Program Evaluation by Berk and Rossi

Program Evaluation by Berk and Rossi Identifying Issues and Formulating Questions for Program Evaluation Appropriate question formulation is the most important aspect in program evaluation as the question states the measures according to which the program should be assessed. Rossi et al (2004) assure that decision makers and stakeholders should take the main role in formulating questions. They are also sure that program evaluation should not depend precisely on the point of view of stakeholders due to their prejudiced opinion.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Program Evaluation by Berk and Rossi specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The format of the evaluation question should depend on the specific functions the question is aimed at performing. Therefore, the general logic of evaluation covers the following aspects, criteria of merit establishment, standards construction, performance measurement and its comparison with accepted standards. Formulating a quest ion for evaluation program, it should correspond to the following characteristic features, reasonableness, appropriateness, it should be answerable and convey the performance criteria (Rossi et al, 2004). Therefore, there are many other issues and techniques for formulating questions for evaluation programs. Alvesson and Sandberg (2011) offer the problematization technique which is aimed at coming up â€Å"with novel research questions through a dialectical interrogation of one’s own familiar position, other stances, and the domain of literature targeted for assumption challenging† (Alvesson and Sandberg, 2011, p. 252). Problematization technique for formulating question for evaluation program is one of the best means in a number of reasons. First of all, it corresponds to the principles discussed by Rossi et al (2004). Additionally, it identifies a domain literature, considers the assumptions within identifies domain, evaluates those assumptions, develops alternative assumptions, relates those assumptions to the audience and finally evaluates assumptions with the purpose to meet the requirements of the evaluation program (Alvesson and Sandberg, 2011). Key Concepts in Evaluation Research Considering the key concepts in evaluation research, Berk and Rossi (1999) point at the following aspects, policy concerns, stakeholders, validity, effectiveness, and theories. The consideration of each of these concepts may help us understand the nature of the evaluation research better. Policy concerns are based on the information policymakers are eager to provide us with.Advertising Looking for essay on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thus, the evaluation of the research is based on the questions which appear in the focus of policymakers (issues and policies which remain the public domain). The attention of the evaluation is usually attracted by a number of people who are interested in the evaluation research outcomes which may vary depending on the nature of the research. Another key concept for evaluation research program effectiveness which in case of vague goals of the program can measure marginal effectiveness (intervention), relative effectiveness (program/absence of program contrast) and cost effectiveness (measurement of the cost per unit). Validity concept presupposes the measurement of the evaluation research credibility. Theory may be an important issue before developing various programs, formulating evaluation design, or analyzing the data. Therefore, this concept is important for evaluation research. There are more concepts which may be included in the evaluations research. Program’s environment and program’s intended and observed outcomes should also be included in evaluation research. The environment impacts greatly all programs and processes which occur in the society. It is impossible to violate the social tendencies w hich appear in the environment. The comparison and contrast of the program’s intended and observed outcomes should be used as the main hypothesis for evaluation. This information helps predict evaluation results and compare those with the got ones for assessing the evaluation credibility (McDavid and Hawthorn, 2006). Bounded Rationality and Evaluation Validity According to Herbert Simon, bounded rationality is defined as the limitation of the human beings by means of the following factors, failure to know everything and understand the future consequences correctly, failure to assess the worth of the future decisions due to the inability to measure the effectiveness and importance of the latter, and failure to consider all the alternative variants of the decision outcome. All these failures are defined as the inability for a research to be rational, therefore, the notion of bounded rationality is present (Simon, Egidi, and Viale, 2008). It should be mentioned that evaluation v alidity depends on the commitment of the program evaluator, therefore, it means that the attitude to the evaluation is prejudiced.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Program Evaluation by Berk and Rossi specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Moreover, the research evaluation is measured by means of the actions and ideas, research questions and other specific issues chosen by the researcher. Therefore, research validity is based on the choice of the person who conducts evaluation. No matter how unprejudiced and fair a person may try to be, the bounded rationality is the concept which should not be ignored. Considering the key concepts discussed above and the issues for forming an evaluation question, a researcher plays a dominant role in the evaluation outcome. Research evaluation program cannot be rationale in its entire meaning. There are always limitations and concerns which should be taken into account. An evaluatorâ€⠄¢s approach to delivering an exhaustive evaluation with constructive recommendations is a product of personal experience and practice due to the similar to boundary rationality idea. An evaluator has a right to choose the evaluation criterion, descriptive program of the research and making judgments on the basis of the considered information (Gigerenzer and Selten, 2002, p. 117). Reference List Alvesson, Mats and Jà ¶rgen Sandberg. 2011. Generating research questions through problematization. Academy Of Management Review 36(2): 247-271. Berk, Richard A. and Peter Henry Rossi. 1999. Thinking about program evaluation. New York: SAGE. Gigerenzer, Gerd and Reinhard Selten. 2002. Bounded rationality: the adaptive toolbox. Cambridge: MIT Press. McDavid, C. James and Laura R. L. Hawthorn. 2006. Program evaluation performance measurement: An introduction to practice. New York: SAGE.Advertising Looking for essay on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Rossi, Peter. H., Lipsey, Mark. W., and Howard E. Freeman. 2004. Evaluation: A systematic approach. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications. Simon, Herbert Alexander, Egidi, Massimo, and Riccardo Viale. 2008. Economics, bounded rationality and the cognitive revolution. New York: Edward Elgar Publishing.

