Evaluation Planning and Data Management Envision outcomes, set program development and evaluation priorities and plan for data management.

Ideally, evaluation planning occurs in conjunction with original program design; however, especially in times of organizational growth and change, the development of a clear program logic and associated evaluation plan must be devised after a program or intervention has existed for months, or even years. Carmody Consulting works with your organization to clearly understand how program inputs and activities directly relate to outcomes.  This sets the stage for evaluation planning and effective data management. Services include: Evaluation Goal-Setting- Answer to the question: What does your organization need/want to measure? Articulation of basic program goals, intended outcomes and evaluation objectives for your program, including the development of evaluation research questions. Program Planning- Development of a framework (or logic model), resulting in clear programmatic objectives and outcomes that describe what the program (or programs) do, and how investments and activities relate to results/outcomes. Evaluation Planning- Evaluation planning that expands on the programmatic framework to include a detailed evaluation roadmap outlining specific, intended outcomes and outputs, indicators for measurement, target measures, assessment instruments,and timeframes for delivery. Data Mangement Planning- Assistance transforming the evaluation plan to a workable, reliable solution for managing and monitoring program outputs and outcomes, enabling organizations to build the capacity to select and sustain appropriate data management systems (off the shelf or custom) that utlimately help demonstrate programmatic success.   Clients: Work to date in this area includes: Exploring the Arts: Ongoing program development assistance from 2008 to the present, specifically with regard to designing the FSSA Film and Media Arts curriculum and associated intended student outcomes and assessment goals. In Spring 2011, Outcome Planning, Logic Model Development, and Instrument Development. NYC Outward Bound: Evaluation Planning and Data Management Consulting for NYCOB’s work with its seven Expeditionary Learning (EL) schools in 2007-08, including: Outcome Planning and Logic Model Development; Instrument Development; Data Management Capacity-Building; and, Data Analysis and Reporting. Lower Eastside Girls Club: In 2009, documented preliminary outcomes associated with participation in the LESGC, and developed an initial logic model for its core programs. Teaching Matters: In 2008-09, a program and evaluation planning project aimed at clarifying program activities and intended outcomes through logic modeling and culminating in evaluation planning. In 2009 and 2010, extensive data management planning, including a year-long pilot program, resulting a comprehensive data management system that accurately documents program outcomes and outputs in real time and accomodates additional administrative requirements within the organization, such as sales, fundraising, time-tracking, etc.