Which evaluation is primarily concerned with measuring a program's success after it has been implemented?

Which evaluation is primarily concerned with measuring a program's success after it has been implemented?

• A. Needs assessment
• B. Formative evaluation
• C. Outcome evaluation
• D. Implementation evaluations

Answer: (C)

Outcome evaluation focuses on the results after a program is in place. It asks whether the program produced the intended changes for participants or the community, such as improved knowledge, behaviors, or health outcomes, by comparing data from before and after implementation or against a comparison group when possible. This type of evaluation is concerned with the actual impact and effectiveness of the program once it has been carried out. In contrast, a needs assessment is done before starting to identify what is needed; formative evaluation occurs during development to improve design; implementation evaluation examines how the program was delivered, including fidelity and reach. Because it specifically targets whether the program achieved its goals after being implemented, it’s the measure of success after rollout.

Outcome evaluation focuses on the results after a program is in place. It asks whether the program produced the intended changes for participants or the community, such as improved knowledge, behaviors, or health outcomes, by comparing data from before and after implementation or against a comparison group when possible. This type of evaluation is concerned with the actual impact and effectiveness of the program once it has been carried out.

In contrast, a needs assessment is done before starting to identify what is needed; formative evaluation occurs during development to improve design; implementation evaluation examines how the program was delivered, including fidelity and reach. Because it specifically targets whether the program achieved its goals after being implemented, it’s the measure of success after rollout.