Comparing Japanese and European Serfdom

Comparing Japanese and European Serfdom Although Japan and Europe did not have any direct contact with one another during the medieval and early modern periods, they independently developed very similar class systems, known as feudalism. Feudalism was more than gallant knights and heroic samurai, it was a way of life of extreme inequality, poverty, and violence. What Is Feudalism? The great French historian Marc Bloch defined feudalism as: A subject peasantry; widespread use of the service tenement (i.e. the fief) instead of a salary...; supremacy of a class of specialized warriors; ties of obedience and protection which bind man to man...; [and] fragmentation of authority- leading inevitably to disorder. In other words, peasants or serfs are tied to the land and work for the protection afforded by the landlord plus a portion of the harvest, rather than for money. Warriors dominate society and are bound by codes of obedience and ethics. There is no strong central government; instead, lords of smaller units of land control the warriors and peasants, but these lords owe obedience (at least in theory)  to a distant and relatively weak duke, king or emperor. The Feudal Eras in Japan and Europe Feudalism was well established in Europe by the 800s CE but appeared in Japan only in the 1100s as the Heian period drew to a close and the Kamakura Shogunate rose to power. European feudalism died out with the growth of stronger political states in the 16th century, but Japanese feudalism held on until the  Meiji Restoration  of 1868. Class Hierarchy Feudal Japanese and European societies were built on a system of hereditary classes. The nobles were at the top, followed by warriors, with tenant farmers or serfs below. There was very little social mobility; the children of peasants became peasants, while the children of lords became lords and ladies. (One prominent exception to this rule in Japan was Toyotomi Hideyoshi, born a farmers son, who rose to rule over the country.) In both feudal Japan and Europe, constant warfare made warriors the most important class. Called knights  in Europe and samurai  in Japan, the warriors served local lords. In both cases, the warriors were bound by a code of ethics. Knights were supposed to conform to the concept of chivalry, while samurai were bound by the precepts of bushido, the way of the warrior. Warfare  and Weaponry Both knights and samurai rode horses into battle, used swords, and wore armor. European armor was usually all-metal, made of chain mail or plate metal. Japanese armor included lacquered leather or metal plates with silk or metal bindings. European knights were almost immobilized by their armor, needing help up on to their horses, from where they would simply try to knock their opponents off their mounts. Samurai, in contrast, wore light-weight armor that allowed for quickness and maneuverability, at the cost of providing much less protection. Feudal lords in Europe built stone castles to protect themselves and their vassals in case of attack. Japanese lords, known as  daimyo, also built castles, although Japans castles were made of wood rather than stone. Moral and Legal Frameworks Japanese feudalism was based on the ideas of the Chinese philosopher Kong Qiu or Confucius (551–479 BCE). Confucius stressed morality and filial piety, or respect for elders and other superiors. In Japan, it was the moral duty of the daimyo and samurai to protect the peasants and villagers in their region. In return, the peasants and villagers were duty-bound to honor the warriors and pay taxes to them. European feudalism was based instead on Roman imperial laws and customs, supplemented by Germanic traditions and supported by the authority of the Catholic Church. The relationship between a lord and his vassals was seen as contractual; lords offered payment and protection, in return for which vassals offered complete loyalty. Land Ownership and Economics A key distinguishing factor between the two systems was land ownership. European knights gained land from their lords as payment for their military service; they had direct control of the serfs who worked that land. In contrast, Japanese samurai did not own any land. Instead, the daimyo used a portion of their income from taxing the peasants to provide the samurai a salary, usually paid in rice. Role of Gender   Samurai and knights differed in several other ways, including their gender interactions. Samurai women, for example, were expected to be strong like the men  and to face death without flinching. European women were considered fragile flowers who had to be protected by chivalrous knights. In addition, samurai were supposed to be cultured and artistic, able to compose poetry or write in beautiful calligraphy. Knights were usually illiterate, and would likely have scorned such past-times in favor of hunting or jousting. Philosophy of Death Knights and samurai had very different approaches to death. Knights were bound by Catholic Christian law against suicide  and strove to avoid death. Samurai, on the other hand, had no religious reason to avoid death and would commit suicide in the face of defeat in order to maintain their honor. This ritual suicide is known as seppuku (or harakiri). Conclusion Although feudalism in Japan and Europe has vanished, a few traces remain. Monarchies remain in both Japan and some European nations, though in constitutional or ceremonial forms. Knights and samurai have been relegated to social roles or honorific titles. And socio-economic class divisions remain, though nowhere nearly as extreme.

