MME-700 : Program Evaluation

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This advanced graduate-level course provides a comprehensive and critical examination of the theories, methodologies, and practices of program evaluation. Students will explore the full spectrum of evaluation approaches—from formative and summative evaluation to theory-driven, participatory, and utilization-focused evaluation. The course covers the entire evaluation lifecycle: from engaging stakeholders and defining the evaluation purpose, through designing the evaluation (including logic models, theory of change, and evaluation questions), selecting appropriate methods (quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods), collecting and analyzing data, to reporting findings and fostering evaluation use. Emphasis is placed on the application of evaluation principles to real-world programs and policies in international development, public health, education, and social services. Through case studies, hands-on exercises, and critical reflection, students will develop the competencies necessary to design, manage, and critique program evaluations in diverse institutional and cultural contexts. The course also addresses contemporary issues in evaluation, including culturally responsive evaluation, complexity-aware evaluation, and the role of evaluation in evidence-based policy and adaptive management.

COURSE TEACHING OBJECTIVES

1. Analyze the theoretical foundations, historical evolution, and major paradigms of program evaluation.

2. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of diverse evaluation approaches, including formative, summative, theory-driven, participatory, utilization-focused, and developmental evaluation.

3. Apply the core components of evaluation design: stakeholder engagement, logic models, theory of change, evaluation questions, and selection of appropriate methods.

4. Assess quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods data collection and analysis techniques for program evaluation.

5. Critique the ethical, political, and cultural dimensions of evaluation practice, including culturally responsive and equitable evaluation approaches.

6. Design a comprehensive evaluation plan for a program or policy, incorporating stakeholder engagement, evaluation questions, methods, data collection, analysis, and reporting strategies.

7. Formulate strategies for enhancing evaluation use and fostering a culture of learning and accountability within organizations.

COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Articulate the purpose, principles, and key components of program evaluation and distinguish it from other forms of inquiry (e.g., monitoring, research, performance measurement).

2. Differentiate among major evaluation approaches and frameworks (e.g., utilization-focused, theory-driven, participatory, developmental, culturally responsive) and justify their appropriate application.

3. Develop a logic model and theory of change for a program or policy intervention.

4. Formulate evaluation questions that are relevant, feasible, and credible for diverse stakeholders.

5. Design a mixed-methods evaluation plan that integrates quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.

6. Critically evaluate published evaluation studies for methodological rigor, ethical soundness, and utility.

7. Apply culturally responsive and equitable evaluation principles to the design and conduct of evaluations.

8. Communicate evaluation findings effectively to diverse audiences, including policymakers, practitioners, and community stakeholders.

ORGANIZATION OF COURSE STUDIES

The course is organized into five study periods (typically 2–3 weeks each, though self-paced). Each period includes intensive reading of the assigned textbook(s), viewing of the supplementary video(s), and a short response paper or reflective assignment (500–1,000 words) reflecting on the material and its application. Students must contact the instructor for feedback after each period.