Purpose: This paper aims to apply the system evaluation theory (SET) to analyze the institutional quality standards of Oman Academic Accreditation Authority using the results chain and value chain tools. Design/methodology/approach: In systems thinking, the institutional standards are connected as input, process, output and feedback and leads to…

Much has been said in literature about the changing face of development and the changing face of the aid industry. However, the focus of this article is the effect that this could have on evaluation and what might be done to move evaluation into the most useful space possible. Herein, the author makes the case that the evaluation community needs…

Networks aiming for fundamental changes bring together a variety of actors who are part and parcel of a problematic context. These system innovation projects need to be accompanied by a monitoring and evaluation approach that supports and maintains reflexivity to be able to deal with uncertainties and conflicts while challenging current practices…

Examines a state-operated mental retardation service delivery system and conducts a systems analysis of the case coordinator referral system to determine the characteristics of individuals who were likely to be referred to supported employment. Performs an outcomes analysis of the system's supported employment program to determine who was likely…

An invitation to explore innovative practices in program and system evaluation in a medium-sized school jurisdiction of approximately 11,000 students has resulted in a model with generative characteristics. This paper will describe the process, and several of the outcomes, when a generative evaluation approach is used to assess the effectiveness…

This article critiques existing research on outcomes associated with the use of computer-assisted career guidance systems (CACGS) by middle and secondary student populations. Although widely used, CACGS have been subjected to relatively little empirical outcome research. Limitations identified in the existing CACGS literature include a focus on…

Describes an application of Leavitt's Organizational Model for systems analysis of schools of allied health. A meta-analysis of studies reported in this journal was conducted to provide administrative insight for the model's dimensions of task, structure, technology, and people. (Author/CT)

Fault Tree Analysis, a systems safety engineering technology used to analyze organizational systems, is described. Explains the use of logic gates to represent the relationship between failure events, qualitative analysis, quantitative analysis, and effective use of Fault Tree Analysis. (CT)

Different approaches to evaluation are described: systems analysis, behavioral objectives, professional review, and case study. For an evaluation system to operate, it must be perceived as being fair; the legitimacy of evaluation is dependent on the issue of fairness. (MLW)

Establishing evaluation objectives requires formal, frequent, and extensive interaction among program evaluators and administrators to obtain from administrators the information necessary to make the most effective choices in planning and carrying out evaluations. Three techniques are described that can be used to ensure that this interaction is…

The seven articles in this edition show that cost-benefit analysis is emerging from the confusion of the 1980s and is probably going to become the central tool of program evaluation in the future. The modern approach involves incorporating probability distributions into the cost-benefit analysis. None of the articles are specifically…

Newborn screening has existed as a state-based public health service since the early 1960s. Every state and most territorial jurisdictions have comprehensive newborn screening programs in place, but in the United States a national newborn screening policy does not exist. This results in different administrative infrastructures, screening…

The systems approach model described here may assist providers of mental health services to develop skills that will enable them to more effectively design, collect, and analyze information pertaining to current program needs for planning, implementation, and renewal. (MM)

Evaluation techniques and practices do not belong to a particular theory of justice. Systems analysis evaluation consists of defining quantitative outcome measures of program success and the establishment of causal links between this measure and the program by experimental design. (JN)

A systems analysis-based process of structured observation is proposed as a means of describing and determining the value of college admissions and records program procedures. The process involves data collection, interviews of the personnel responsible for specific procedures, diagramming the system, and observation. A sample case is presented.…