Chemotherapy Lounge Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Chemotherapy Lounge - Assignment Example Nursing as caring by Anne Boykin and Savina Schoenhofer is the most appropriate theory. The theory explains that caring is an innate virtue arising from the humanness of a person. It further explains that people live their live caring at every moment with each moment being unique. The patient in the case requires simple recognitions some of which arises from the humanness of the nurses. He wants the nurse to care for his unique needs at every moment. As such, the theory offers the best description of a nurse that would enhance his holistic healing. Jean Watson’s theory of human caring offers relational caring both for self and for others. The theory explains that one must always cultivate his or her spiritual practice beyond the ego. This requires a form of mind body and spirit type of wholesomeness in order for one to work as a nurse (Watson, 2008). Such an individual practices a form of loving kindness and equanimity that can help the patient in the

Organic farming overview in Australia Assignment

Organic farming overview in Australia - Assignment Example The second set of methods to control weeds, pests and diseases include crop rotation; use of natural pesticides; careful crop choice and planning; increase of genetic diversity; use of resistant crops; engage good cultivation practices; and encourage important pest-eating predators. Lastly, organic farming also entails good animal husbandry and the careful use of water resources (Rigby & Caceres, 2001). Organic farming provides long-term benefits to the environment and people, which represents the main aim of engaging in organic farming. The first aim is increasing soil fertility in the long-term, and the use of organic materials helps strengthen the potential of the soil. Second, organic farming helps control both diseases and pests without causing harm to the environment, while third, organic farming ensures that the water used remains safe and clean for consumption (Rigby & Caceres, 2001). ... The essence is that organic farming has several benefits, especially in terms of reduced costs (Rigby & Caceres, 2001). Organic farmers strive to do their best to produce food from the environment using systems that are close to those that naturally exist, and work on the premise of a closed agricultural circuit. For instance, soil fertility that results from manure use and the soil formation of the said organic matter plays the role of a fertilisation agent by reducing the loss of nutrients and water, and lessening erosion (Taus, Ogneva-Himmelberger & Rogan, 2013). Furthermore, farm inputs such as fodder and manure should in principle be produced within the farm or the neighbouring ones so that the need for external inputs is reduced. In essence, the use of hand works as opposed to mechanisation has reduced environmental effects, for instance the practice of mechanical control of weeds as opposed to the use of herbicides (Taus, Ogneva-Himmelberger & Rogan, 2013). Organic farming gre atly contributes to sustainable development, coupled with increased economic activities with some important added value. Scientific papers have been written the world over concerning organic farming, and the statistics they provide show an increased volume of global sales of organic food and drink. Research reveals there was a 43% increase, equivalent to USD25.5 billion, between 2002 and 2005 (Taus, Ogneva-Himmelberger & Rogan, 2013). Despite the fact that organic farming is practised in a number of countries, studies show that uptake is concentrated in North America and Europe, and they also stand out as areas with greater supply and demand. According to the World of Organic

