Is your Programme Evaluable?

"It is difficult to know if programs have succeeded or failed if the expected results are not clearly articulated". Independent Evaluation Group

Although it may seem redundant, conducting a ‘pre-assessment’ of your programme is a critical step before evaluating it. Knowing the extent to which a programme can be assessed helps ensure an evaluation is feasible and likely to produce useful information.

Following is a list of questions that can help you determine if your programme is evaluable. These criteria were developed by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, UNODC. This pre-assessment should be performed early in the programme when it is still possible to make changes if needed.

The first thing to review is the quality of the programme design:

• Is there a realistic need for the programme?

• Does the programme have clear objectives that are understood by all stakeholders?

• Does the programme utilize specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) KPIs?

• Are these KPIs monitored?

• Does the log frame respond to external factors?

Next, you should review how programme results are tracked:

• Is there pre-programme data that can be compared to data after the programme launches?

• Will data be collected and examined regularly?

• Are there different types of data available from different sources?

Finally, it is also important to consider the following factors, which guide the scope and timing of an evaluation:

• Is there a point in the programme cycle where the evaluation could fit in?

• Has there been sufficient levels of implementation?

• Have any aspects of the programme been evaluated previously?

• Are external factors such as climatic or political situations conducive to evaluation?

• Did you budget for an evaluation?

If you answered yes to more than half of these questions, the programme is evaluable. Whether you want help to perform this pre-assessment, strengthen your programme to better prepare for an evaluation or you are ready to conduct your evaluation, EvaluCore is here to help. Contact us to find out more.