointment and a series of one-on-one coaching sessions with each participant. The workshop will cover; improving and maintaining self-esteem, overcoming fear and taking risk, understanding and developing assertiveness, and fostering power thinking. The workshop concludes with the participants setting goals in each area and developing a personal dealing with disappointment action plan. The one-on-one coaching sessions will consist of a check-in and work on the individual’s personal action plan. Project Expected Outcome The expected outcome of this project is that participants will be more active in their job search and secure employment. Reasons for Evaluation of Project There are many reasons for evaluating a project. One of the main reasons is to find out if the project is producing the desired outcome. In the case of the above described project the evaluation will tell the stakeholders if project is helping participants gain employment. Another reason to evaluate the project is to determine if any adjustments need to be made regarding the activities in the project or the way in which the workshop is conducted. Without evaluations one would not know if there were things that needed to be improved in order to increase the effectives of a particular area of the project.

Evaluation Definitions

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In the book The ABCs of Evaluation: Timeless Techniques for Program and Project Manager the authors outline two definitions of evaluations. 1. “Evaluation is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing data in order to determine whether and to what degree objectives have been or are being achieved” (Boulmetis & Dutwin, 2005, p. 4). 2. “Evaluation is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing data in order to make a decision” (Boulmetis & Dutwin, 2005, p. 4). The definition that best defines my prospective is the second definition. “Evaluation is the systematic process of collecting and analyzing data in order to make a decision” (Boulmetis & Dutwin, 2005, p. 4). This definition is broader and encompasses the determination of “whether and to what degree objectives have been or are being achieved” (Boulmetis & Dutwin, 2005, p. 4). The second definition gives latitude to the process allowing the evaluator to view data in a more far-reaching way. Using this definition, one develops and answers questions regarding the efficacy, effectiveness, and impact of the program, and determine program strengths and weaknesses. Models of Evaluation There are evaluation models outlined by Boulmetis and Dutwin (2005), (1) Discrepancy model, (2) goal-free model, (3) transaction model, (4) decision-making model, and (5) goalbased model. Discrepancy Model The discrepancy model takes into account that the project “does not exist in a vacuum, but instead within a complex organizational structure” (Boulmetis & Dutwin, 2005, p. 84). This

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model seeks to answer questions as to “why” an outcome occurred rather than identify that the outcome occurred. Goal-Free Model The goal-free model “looks at a program’s actual effect on identified needs” (Boulmetis & Dutwin, 2005, p. 86). This evaluation model inspects the program from the standpoint of whether or not it is addressing the needs or the participants. “The goal-free model works best for qualitative evaluation because the evaluator is looking at actual effects rather than anticipated effects for which quantitative tools have been designed” (Boulmetis & Dutwin, 2005, p. 88). Transaction Model The transaction model merges “process evaluation through a continuous back-and-forth between evaluator and participant” (Boulmetis & Dutwin, 2005, p. 88). In other words the “evaluator is an active participant” (Boulmetis & Dutwin, 2005, p. 88). The evaluation is conducted by using observational tools such as interviews. Decision-Making Model The decision-making model is used so that decisions regarding the continuation of the project can be made. The effectiveness of the project is examined with a focus on long-term effects. According to Boulmetis & Dutwin, (2005) the focus in on decisions that need to be made in the future. This model uses various methods of data collection both quantitative and qualitative. Goal-Based Model The goal-based model focuses on the stated goals of the project and looks at “specified outcome variable, using quantitative or qualitative methods” (Boulmetis & Dutwin, 2005, p. 90). Using this model is used to determine if the stated goals of the project are being met.

PERSONAL PROJECT AND EVALUATION METHODS

Chosen Evaluation Model Since the primary goal of this project is to keep participants engaged in their job search resulting in employment, the decision-making evaluation model would be the best model to use. Using this model would allow the evaluator and the stakeholder to determine if the project should continue. This model would also assist the stakeholder in making decision regarding alterations or adjustment that can or should be made to the project to increase effectiveness. Conclusion Evaluation is a vital component to any project. Without evaluation there is no way to truly know if the project is meeting goals and objectives as desired. Choosing the proper evaluation model is vital to ensure that the data gathered provides the information needed by the stakeholders.

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References Boulmetis, J., & Dutwin, P. (2005). The ABCs of evaluation: Timeless techniques for program and project managers (2nd ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

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