Discussion: Impact of Finance on Program Success

Discussion: Impact of Finance on Program Success

Money is an important resource, but it is not the only resource that matters when it comes to program design and evaluation. In fact, having sufficient money, in itself, does not equate to having a quality program or even a financially successful one. Financial strategy dictates how money is spent and allocated. With this in mind, what are the most important considerations to bear in mind as you design your program?

To prepare:

Review the financial analysis information presented in the Learning Resources.

Conduct additional research of your own to further your understanding of use of cost-effectiveness, cost-utility, and cost-benefit. Feel free to share resources that you find beneficial with your colleagues.

How do these concepts apply to your program planning and help to facilitate quality program outcomes?

ADDRESSES THE FOLLOWING:

1. Which method of financial analysis is most appropriate for your program? Provide your rationale.
2. What are the financial implications of not addressing the problem you have identified for your target population?
3. What are the differences between the long-term and the short-term implications of not addressing the problem?

4   How does your selected financial analysis strategy relate to the quality of program outcomes?

REFRENCES

Learning Resources

Kettner, P. M., Moroney, R. M., & Martin, L. L. (2017). Designing and managing programs: An effectiveness-based approach (5th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

• Chapter 10, “Performance Measurement, Monitoring, and Program Evaluation”

As you read this chapter, pay attention to the financial functions associated with these forms of evaluation and the data to be collected.

Robbins, L.B., Pfeiffer, K.A., Weolek, S.M., & Lo, Y. (2014). Process evaluation for a school-based physical intervention for 6^th and 7^th grade boys: Reach, dose, and fidelity. Evaluation and Program Planning, 42, 21-31 doi.org/10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2013.09.002

Schalock, R.L., Lee, t., Verdugo, M., Swart, K., Claes, C., van Loon, J., & Lee, C. (2014). An evidence-based approach to organization evaluation and change in human service organizations evaluation and program planning. Evaluation and Program Planning, 45, 110-118.