solved Applied Research Project This project is designed to provide you

Applied Research Project This project is designed to provide you with on the job training. You will be asked to develop a scoping and evaluation design paper for a program. You will conduct the scoping activities but will only propose the evaluation; you are not expected to conduct the actual evaluation itself.Scoping out the valuation entails collecting information on the program through interviews with key contacts (decision-makers, staff, etc.) on current information needs, and conducting a synthesis of past related research and evaluation studies. With the focus of the evaluation identified, the project will then involve laying out an evaluation design, data collection plan, analysis plan, and briefing and presentation plan. The design should be developed with clear awareness of the political aspects of the situation and tailored to the needs of the agency leadership. Strategies for encouraging the use of the resulting evaluation findings also should be discussed.The suggested outline for the paper is as follows:Executive SummaryBackground: Description of the scoping activities, including brief description of the program, the individuals interviewed; synthesis of past research and evaluation findings; inclusion of relevant literature on the program.Research Questions:The issues that have been identified and the specific questions that appear most appropriate to address now.Proposed Research Design: a brief summary of the design (s) to be taken, including the concepts and variables, the theory underlying the policy/program, etc. An evaluation model of the program/policy must be developed and presented.Proposed Data Collection Plan: The sources of data available, measures, data collection methods, sampling procedures; also should include concerns re: validity, reliability, and overall quality of data.Proposed Data Analysis Plan: Proposed analytic strategies.Proposed Presentation and Utilization Plan: Strategies for presenting the results to key stakeholders and decision-makers and strategies for facilitating utilization.Potential Problems and Fall-back Strategies: Identify the potential problems that may arise in conducting the evaluation and the strategies that will be used to either avoid the problem or deal with its occurrence.Proposed Budget, Budget narrative, and Work plan (Budgetary estimates may range from specific to general depending upon the complexity of the proposed project).ADDITIONAL RECOMMENDED RESOURCESBooksScriven, M. (1991). Evaluation Thesaurus. Sage.Weiss, C. (1998). Evaluation (2nd ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.JournalsNew Directions in Evaluation American Journal of EvaluationAdvances in Program EvaluationAssociationsAmerican Evaluation Association http://www.eval.orgAmerican Educational Research Association http://www.aera.netWeb SitesAmerican Evaluation Association http://www.eval.orgPenn State Program Evaluation http://www.extension.psu.edu/evaluation/ USDA: http://www.reeusda.govEvaluation related websites: p 515-518 in Fitzpatrick et. al.