The Myth and Ritual of Coffee in Mario Puzo’s The Fortunate Pilgrim :: Essays Papers

The Myth and Ritual of Coffee in Mario Puzo’s The Fortunate Pilgrim When I arrived in Italy in May 1998, my first order of business was to sample some Italian coffee. Being an avid coffee drinker, and having heard that Italians brew the best in the world, I was quite eager to find a little bar that would cheerfully quench my craving. I was not disappointed. The cappuccino that I sipped that day was a two-layer affair, a mountain of rich foamy milk atop a modest amount of strong, hot espresso. It was heavenly. As I swirled the thick steaming layers together, I was fascinated by the lively Italian being spoken in the bar, the laughter, and the peace and ease in the bartender’s face. I felt honored to be privy to the rituals that were taking place before my eyes. Coffee is a truly a mythological treasure. It serves the dual functions of waking one up and providing one with relaxation. It is both acid and base, bitter and sweet, caustic and comforting. It is used for an array of purposes: to soothe, to give energy, to lend fortitude, to bring people together. Sometimes it is ascribed almost supernatural healing properties. In Mario Puzo’s The Fortunate Pilgrim, coffee takes these roles and more: the drinking of coffee is an immensely important ritual that serves a myriad of social functions and responds to a wide range of human emotions. Wine, arguably the only other substance surrounded by so much myth and ritual, also plays a part in Puzo’s novel, but it is coffee that is the drink of choice and ritual for Lucia Santa. Early in the novel, the beverage is aptly described as â€Å"ceremonial†: â€Å"Lucia Santa served the ceremonial coffee, then said, ‘Zia Louche, I am going to see the little one. Care for the girl and Lorenzo. Do me this favor.’† (Puzo 36) Coffee is the focal point of the meeting, a warming beverage to represent the warmth between two people. It is this warmth, this caring human connection, that enables Lucia Santa to ask her friend for a favor. At the same time, the hot coffee lends fire to her courage and conviction, giving her the requisite strength to confront Filomena. (37) Interestingly, coffee becomes a pacifier, a salve, when Lucia Santa returns from Filomena’s house shaken and distraught with her baby Vincenzo in her arms.

