Characterizing a Program Extracted from Trochim et al (2016), with permission of the author
Program Evaluation The program cycle determines the level of evaluation that should be implemented. It would not make sense in terms of expectations and resources to plan a sophisticated outcome evaluation for a program that is in the initiation phase. Trochim et al recommend that the program life cycle be in alignment with these evaluation strategies: 1. Initiation: Process evaluation for rapid feedback, such as post-only reaction surveys and open-ended questions. 2. Development: Change in knowledge, attitudes, skills, and aspirations (KASA) outcomes because of the program, such as pre-tests and post-tests. 3. Stability: Program effectiveness in causing the intended change, such as with control groups and quasi-experimental designs. 4. Dissemination: Program effectiveness across multiple sites to determine generalizability through statistical analysis. McCoy and Braun (2014), in the Program Assessment Tool, provide another view of program life cycles that is based on the work of Boyle (1981). While developed specifically for the University
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