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Journal articles on the topic 'Extension staff evaluation projects'
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Nelson, B. S., and E. Robinson. "Critical success factors of a whole of business extension approach for increased capacity of beef producers and improved enterprise profit and sustainability." Rangeland Journal 31, no. 1 (2009): 61. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj08059.
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The ‘Research to Reality Project’ assisted beef producers in the Burdekin catchment of north Queensland to develop practical responses to a range of production and grazing land management challenges. The project involved three groups of beef producers encompassing 19 enterprises, 680 000 ha of land and the management of 162 000 cattle. The project was founded on a continuous improvement and innovation approach, and included an employed industry champion and multi-disciplinary project team who used a range of extension methods to identify, develop and implement on-property projects. Extension methods included one-on-one property planning activities, economic benchmarking, land condition assessments, on-property demonstrations, structured learning workshops and information products. The value of project evaluation to producers and the project staff is discussed. Further, the link between increased profitability and better land management was established for many producers. This learning is reflected in the uptake of recommended grazing practices and the decisions producer participants are now making about their grazing business.
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Gordon, Jason S., Scott Cagle, John D. Kushla, and Brand Huffman. "Into the woods: Partnering with the Department of Corrections to deliver forestry extension programming." Forestry Chronicle 92, no. 04 (2016): 465–68. http://dx.doi.org/10.5558/tfc2016-082.
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This paper describes a pilot series of extension programs delivered to inmates within the Mississippi Department of Corrections system. The project was a collaboration between the Chickasaw County Regional Correctional Facility, state Extension forestry specialists, and county Extension staff. A large body of research describes benefits of inmate education, including lower recidivism and reducing tension that could otherwise lead to behavioral problems. Over four months, Mississippi State University Extension personnel worked with prison officials to educate inmates about forestry, logging, and arboriculture. This paper describes the collaborative process driving the project as well as program design, curriculum, materials, and delivery. Besides technical information, instructors discussed opportunities and challenges inmates may encounter if they were to pursue employment in forestry or tree care following their sentences. Instructors worked closely with prison staff to appropriately address teaching in a unique environment and the educational needs of the students. We present the student evaluation process, which was limited by prison rules. Finally, we present results from an evaluation of partners and instructors that elaborate on pitfalls, challenges, and opportunities. The Department of Corrections was highly satisfied with the program and has requested expansion to facilities across the state.
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Malaidza, Hector M., and Robert Strong Jr. "Forecasting Future Funds for Food Security Projects: A Reflection on Trainings for Frontline Extension Staff on Improved Agricultural Practices in Malawi." Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education 24, no. 1 (2017): 10–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.5191/jiaee.2017.24103.
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Eighty percent of the Malawian population depends on agriculture for employment. This commentary is a reflection of a number of training workshops conducted to orient frontline extension staff on improved agricultural technologies. These trainings were conducted by the Technology Transfer Unit (TTU) is under the Department of Agricultural Research Services (DARS) of the Ministry of Agriculture, Malawi. The manuscript contains an analysis across various activities were done before, during, and after a number of technical training sessions. The manuscript presents a detailed picture of processes associated with implementation of the trainings where technical information was shared. The results conceptualize insights of things what was effective, and suggests ways of improving trainings in the future. Therefore, this commentary stresses on the importance of conducting training needs assessments for specific technical groups. The lessons drawn from the analysis are sketched in a general schematic model that can be used for designing, implementing and evaluating future agricultural extension staff trainings to improve food security of Malawians.
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Safrankova, Jana Marie, and Jana Marie Safrankova. "The evaluation of quality teaching methods in research at Czech Republic." International Journal of Teaching and Education 9, no. 1 (2021): 75–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.52950/te.2021.9.1.006.
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The evaluation of the quality of teaching and the evaluation of education at universities, methods of evaluating teaching and assessment are one of the key criteria for university evaluation. At present, a project of the ESF project of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen was realized and one of its activities is focused on "Improving Educational Activities and Modern Educational Trends" and on the subsequent implementation and reflection of student education with new teaching methods. The questionary survey was conducted in 2019 with 616 respondents from the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, who is the only one public higher education institution in the Pilsen Region. The results analyze in detail the views of the students - taking into account the extension of pedagogical competencies within the framework of the career order. The aim of the project is a comprehensive system of interconnection of the education of academic staff in the area of increasing pedagogical competencies with introduction of new teaching methods into practice and taking into account the extension of pedagogical competencies within the framework of the career order. The results of a survey focused on evaluating the quality of teaching methods confirmed a number of mostly known means of activating teaching, interactive teaching, communication, discussion, the role of the personality of the lecturer and the instructor. These activation approaches need to be continued.
