10.4225/03/5930bb300511f
Beattie-Johnson, Suzanne
Suzanne
Beattie-Johnson
Keeping it simple : manageable program planning and evaluation in human service organisations
Monash University
2017
Program planning models
Quality improvement
Human services management
journal article
1959.1/126614
monash:19165
Evaluation
2017-06-02 01:11:10
Journal contribution
https://bridges.monash.edu/articles/journal_contribution/Keeping_it_simple_manageable_program_planning_and_evaluation_in_human_service_organisations/5063419
The following review of program planning and evaluative models seeks to determine relevance within 21st century Victorian welfare in the context of increasing regulation of service quality and standards of practice. This paper examines three distinct models from the literature: incrementalism, the ethical model, and the effectiveness model as they demonstrate a shift from a simplistic means-focussed approach, to values-based, measurable and outcomes-focussed planning and evaluation methods. These models are critiqued, recognising that complex frameworks can be resource-intensive and ambiguous in their practical application. Thus, common elements are identified to inform a more generic program planning framework. This article asserts that discrete program planning models cannot be universally applied, and that specific models or hybrids should be considered by planners and evaluators within the organisational and broader environmental contexts. The key is to ensure the resultant framework – whether generic or tailored, is meaningful, manageable and of value.