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Concept level
The focus at this level of evaluation is the project design or planning. The evaluation takes place early on in the project process (planning phase, project application phase).
project process
The project process structures the different phases of a project from project planning over development and pilot phase to implementation.
Its goal is to check and improve the design (formative evaluation) .
(formative evaluation)
“A type of process evaluation of new programs or services that focuses on collecting data on program operations so that needed changes or modifications can be made to the program in the early stages. This type of (=>) evaluation is carried out while a (=>) project or (=>) program is implemented in order to provide timely, continuous feedback as work progresses”. (From: Nonprofit Good Practice Guide, Formative Evaluation)
The following questions might be asked at this level:
Have the goals of the
project been clearly defined?
This question is important for two reasons:
a) On the one hand, critical analysis (and the corresponding revision) of the goals of the project or the program in the planning phase might contribute to the improvement of the project or program design. The subject matter and “rationale” of the project become clearer and thereby, they can be communicated better.
b) On the other hand, in a conclusive evaluation, the project or program can only answer the question of whether its goals have been achieved satisfactorily if they have been formulated clearly and precisely enough.
Is there a need for the project?
A project will be successful only if its product can cover a specific need. For large-scale projects and if the needs of the target group are still unclear, it is highly recommended that a needs analysis is carried outbeforehand. This involves comparing the current and the target situation. The discrepancy between the current and target situation, i.e. the need, is also a guide to a subsequent evaluation of the program as it attempts to answer the question as to whether the target situation has been achieved, i.e. whether the needs have been met.
Is it feasible?
A feasibility study can help assess (ex ante) the attainability of the project goals. A feasibility study also often highlights solution options or new opportunities for the project implementation.