Introduction To Marketing Essay

Describe how a selected organisation uses marketing research to contribute to the development of its marketing plans In this section of the unit the investigation of the marketing research used by Kellogg’s will be shown through thorough research and evaluation also how it links in to the development of Kellogg’s marketing plans. The Purpose of Market Research Marketing research is what informs business’s make decisions by helping it to understand the changing dynamics of its market. This involves finding out more about customers, competitors and the overall marketing environment. The purpose of doing this is to gather data on customers and potential customers. The pure definition of market research is systematically gathering, recording and analysing data and also about the issues relating to marketing products and services. There are two types of research’s that can be conducted: Primary Secondary These research can then be formed into either quantitative or qualitative Primary Research Primary research is data and information that the business has gathered first-hand and has not been gathered before. Internal primary research data sources include: Sales figures for the business’s own products Customer data held on a central database. External primary research methods include: Questionnaires and Surveys Interviews and Focus Groups Mystery Shoppers, And other observation techniques. Secondary Research Secondary research uses data and information that has been collected before, either from within the organisation which can also be seen as internal data or by another organisation which is mostly regarded to as external data. Secondary research is sometimes referred to as ‘desk research’ and sources include: Reports from sales and regional representatives Previous marketing research (internal) Trade journals and websites (external) Books and newspapers (external) Industry reports from industry associations and government departments (external) Census data and public records (external). This now M2-Explain the limitations of marketing research used to contribute to the development of a selected organisation’s marketing plans For this sector of the report I will be identifying and explaining the limitations of the market research methods used in the Kellogg’s investigation. This should give a clear overview of how Kellogg’s develop. In the case study I have been studying I have acknowledged Kellogg’s uses four junctures of market research to ensure they have examined a product collectively which enable Kellogg’s to develop they’re products better and to better the product to suit its target audience. Firstly, we have a very important sector of market research which is seen as discovery, it is vital to identify a set of new food ideas that would be suitable for developing a new Crunchy Nut product. Secondary research was conducted from Mintel and Datamonitor and was used to find out about innovation trends in the cereal market. It was also used to find out about new products, flavours and foods from around the world. Food developers at Kellogg’s used this information to come up with a number of new food ideas. Although secondary data is easy to access there are some limitations Kellogg’s need to take into consideration, this could be for instance the age of the documents and when the research had been operated. Also the size of the group the research was taken and how many people were involved. I have also accredited secondary research can be very vague and general this would prove difficult for Kellogg’s to make a decision. In market research there are different aspects a business can branch into, many in which are very beneficial. The next form of research Kellogg’s had fore taken was selecting the best concept for their product they ensured they could do this by overseeing a quantitative survey. This had then created specific statistical information that indicated that a new Crunchy Nut Bites idea was perceived as the most appealing amongst all the ideas tested. Although Kellogg’s manage to use the quantitative data  efficiently there can be drawbacks to us ing quantitative data, the main hindrance of quantitative research is the context of the study is ignored. Quantitative research does not study things in a natural setting or discuss the meaning things have for different people as qualitative research does. Another shortcoming is that a large sample of the population must be studied; the larger the sample of people researched, the more statistically accurate the results will be. Once the conception was formed Kellogg’s then had a job conform and construct the concept into a new product this involved usage of qualitative research which helped Kellogg’s food technologists to explore the taste and texture of the new food idea in more detail. Kellogg’s needed to understand the ‘eating experience’ of the consumer before a decision could be made about how to develop the recipe in more detail. Kellogg’s needed to take in to consideration even though the qualitative would help they’re market research they may be some downfalls, for example the researcher of the study is heavily involved in the proce ss, which gives the researcher a subjective view of the study and its participants. The researcher interprets the research according to his or her own biased view, which skews the data gathered. Another disadvantage is that this research method is very time consuming and can last for months or even years. Finally, it is always important to ensure the financial side of the product are understood and the product brings in a good profit also it is a good idea to set promotional prices to enable the customer to have a taster of the product. This meant Kellogg’s were required to predict a forecast of the product, Kellogg’s do this by undergoing one final test prior to the new product launch. This is called the ‘In Home Usage Test’. The consumers are given the product to try for several days and this enables Kellogg’s to capture how consumers interact with the product for the first time. As well as this being a very good technique to understand the consumer they can be negatives to this the obvious problem Kellogg’s would be facing is that markets are unpredictable. Any sales forecast, however rigorous its analysis of conditions, can be fla t-out wrong. Sales forecasts fall into two basic categories, each of which has distinct disadvantages. In this case this is a qualitative forecast so sales forecasts rely on experts’ opinions to predict upcoming sales performance. Which may be detrimental to Kellogg’s because qualitative approaches is subjective therefore opinions, even well-informed  ones, can be wrong, especially if they don’t take into account relevant economic data. After overseeing Kellogg’s market research although the major drawbacks Kellogg’s can face, market research is very important for Kellogg’s as it previews what Kellogg’s can stumble upon when launching a new product. However market research that is gathered by any organisation could prove to be irrelevant and inappropriate. D2-Make justified recommendations for improving the validity of the marketing research used to contribute to the development of a selected organisation’s marketing plans. After looking at all the limitations that effect Kellogg’s this has entitled me to make justification and recommendation for improving the validity of the marketing research used in Kellogg’s. Consequently I will be making three comprehensive recommendations with justifications to improve validity of the market research used to contribute to the development of Kellogg’s marketing plans. Market research is used by many organisations and is very fatal tool; however the data collected can sometimes not be as valid for various reasons, resulting in a business to make the wrong decision and highly affecting its market plans. The first recommendation I would like is to discuss to enhance the validity of the market research is for an organisation like Kellogg’s to choose the right amount of people to question. Kellogg’s main objective is to improve their current product and to continue to create new products in order to carry this out they would have to carry research to find out what they lack in and what they need more of however if the amount of people questioned is too small the results would be invalid and will not do any justice to statistic therefore Kellogg’s should make the sample random and larger this will increase the accuracy of the information leading to the right decisions, Kellogg’s also need to be aware of setting themselves a goal and objective they would like to reach when choosing a people to take part in their research this increase validity as it gives and aim of what is required from conducting this research Secondly, I would like to recommend if Kellogg’s ask specific and objective questions, the people Kellogg’s survey should represent a cross-section of their target groups. This can extend the results to the whole group as long a s Kellogg’s sample is representative. Key factors in this matching process are sampling time and number of people  surveyed. For example if they were to launch a new product of a similar range they need to question what they feel is missing from the existing products they can do this by asking feedback of existing customers this will make the data more valid and reliable because the right questions have been asked. Finally I would like to propose to Kellogg’s to avoid self-selection and use a valid samples with a representative view of Kellogg’s target group are based on random selection. If Kellogg’s allow survey respondents to decide whether to answer a survey, Kellogg’s can’t be sure the respondents represent a random sample. You have to pick survey respondents at random and classify those who don’t answer the questions as â€Å"did not respond.† If the non-responsive group is substantial, reducing it by adding people who volunteer adds self-selection bias to the result because the volunteers are likely to share characteristics not demonstrative of your whole target group. Kellogg’s may have to change how you conduct the survey to get enough samples from a random selection. All of the above suggestions are to improve the validity and reliability of market research used by Kellogg’s; however Kellogg’s should also make sure that the question it uses match its research objectives to ensure that information collected contributes to the development of its marketing plans. Recommendations mentioned above will improve the validity of the research and accuracy of the information that will help the business make the right decisions based on the information collected and results of the research.

