Evaluation can be very personal. This is one of the major differences between evaluation and traditional research. Research is intentionally designed to be objective. While there is objectivity in evaluation, there is also a reality that it occurs within a political and organizational context, that generally doesn't exist for research. So, I applaud the individuals who make the decision to invest in evaluation ... it takes courage. 

I believe that the leaders and other decision-makers who decide to make this investment in evaluation understand something fundamental, the investment is a strategic organizational decision. Evaluation catalyzes the learning process. Businesses and organizations that are able to learn faster than others within their industries will have an advantage. For for-profits this means increased revenues and a better position within the marketplace and for non-profits its means being in a competitive position to gain or maintain funding. 

This month we present information that reflects motivating you to start or continue your evaluation efforts. Read our column that highlights the lessons learned on our recent training session. We are also including one of my articles from the Dayton B2B magazine on the importance of looking at the truth of a situation.

Enjoy!

What other people are saying:

 

How You will Benefit:

• Specific feedback on your grant and program evaluation work.
• Understand tested strategies for writing a fundable proposal
• Learn tools and strategies to improve the proposal writing and program evaluation process
• 6 CPEs*

Fee: $79 (9a - 4p - lunch included)

 

Click here to learn more or to register or Download an information sheet

 

* Continuing Professional Education (CPE) provided by Butler Consulting #RSX071003 at 6.0 CPEs for Social Workers by the CSWMFT Board (accepted by the Nursing Board & for Counselors & MFTs).

Lana is thrilled to be a regular contributor to the Dayton B2B magazine. In this venue, Lana strives to talk about the impact of evaluation a higher organizational level. Read her recent article The truth hurts, but don't ignore it

Not getting the magazine? Click on the Dayton B2B icon to learn how to start your complimentary subscription. 

Deciding what to measure (and what not to measure) towards gathering evidence of impact can be a daunting task, but it doesn't need to be. In this webinar, Lana Rucks, a National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education external evaluator, will provide a step-by-step approach for making the decisions around what should be measured as an indication of impact. Using an actual ATE project as a framework, participants will learn how the varying aspects of evaluation come together in the real world. Regardless of where you are in the planning phase or if you have already started the implementation of your project, you'll walk away knowing how to better communicate the story of your project's/center's impact.

Webinar Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 1:00pm - 2:30pm

Fee: Complimentary (sponsored by The Evalua|t|e Center)

 

The Rucks Group is a research and consulting firm that gathers, analyzes, and interprets data to enable our for-profit and non-profit clients to make quality strategic decisions. We specialize in providing services for evaluation & research, measurement, and capacity building. To learn more, visit us at www.therucksgroup.com.