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Friend, M. A., A. M. Dunn, and J. Jennings. "Lessons learnt about effectively applying participatory action research: a case study from the New South Wales dairy industry." Animal Production Science 49, no. 11 (2009): 1007. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ea08168.
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A participatory action research (PAR) project was implemented in the New South Wales dairy industry. Six regional dairy groups were given funding to investigate issues relating to management of the feedbase. Facilitated meetings in the regions identified limitations to local systems and how these limitations could be addressed. Local groups then implemented research of relevance to their systems. Activities varied but groups were guided by the principles of PAR. Regional groups consisted of farmers, government extension and/or research staff, processors and other stakeholders. A leadership team, consisting of representatives from each of the regional groups and other stakeholders, was formed to administer the project and assist groups in using the PAR approach. Evaluation of the project indicated high levels of participation in all regions and a strong sense of ownership of the project and/or project work. The most commonly mentioned outcome in the groups was what they learned as a result of involvement. The project and its evaluation are discussed in relation to PAR principles, the outcomes from the approach, and lessons learnt for improving the success of PAR.
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Antoniou, George A., Dimitris Mavridis, Sofia Tsokani, et al. "Protocol of an interdisciplinary consensus project aiming to develop an AGREE II extension for guidelines in surgery." BMJ Open 10, no. 8 (2020): e037107. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-037107.
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IntroductionAppraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) is an instrument that informs development, reporting and assessment of clinical practice guidelines. Previous research has demonstrated the need for improvement in methodological and reporting quality of clinical practice guidelines specifically in surgery. We aimed to develop an AGREE II extension document for application in surgical guidelines.Methods and analysisWe have performed a structured literature review and assessment of guidelines in surgery using the AGREE II instrument. In exploratory analyses, we have identified factors associated with guideline quality. We have performed reliability and factor analyses to inform the development of an extension document. We will summarise this information and present it to a Delphi panel of stakeholders. We will perform iterative Delphi rounds and we will summarise the final results to develop the extension instrument in a dedicated consensus conference.Ethics and disseminationFunding bodies will not be involved in the development of the instrument. Research ethics committee and Health Research Authority approval was waived, since this is a professional staff study only and no duty of care lies with the National Health Service to any of the participants. Conflicts of interest, if any, will be addressed by reassigning functions or replacing participants with relevant conflicts. The results will be disseminated through publication in peer reviewed journals, the funders’ websites, social media and direct contact with guideline development organisations and peer-reviewed journals that publish guidelines.
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Wykes, Til, Emese Csipke, Diana Rose, et al. "Patient involvement in improving the evidence base on mental health inpatient care: the PERCEIVE programme." Programme Grants for Applied Research 6, no. 7 (2018): 1–182. http://dx.doi.org/10.3310/pgfar06070.
