The Evaluation Plan
An evaluation plan is a written document that states the objectives of the evaluation; the questions that will be answered; the information that will be collected to answer these questions, and when collection of information will begin and end. The evaluation plan can be considered to be the instructions setting out how the High Growth Programme will be assessed.
REFER TO YOUR ACTIVITY WORKBOOK AND SOLVE ACTIVITY 8 IN THE LJ4 SECTION
An evaluation plan is the roadmap that guides the client and coach through each step of the evaluation, from start to finish. It helps to focus attention on critical issues enabling coaches to strategise about how to target resources and energy into the evaluation process to maximise the impact and results of the coaching programme.
The evaluation plan should include information about outcomes, evaluation questions, and the methods to be used during the programme to ensure effective formative and summative evaluation.
Evaluation plans need not be large and complex and divert attention from the core coaching process and activities. Often clients and unfortunately some coaches fail to fully appreciate the value of taking time to prepare an evaluation plan. It can be helpful to explain the evaluation plan as part of the quality assurance process or as a form of insurance against underperformance.
Drafting an Evaluation Plan
The level of detail and scale of the evaluation plan and activities needs to be agreed with clients. The evaluation plan should support the effective implementation and impact of the High Growth Enterprise Coaching Programme rather than be considered as a set of additional and separate activities. The checklist on the following page sets out the key considerations when drafting an evaluation plan.
Considerations | Comments |
Introduction and Background: | It is helpful to have a concise statement setting out the background and context of the High Growth Enterprise Coaching Programme including the proposed goals and objectives |
Purposes: | It is essential that the purpose of the evaluation plan is defined as often a plan can serve to evaluate numerous parts of the High Growth Enterprise Coaching programme |
Stakeholders: | It is helpful to list the key stakeholders in the evaluation plan as it serves to ensure their needs are addressed |
Questions: | A key element of a sound evaluation plan is careful specification of the questions to be addressed by the evaluation design and data collection methods. The clearer and more detailed these questions are, the more relevant and informative the evaluation activities and report will be |
Methods and Sample: | There are lots of evaluation methods and techniques; therefore it is important to state which ones will be used based upon the type of information that must be collected. The choice of who to sample and involve in evaluation needs to be determined during the planning stage |
Logistics, Timing and Budget:
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When preparing an evaluation plan, it is important to consider when the activities will be undertaken, how much time will be devoted to them and who will undertake them. Time translates to money and if the evaluation process involves the High Growth Enterprise Coach undertaking extensive activities, this needs to be incorporated into the total budget. It is good practice to involve the client in the data collection and evaluation process as much as possible as it helps to secure their commitment and ownership of the programme. |
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