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Program Theory. 23 January 2008 Amanda Paez. What is Program Theory. Program theory is a model that describes the logic and context of the program and enables the evaluator to check on program progress and impact before the program is conducted. Purpose. Theory driven, not Method Driven
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Program Theory 23 January 2008 Amanda Paez
What is Program Theory • Program theory is a model that describes the logic and context of the program and enables the evaluator to check on program progress and impact before the program is conducted.
Purpose • Theory driven, not Method Driven • Aids evaluators in helping to learn more about how the specific program works, even before it is implemented • Identifies specific parts of the program that can influence how the program runs. • Focus on specific parts for improvement
Application • Chains of Reasoning • Combination of text and graphics • Representation of program’s activities, goals, and assumptions • Shows relationships between factors
Advantages • Starts off with the advantage of understanding how the program is supposed to achieve its goals • In understanding the various components to a program, you can adjust them to create desired outcomes • Basis for Discussion both Before, During, and After Program • Clarify Ideas, Logic • Easy to Communicate
Disadvantages • Not for use in programs with several measures. Could create multiple chains of reasoning • Can be too rationalistic • Oversimplification • Ignores effects of context and rationale • Ignores Organization Culture
Case Study • Norwegian Institute of Food Research • A Product Development Program for the Food and Food Processing Industry • Goal- Stimulate Innovation • Program consisted of seminars, networking, mentoring
Chains of Reasoning • Combination of text and a graphic image which presents the activities of a program or project the goals to be attained additional assumptions and the links between them • Not Included: Description of Context, Rationale, Previous Experiences, or Propositions.
Case Study • Pilot Project: Program A (In Theory) • Not Included: Norwegian Government assists Industry to adopt and deploy new technology and practices, Economy, Modernization in all Areas, Tradition of Evaluation • Activities: Series of Seminars, Homework, Mentor Availability • Goals: Stimulate innovation among participants for Product Development • Assumptions: Companies willing to Network
Chains of Reasoning Solid Arrows: Primary Logic Open Arrows: Secondary Importance
Case Study Evaluation • Product Development Program (Food and Food Processing Industry) • Pilot Project: Program A (In Reality) • Unable to attract companies in order to employ selection criteria • Program unable to network with participant • Companies learned new project development methods • Companies wanted more mentor input • No clear criteria for selecting mentors
Chains of Reasoning Solid Arrows: Primary Logic Open Arrows: Secondary Importance
Results • As a result.. • Mentor Function Strengthened • Networking in Seminars