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BackgroundDespite the movement towards care in the community, 40% of the NHS budget on mental health care is still attributed to inpatient services. However, long before the Francis Report highlighted grave shortcomings in inpatient care, there were reports by service user groups on the poor quality of these services in mental health. The programme provides a particular focus on the inclusion of the patient’s perspective in the development and evaluation of evidence.ObjectivesTo understand how changes to inpatient care affect the perceptions of the ward by service users and staff by using stakeholder participatory methods.DesignThe programme consisted of four work packages (WPs). (1) Lasting Improvements for Acute Inpatient SEttings (LIAISE): using participatory methods we developed two new scales [Views On Therapeutic Environment (VOTE) for staff and Views On Inpatient CarE (VOICE) for service users]. (2) Client Services Receipt Inventory – Inpatient (CITRINE): working with nurses and service users we developed a health economic measure of the amount of contact service users have with staff. The self-report measure records interactions with staff as well as the number of therapeutic activities attended. (3) Delivering Opportunities for Recovery (DOORWAYS): a stepped-wedge randomised controlled trial to test if training ward nurses to deliver therapeutic group activities would improve the perception of the ward by service users and staff. A total of 16 wards were progressively randomised and we compared the VOICE, VOTE and CITRINE measures before and after the intervention. A total of 1108 service users and 539 staff participated in this trial. (4) Bringing Emergency TreatmenT to Early Resolution (BETTER PATHWAYS) was an observational study comparing two service systems. The first was a ‘triage’ system in which service users were admitted to the triage ward and then either transferred to their locality wards or discharged back into the community within 7 days. The second system was routine care. We collected data from 454 service users and 284 nurses on their perceptions of the wards.Main outcome measuresThe main outcomes for the DOORWAYS and BETTER project were service user and staff perceptions of the ward (VOICE and VOTE, respectively) and the health economic measure was CITRINE. All were developed in WPs 1 and 2.ResultsWe developed reliable and valid measures of (1) the perceptions of inpatient care from the perspectives of service users and nurses (VOICE and VOTE) and (2) costs of interactions that were valued by service users (CITRINE). In the DOORWAYS project, after adjusting for legal status, we found weak evidence for benefit (standardised effect of –0.18, 95% CI 0.38 improvement to 0.01 deterioration;p = 0.062). There was only a significant benefit for involuntary patients following the staff training (N582, standardised effect of –0.35, 95% CI –0.57 to –0.12;p = 0.002; interactionp-value 0.006). VOTE scores did not change over time (standardised effect size of 0.04, 95% CI –0.09 to 0.18;p = 0.54). We found no evidence of an improvement in cost-effectiveness (estimated effect of £33, 95% CI –£91 to £146;p = 0.602), but resource allocation did change towards patient-perceived meaningful contacts by an average of £12 (95% CI –£76 to £98;p = 0·774). There were no significant differences between the triage and routine models of admission in terms of better perceptions by service users (estimated effect 0.77-point improvement in VOICE score on the triage ward;p = 0.68) or nurses (estimated effect of 1.68-point deterioration in VOTE on the triage ward;p = 0.38) or in terms of the cost of the length of care provided (£391 higher on triage;p = 0.77).Strengths and limitationsWe have developed measures using methods involving both service users and staff from mental health services. The measures were developed specifically for acute inpatient services and, therefore, cannot be assumed to be useful for other services. For instance, extensions of the measures are under construction for use in mother and baby units. The strength of the BETTER PATHWAYS and DOORWAYS projects is the large-scale data collection. However, we were testing specific services based in inner city areas and stretching to inner urban areas. It may be that different effects would be found in more rural communities or in different types of inpatient care.Future workOur database will be used to develop an understanding of the mediating and moderating factors for improving care quality.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials ISRCTN06545047.FundingThis project was funded by the NIHR Programme Grants for Applied Research programme and will be published in full inProgramme Grants for Applied Research; Vol. 6, No. 7. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.
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White, Clare, Sonja McIlfatrick, Lynn Dunwoody, and Max Watson. "Supporting and improving community health services—a prospective evaluation of ECHO technology in community palliative care nursing teams." BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care 9, no. 2 (2015): 202–8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjspcare-2015-000935.
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IntroductionProject ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) uses teleconferencing technology to support and train healthcare providers (HCPs) remotely, and has improved care across the USA. A 6-month pilot was trialled in a community palliative care nursing setting to determine if ECHO would be effective in the UK in providing education and support to community hospice nurses (CHN).MethodsThe pilot involved weekly 2 hour sessions of teaching and case-based discussions facilitated by hospice staff linking with nine teams of CHN using video conferencing technology. A mixed-methods prospective longitudinal cohort study was used to evaluate the pilot. Each CHN provided demographic data, and completed a written knowledge assessment and a self-efficacy tool before and after the pilot. Two focus groups were also performed after the pilot.Results28 CHNs completed the evaluation. Mean knowledge score improved significantly from 71.3% to 82.7% (p=0.0005) as did overall self-efficacy scores following the ECHO pilot. Pre-ECHO (p=0.036) and Retro-Pretest ECHO (p=0.0005) self-efficacy were significantly lower than post-ECHO. There was no significant difference between Pretest and Retro-Pretest ECHO self-efficacy (p=0.063). 96% recorded gains in learning, and 90% felt that ECHO had improved the care they provided for patients. 83% would recommend ECHO to other HCPs. 70% stated the technology used in ECHO had given them access to education that would have been hard to access due to geography.ConclusionsThis study supports the use of Project ECHO for CHNs in the UK by demonstrating how a 6-month pilot improved knowledge and self-efficacy. As a low-cost high-impact model, ECHO provides an affordable solution to addressing growing need.