Bat1 Task 1 Essay - 1281 Words

Legal and Ethical Considerations name Western Governors University Legal and Ethical Considerations A1. Addendum Addendum: Release of Information: Shadow Chart Policy Shadow charts should only contain copies of the original records. Shadow charts are maintained to assist ancillary departments in treating patients. An original record is created after each treatment for the primary record and a copy can be made for the shadow chart only for convenience in providing care. Original records are not to be kept in shadow charts. Shadow charts should only contain copies of the original records. This is to ensure that all original documentation is always placed in the main chart. The purpose for this is to have the†¦show more content†¦If an organization has established care for a minor in an emergency situation and/or is needing a blood transfusion and the organization refuses to treat due to the parents or legal guardian being unavailable and consequently the minor dies or has irreversible disability the organization can be held criminally liable. The organization can be charged with negligence and/or medical malpractice if the plaintiff can prove the following elements: (1) a duty of care is owed to the patient; (2) a breach of this duty of care; (3) a causal connection between the breach of duty and the patient’s injury; and (4) damages (McWay, 2012). B1. HIPAA Definition HIPAA defines criminal liability as covered entities and specified individuals, whom knowingly, obtain or disclose individually identifiable health information in violation of the Administrative Simplification Regulations (Hipaa violations and, ). In contrast to civil liability, criminal liability requires that the act be done â€Å"knowingly†. â€Å"Knowingly† is having the understanding that the actions constitute an offense. The term covered entity under the HIPAA Privacy Rule refers to three specific groups, including health plans, health care clearinghouses, and health care providers that transmit health information electronically (What is a, 2012). B2. Clinical Staff Impact Actions of the clinical staff would be directlyShow MoreRelatedAircraft General Practices A320/3215685 Words   |  23 Pages . . . . . 34 12 SERVICING Maintenance External Visit (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 U3U06191 - U0O35M0 MAINTENANCE COURSE - CAT A (V2500-A5/ME) AIRCRAFT GENERAL PRACTICES TABLE OF CONTENTS May 11, 2006 Page 1 SINGLE AISLE TECHNICAL TRAINING MANUAL STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN AND ZONING (3) REFERENCE AXES The structure elements are installed according to the following reference axes. The X axis in the longitudinal direction of the fuselage, the Y axis in the direction