Formative and Summative Evaluation
Evaluation can be subdivided into two types: formative and summative.
Formative Evaluation
Formative evaluation activities are undertaken during the High Growth Enterprise Coaching Programme and help to ensure the coaching programme is on track and that the coach and client are on course to achieve each of the agreed goals and objectives.
Formative evaluation activities might consist of review meetings, up-dating plans and analysing trend data and other information. Often plans will identify key milestones, a set of performance indicators or prescribed outcomes against which progress can be assessed.
Formative evaluation is a continuous process and provides valuable feedback and information giving both clients and coaches confidence that plans are working.
The flowchart shows the iterative process involved in reviewing performance against the plan and how small modifications might be required to achieve the objectives.
Variance Analysis
High Growth Enterprise Coaching Programmes comprise a series of coaching sessions. The model below illustrates how within a coaching session, coaches review progress with clients.
The model also shows that coaches should review the progression throughout the High Growth Enterprise Coaching Programme as part of the formative evaluation process.
The High Growth Enterprise Coaching Process
Effective formative evaluation provides clients and coaches with data and information on which to check progress, modify plans or adapt processes to ensure the planned results are attained. Formative evaluation is critical as it:
- Acts as an early warning system in the event of underperformance
- Prevents the client and coach reaching the end of the High Growth Enterprise Coaching Programme without achieving the planned goals
- Provides feedback enabling modifications and improvements to be made to processes and plans
- Builds client confidence by proving hard evidence of progress and improvement
- Contributes to summative evaluation
Summative Evaluation
Summative evaluation is carried out at or towards the end of a High Growth Enterprise Coaching programme. Summative evaluation provides an overall picture of the impact and success of the programme. It involves assessing the success of the programme which involves comparing the planned goals and objectives with the actual results and outcomes achieved.
Relying upon summative evaluation is not advisable as it is often too late to implement any corrective actions to address underperformance.
Summative evaluation usually draws upon much of the information generated from formative evaluation activities. Often formative evaluation provides the basis of client case studies and testimonials, helping the High Growth Enterprise Coach to demonstrate impact and credibility when presenting to potential clients.
Taking time to formally evaluate High Growth Enterprise Coaching programmes affords coaches with the opportunity to seek feedback on the processes that were used and to improve future performance. It also helps clients to fully appreciate the impact of the High Growth Enterprise Coach and the journey they have undertaken. It helps to build the client’s confidence and commitment to sustaining their progress and development.
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