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Baliña, Fatima, and Vicente Quiton. "Factors Affecting Workload Distribution Among Academic Staff in ViSCA." Science and Humanities Journal 4 (December 1, 2004): 11–23. http://dx.doi.org/10.47773/shj.1998.041.2.
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The workload distribution of the academic staff was determined and the factors that influence its variability were identified. The ideal perceived workload of academic staff in the academic department was 56% in instruction, 24% in research and 17% in extension, while in the research centers, 32%, 43% and 24% for instruction, research and extension functions, respectively. The assignement given by the department heads and the number of approved research projects/extension activities handled/implemented by the staff had the most influence on the variability in workload distribution.
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Birinci, T., E. Kaya Mutlu, and S. Altun. "FRI0617-HPR GRADED MOTOR IMAGERY IN POSTTRAUMATIC STIFFNESS OF THE ELBOW: A PILOT STUDY." Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 79, Suppl 1 (2020): 913.2–914. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/annrheumdis-2020-eular.2660.
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Background:Elbow fracture is treated either conservatively or surgically followed by a period of immobilization with casting or splinting. A splint used to immobilize upper limbs for many weeks results in changes in both the peripheral musculature and the central nervous system. It is well known that common complaints after upper limb fractures include weakness, pain, and stiffness; therefore, pain management is important in the early stages of the rehabilitation of upper limb fractures.Objectives:This pilot study aimed to investigate the efficacy of graded motor imaginary (GMI) on pain, range of motion (ROM), and function in patients with posttraumatic stiff elbow.Methods:Fourteen patients with posttraumatic stiff elbow (6 women, mean age: 45.42 ± 11.26 years, mean body mass index: 24.29 ± 3.38 kg\m2and mean duration of immobilization: 4.75 ± 1.03 weeks) were randomly allocated to either GMI or control groups. The GMI group received GMI treatment in addition to a structured exercise program, and the control group received a structured exercise program (two days per week for six weeks) (Figure 1). The assessments included pain at rest and during activity using the visual analog scale (VAS), elbow active ROM with a digital goniometer (Baseline Evaluation Instrument, Fabrication Enterprises, Inc., White Plains, NY), and upper extremity functional status using the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire (DASH). The assessments were performed at baseline and after the 6-week intervention.Figure 1.Graded motor imagery performed with mirror boxResults:After the 6-week intervention, there was a significant increase in elbow flexion-extension ROM and supination-pronation ROM, and improvement in DASH score in both groups (p<0.05). However, improvement in VAS-rest and VAS-activity was significantly higher in the GMI group than the control group (p=0.03 and p=0.01, respectively).Conclusion:A conservative treatment program consisting of GMI treatment in addition to a structured exercise program applied twice a week for 6 weeks, has been found more effective in decreasing pain in the posttraumatic stiff elbow. It could be concluded that GMI is an effective treatment method for elbow fracture in patients with predominant elbow pain.References:[1] Harris JE, Hebert A. Utilization of motor imagery in upper limb rehabilitation: a systematic scoping review. Clin Rehab. 2015:29(11):1092-1107.[2] Opie GM, Evans A, Ridding MC, Semmler JG. Short-term immobilization influences use-dependent cortical plasticity and fine motor performance. Neuroscience. 2016:330:247-256.[3] Birinci T, Razak Ozdincler A, Altun S, Kural C. A structured exercise programme combined with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation stretching or static stretching in posttraumatic stiffness of the elbow: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehab. 2019:33(2):241-252.Acknowledgments:The present work was supported by the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit of Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa (Project No: TDK-2019-33997).Disclosure of Interests:None declared
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Bitner, Wade, Jerry Goodspeed, Dan Drost, and Rick McDaniel. "A NEW APPROACH TO VEGETABLE VARIETY EVALUATIONS FOR THE HOME GARDEN." HortScience 31, no. 3 (1996): 323b—323. http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/hortsci.31.3.323b.
