The Importance Of Trust In Program Evaluations

1. Review text pages 137–139 in Chapter 4. These pages cover step 9 in the planning process, assessing the social context of negotiation.

According to ACA Code of Ethics (2014, Standard E.13.a), it is the counselors obligation to produce findings that can be substantiated based on information and techniques that are appropriate for evaluation. By counselors being an evaluator, it is a process where the client and the counselor can give a better understanding of the problem that can be resolve effectively during the counseling session. Chapter 11 describes that evaluation, assessing, testing, and diagnosing are known as part of activities that can be critical during a counseling process (Remley & Herlihy, 2014, p.272).

This paper presents my reflections on the Negotiations: Strategy and practice coursework in the MBA program at Said Business School, University of Oxford. My paper will present various reflections on different themes of negotiation simulation undertaken by me during the course. This course has allowed investigating and reflecting on key drivers of negotiation techniques for me. I have learned that transparency and coalition are the core tenet of negotiation for me. For the purpose of this reflective exercise, I will conduct a comparative analysis of the process, dynamics and outcomes based on the themes such as negotiation styles, bargaining zones, power, emotion, coalitions, value claiming vs value creation etc. for the below-mentioned simulations:

Westside Consolidated School District participates in the Summer Food Service Program that provides free meals for individuals aged eighteen and under. An experienced unbiased evaluator should lead the evaluation and preferable have experienced unbiased assistants (i.e. out of the district evaluators or evaluators with no direct contact or vested interest in the program). The evaluation should involve the inspection and understanding of the stated goals of the program (i.e. to provide meals to students eighteen and under in the summer). Stated goals should be analyzed to identify vague or redundant goals. A prior Risk Assessment Matrix is then used, modified or new one created to identify common issues of similar programs compared to the program

The evaluator first chooses a client and gathers background information (Ray et al., 2010). The evaluator then determines what tools he/she will use to measure the baseline and intervention phases, as well as how many phases the evaluation will have (Ray et al., 2010). Ethical considerations, such as gaining parental permission for minors, are addressed before starting the evaluation (Ray et al., 2010). During the evaluation phases, the evaluator describes in detail what is happening with the client (Ray et al., 2010). Finally, the evaluator analyzes the collected information and makes a final conclusion (Ray et al., 2010; Danner et al., 2009). Morgan and Morgan (2001) suggest putting the information into a graph to judge the effectiveness of the

Evaluation, as involved with counseling, is a process of assessment of the client. It may involve a standardized model of questioning, testing or a means of gathering information in which to use in the formulation of a diagnosis in a client. Evaluation is an important part of diagnoses and as such is listed in the Code of Ethics (American Counseling Association [ACA], 2014), (“American Counseling Association Online education resources CE ethics publications careers conferences,” n.d.)in section E. An example of an instance in which a counselor would evaluate a client is in the event the client presents as a suicide risk.

Some technical and political aspects of the program planning and evaluation I might encounter in the program scenario I chose, may be trying to reach out to those individuals that are or have been involved with the criminal justice system. Funding may not allow for these services to be provided to these individuals. Another aspect may be that the community is not aware of this program and the services that it provides. Grants could be another issue. If the program cannot show its effectiveness then grants may not be given and this could results in loss of services provided. A political aspect could be that one “favoritism” over evaluations. Some may use their political influence to “guide” the evaluation to present or not present the “selected” truth. (Yuen, 2003) There are many pressures from the individual who performs the evaluation to make it look; “good” This is a big political concern for programs.

Policy evaluation applies accepted social science research methods to public programs. The same research designs used in laboratory experiments are not always practicable in the field, but the same principles can guide the planning and execution of policy evaluation.

First, would look at my measurement method to make sure that it is reliable and valid. Making sure that the measurements are representing the people and the program accurately, enough sample size is use to represent the program, and make sure there is no participants contamination. Second, the time from when the program started and when the evaluation process starts can also show that the program have no impact. It takes a long time for programs to work out the kink and bumps along the way and sometimes having an evaluation conducted within a year will not show the program at its full potential. There is also the sleeper effect where the program will not show impact until a much later time. Having an open and clear communication with the stakeholders will let me know what they are looking in the program evaluation so that I can focus on those aspects to make sure I use accurate

To ensure that my program evaluation is objective, credible and fair I would employ internal and external counselors or advisors as well as align my program evaluation with the standards and practices of the professional body of evaluators. These “advisors “may or may not include the program stakeholders, but would not negate the formal process of collaborating with key stakeholders. Rather, the purpose of my advisor team is to see and hear things I missed.

In order to implement a program evaluation to determine client gains, there will be a team consisting of myself as the lead consultant, 3-4 program evaluation support staff members who will assist in the evaluation process and one staff member from the center being included to provide relevant center information. Key staff from the center will be asked to form an advisory group where all evaluation measures, outcomes and processes will be discussed, approved and presented.

The overall purpose of this paper is to compare program planning with program evaluation in a human service organization by describing how the two components are related. There will be examples of how program planning and evaluation interrelate with the PEACE Domestic Violence Agency scenario from Appendix B. We will also look at the technical and political aspects of program planning and evaluation that might encounter in the PEACE Domestic Violence Agency scenario, and how these aspects could affect the planning and evaluation process.

Consequently, negotiation is a process that can be approached in many ways. No matter what strategy we choose, success lies in how well we prepared. The key to negotiating a beneficial outcome is the negotiators’ ability to consider all the elements of the situation carefully and to identify and think through the options. At the same time, negotiators must be able to keep events in perspective and be as fair and honest as circumstance allows. Because a common ground or interest has brought the parties to the negotiating table, a negotiator can benefit by trying to capitalize on this common

The program that this student has designed and will test will not be in a “corporate” type building, it will be conducted within a classroom inside of a public school. This program will be centered on the idea in which both teachers and school administrators come together in helping to truly create a better future through their students, our future. In this classroom volunteers, teachers and therapists will meet to discuss the performance of children in that school. These volunteers would also help collect food and distribute this food to the children in need and their families. This classroom would be the base for educating both teachers and school administrators about healthy boundary crossings, such as when is it appropriate

In the first part of the negotiation checklist, self-assessment is necessary in order to determine what you want out of the negotiation process. You must determine the goals that you have in this negotiation, so you can determine what you want out of the deal or process. After the goals are set, each issue must be determined then be assessed as to