The Front-End Challenge

Five Steps to Effective Evaluation of Community-Based Programs

Authors

  • A. J. Bea van Beveren Department of Behavioural Sciences University of Toronto
  • Robert W. Hetherington Department of Sociology University of Alberta

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.012.007

Abstract

Evaluation research requires ample front-end work. Preparatory work is essential to establish an environment conducive to assessment and is likely to contribute to its success. This article discusses the front-end challenge of developing an evaluation for a community-based program. Highlights are provided of an evaluation protocol from one community support agency to illustrate the significance of front-end work. Five front-end challenges are considered: understanding the reasons for undertaking the evaluation, securing resources, establishing credibility and creating enthusiasm, developing consensus about goals and objectives, and observing and fine-tuning the program.

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Published

1997-03-01

How to Cite

van Beveren, A. J. B., & Hetherington, R. W. (1997). The Front-End Challenge: Five Steps to Effective Evaluation of Community-Based Programs. Canadian Journal of Program Evaluation, 12(1), 117–132. https://doi.org/10.3138/cjpe.012.007

Issue

Vol. 12 No. 1 (1998): Spring

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 1997 A. J. Bea van Beveren, Robert W. Hetherington

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