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Conducting varietal evaluations for the home vegetable garden are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly. As a result, most are done on an observational basis only. In 1991, a horticultural training program modeled after the highly successful Master Gardener program began at the Utah State Prison, Draper, for the prison inmate population. In 1994, 12 broccoli, 20 pepper, and 30 tomato varieties commonly used in the home garden were evaluated for growth and yield at the Prison Farm. Inmates raised, tended, harvested, and compiled the trial's data and participated in all evaluations of the varieties. Extension personnel provided the instruction and regular visits to conduct the trial. The project provides instruction on vegetable production and cultivar evaluations to the inmates while providing the public with needed cultivar information for the home garden. In addition, the partnership with the inmate population limits the time inputs necessary to conduct the trials by extension staff. This project will continue and greatly expand in 1995.
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Ali, Xeina, James Tatam, Karen Gravett, and Ian M. Kinchin. "Partnership values: An evaluation of student-staff research projects at a UK higher education institution." International Journal for Students as Partners 5, no. 1 (2021): 12–25. http://dx.doi.org/10.15173/ijsap.v5i1.4354.
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This research study contributes to understandings of partnership approaches through an evaluation of a number of student-staff research partnership projects that took place across one higher education institution. Drawing on data from semi-structured interviews with both the staff and students involved in the twenty research projects, our data were analysed to surface the underpinning values that informed the partnership process. As a result, this article offers an opportunity to evaluate partnership projects in context, as well as to explore how partnership may serve as a disruptive force in higher education. We conclude with a consideration of how investigating the ways in which students and staff conceptualise student-staff partnership can be valuable, and with recommendations for others considering similar partnership projects.
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Bennett, Pamela J., Ellen M. Bauske, Alison Stoven O’Connor, et al. "Farmer’s Market, Demonstration Gardens, and Research Projects Expand Outreach of Extension Master Gardeners." HortTechnology 23, no. 4 (2013): 411–15. http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/horttech.23.4.411.
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Extension Master Gardener (EMG) volunteers are central to expanding the outreach and engagement of extension staff. A workshop format was used at the Annual Conference of the American Society for Horticultural Science on 31 July 2012 in Miami, FL to identify successful management techniques and projects that expand EMG volunteer outreach, leading to increased extension effectiveness. One program leader described how EMGs manage a farmer’s market that has been thriving for more than 30 years, generating income for the EMG program as well as the county extension office. Another program leader described a beneficial partnership between EMGs and the university in which EMGs grow plants for demonstration gardens and classroom use, facilitating learning for university students, EMGs, and the public. EMGs in another program have assumed much of the management role of the university orchard, using it for teaching and demonstrations. The final discussion focused on extension programs that used volunteers to assist in conducting research to expand extension’s capabilities, and also increasing EMGs’ understanding of the research process. All projects emphasized the need for extension agents to empower volunteers to take on leadership and decision-making roles as well as the value of EMGs to extension.
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Smith, T., J. F. Morton, and E. Nengomasha. "Dissemination of outputs from a cluster of livestock production programme projects in Zimbabwe." Proceedings of the British Society of Animal Science 2005 (2005): 29. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s1752756200009406.
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During the mid to late 1990’s a cluster of Livestock Production Programme (LPP) projects, funded by the Department for International Development (DFID) was established in Zimbabwe, as a representative country of southern sub-Saharan Africa, to develop outputs to increase the livestock contribution to the alleviation of poverty. All stakeholders were involved with the projects from the planning stage and participatory on-farm research was a key feature. Several of the projects addressed one of the major constraints to livestock production in arid and semi-arid areas, dry season feeding, the animal species considered being poultry, donkeys (draught power), goats and milking cows. The benefits of these projects can only be realised through effective dissemination to relevant target groups (farmers, extension staff, which because of failing government extension services in several African countries, must include NGOs, churches and local organizations, and policy makers) and development of relevant training materials.
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Pain, Tilley, Sarah Patterson, Pim Kuipers, and Petrea Cornwell. "Evaluation of the State-Wide Implementation of an Allied Health Workforce Redesign System: Utilisation of the Calderdale Framework." Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management 13, no. 3 (2018): i20. http://dx.doi.org/10.24083/apjhm.v13i3.121.
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Background: Increasing demand for allied health services is driving workforce redesign towards greater productivity within budgetary constraints. To date, there has been limited research into workforce redesign tools at an organisational level. The aim of this article was to evaluate an implementation of The Calderdale Framework for state-wide service delivery workforce redesign within allied health settings across Queensland.
Method: A multi-phase methodology with mixed methods of data collection was used. This included analysis of documents, staff surveys, and semi-structured, in-depth interviews with staff from work units utilising the Framework across the state.
