Program Evaluation
Program evaluation is a systematic method for collecting, analyzing, and using information to answer questions about projects, policies, and programs, particularly about their effectiveness and efficiency. It involves assessing the design, implementation, and outcomes of programs to determine their value and inform decision-making. This process is widely used in fields such as public policy, education, healthcare, and non-profit management to improve program performance and accountability.
Developers should learn program evaluation when working on projects that require measuring impact, optimizing resource allocation, or ensuring compliance with goals, such as in software development for social impact, educational technology, or government contracts. It is crucial for roles involving data-driven decision-making, performance monitoring, or stakeholder reporting, as it provides structured frameworks like logic models or theory of change to assess whether a program meets its objectives and delivers value.