Discuss the three important components in explicating the program theory of a program.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Perhaps the most important matter to be determined from program sources relates to the goals and objectives of the program, which are necessarily an integral part of the program theory, especially its impact theory.To properly describe the program process theory, the evaluator must identify each distinct program component, its functions, and the particular activities and operations associated with those functions. Program functions include operations such as “assess client need,” “complete intake,” “assign case manager,” “recruit referral agencies,” and “train field workers.”A critical aspect of program theory is how the various expected outcomes and functions relate to each other. Sometimes, these relationships involve only the temporal sequencing of key program activities and their effects; for instance, in a post-release program for felons, prison officials must notify the program that a convict has been released before the program can initiate contact to arrange services. In other cases, the relationships between outcomes and functions have to do with activities or events that must be coordinated, as when child care and transportation must be arranged in conjunction with job training sessions, or with supportive functions, such as training the instructors who will conduct in-service classes for nurses. Other relationships entail logical or conceptual linkages, especially those represented in the program impact theory.