Findings: The primary mechanisms for implementation were staff training and provision of centralised resources. Across the state, all health services engaged in training and most completed associated workforce redesign projects. However, the number and type of projects varied across the state as did the successful projects. Feedback from staff indicated the structured nature of the framework was viewed positively, but was time intensive to perform. Local contextual factors heavily influenced workforce redesign success.
Conclusion: Key factors pertaining to state-wide workforce redesign include: providing coordinated and centralised systems to support staff, ensuring adequate training, prioritising the development of key local staff, and proactively managing local contextual factors.
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Yun Chen, and Yang Song. "The Knowledge Learning Effect Extension Evaluation of Expressway Construction Projects Major Team." INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL ON Advances in Information Sciences and Service Sciences 4, no. 15 (2012): 340–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.4156/aiss.vol4.issue15.42.
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Asano, Shigeru, Masanori Wada, Tomomasa Sato, and Hiroshi Hosaka. "Process Evaluation of Robot Development Projects by Proposal Data Analysis." International Journal of Automation Technology 12, no. 2 (2018): 246–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.20965/ijat.2018.p0246.
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This study investigated the process evaluation of robot development projects. We propose a quantitative method to evaluate whether the projects advanced to the social experiment phase and analyze their causes of failure. With the proposal analysis method, proposals for future similar developments were submitted across six development projects by staff members in accordance with their actual experience. By analyzing the amounts of proposals classified into phases, categories, and factors, the issues that occurred during each process could be identified. These issues consisted of delays, unclear specifications, and confusion with regard to the organizational structure. The proposed method was suitable for robot development projects with very short time spans such as support robots for disaster victims and guide robots for guests of the Olympic Games.
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Meyer, Mary Hockenberry. "675 Program Evaluation Resources and Reporting Methods." HortScience 34, no. 3 (1999): 564E—564. http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/hortsci.34.3.564e.
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Several traditional print extension resources have been published on program evaluation, including Evaluating Impact of Extension Programs, by R. Rennekamp, P. Warner, and R. Maurer, 1996, Univ. of Kentucky; and Evaluation for Accountability, by B. Sawer, 1992, Oregon State Univ. Additional resources from other agencies, such as the Minnesota Department of Human Services' publication Measuring the Difference Volunteers Make can aid in the evaluation of extension programs. New reporting methods are now being used to present information and program evaluation such as Minnesota Impacts http://www3.extension.umn.edu/mnimpacts/index.asp, and Oregon Invests. This workshop session will define terms important in evaluation reporting, suggest resources to use, and propose a method of reporting evaluation information of similar projects in environmental horticulture programs throughout the United States.
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Xu, Zhao, Xiang Wang, Ya Xiao, and Jingfeng Yuan. "Modeling and performance evaluation of PPP projects utilizing IFC extension and enhanced matter-element method." Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management 27, no. 8 (2020): 1763–94. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/ecam-08-2019-0429.
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PurposeThere is often a lack of accurate performance evaluation in Public–Private Partnership (PPP) projects. It is a challenging issue to effectively use Building Information Modeling (BIM) for PPP project performance evaluation. The objective of this study is to develop a PPP project performance evaluation model based on Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) and an enhanced matter-element method to more precisely evaluate PPP project performance.Design/methodology/approachThe performance evaluation of PPP projects in the construction and operation period was explored. The PPP project performance evaluation indicator system was first established based on a literature review and PPP project practice. Then, the evaluation indicator information was expressed through IFC mapping and extension. After that, an IFC-based PPP project performance evaluation model was developed, and a case study was provided to validate the use of the proposed performance evaluation model.FindingsThe results of the case study show that the proposed approach can accurately and efficiently evaluate PPP projects, and it could favorably contribute to performance evaluation in PPP projects.Research limitations/implicationsThis study only concerns the performance evaluation of one type of PPP project. Further research is required to study different types of PPP projects; the model needs to be more efficient and intelligent.Originality/valueThe performance evaluation of PPP projects utilizing IFC extension and the enhanced matter-element method provides guidance for the government and private parties to accurately and efficiently evaluate PPP project performance.
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McAnaney, Donal F., and Richard F. Wynne. "Linking user and staff perspectives in the evaluation of innovative transition projects for youth with disabilities." Journal of Intellectual Disabilities 20, no. 2 (2016): 165–82. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1744629516633574.
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A key challenge in formative evaluation is to gather appropriate evidence to inform the continuous improvement of initiatives. In the absence of outcome data, the programme evaluator often must rely on the perceptions of beneficiaries and staff in generating insight into what is making a difference. The article describes the approach adopted in an evaluation of 15 innovative projects supporting school-leavers with disabilities in making the transition to education, work and life in community settings. Two complementary processes provided an insight into what project staff and leadership viewed as the key project activities and features that facilitated successful transition as well as the areas of quality of life (QOL) that participants perceived as having been impacted positively by the projects. A comparison was made between participants’ perceptions of QOL impact with the views of participants in services normally offered by the wider system. This revealed that project participants were significantly more positive in their views than participants in traditional services. In addition, the processes and activities of the more highly rated projects were benchmarked against less highly rated projects and also with usually available services. Even in the context of a range of intervening variables such as level and complexity of participant needs and variations in the stage of development of individual projects, the benchmarking process indicated a number of project characteristics that were highly valued by participants.
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O'Callaghan*, Angela, Florence Brown, Denise McConnell, and Robert Morris. "Master Gardener-led Projects in Southern Nevada." HortScience 39, no. 4 (2004): 784D—785. http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/hortsci.39.4.784d.
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Southern Nevada Master Gardeners (MGs) donate 50 hours annually to educational and service projects. These volunteers respond to community needs by developing and staffing horticultural projects under UNCE supervision. In Las Vegas, 20 such projects exist. Some are more energy and information intensive than others. Mojave Guides are docents at the Desert Demonstration Garden, a part of the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, not Extension. They commit to a shift at the garden, providing information to visitors. While they are directly supervised by garden staff, the hours they contribute are Master Gardener hours. These volunteers receive training in desert flora from gardens staff and participate in seminars on selected topics. The MG Orchard Team operates a teaching orchard at the Center for Urban Water Conservation in North Las Vegas. These volunteers maintain hundreds of fruit trees and grape vines. They receive training on topics related to fruit trees and orchard management. This project began in 1996. Since 2002, they have been formalizing their organization using the logic model and SWOT analysis. Many members work weekly at the orchard and take the produce to a local farmers market. This raises funds for the orchard and is an opportunity to teach the community about desert horticulture. Project PLANT volunteers work at the Red Rock National Recreation Area visitor center and grounds. They are docents who also learn about and maintain the native plants there, and prevent infestations of invasive weeds which threaten the area. Their monthly meetings include training on topics related to the project. These projects are successful because of the MGs themselves. They grew out of interest and continue because the volunteers have drawn commitment from others.
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Albanese, Francesca, Rachel Hurcombe, and Helen Mathie. "Towards an integrated approach to homeless hospital discharge." Journal of Integrated Care 24, no. 1 (2016): 4–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/jica-11-2015-0043.
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Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present the findings of a small-scale evaluation of the Department of Health “Homeless Hospital Discharge Fund” (HHDF) in England. Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on a mixed-method approach comprising 52 telephone interviews with project staff, 48 responses from an online survey with staff, outcomes data collected by projects, 30 semi-structured interviews with patients and nine in-depth telephone interviews with staff and commissioners. Findings – Overall the 52 pilots funded under the “HHDF” provided positive health and accommodation outcomes for homeless people admitted and discharged from hospital. In contrast to previous studies patients described not feeling judged during their stay, however the admission process was a more mixed experience due to communication breakdown by hospital staff. Integrating housing and clinical staff in the hospital discharge projects produced better outcomes for patients and the availability of accommodation as part of the model allowed improved and more stable housing outcomes. We recommend integrated commissioning takes place for future funding of any hospital discharge projects. Research limitations/implications – The study was small in scale and carried out before some of the projects had become fully established. The data were self-reported and the quality and completeness varied between projects. Originality/value – This is one of the few examples of hospital discharge outcomes for homeless people across a number of different localities and project models which examine the role of both health and housing professionals in the process.
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Sha, Yuheng, Jun Yan, Yanlai Zhang, et al. "Research on full cycle evaluation of power grid projects based on rough set-multilevel extension theory." E3S Web of Conferences 292 (2021): 01016. http://dx.doi.org/10.1051/e3sconf/202129201016.
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Project full-cycle evaluation is the process of evaluating the level of project implementation. The evaluation has a clear purpose orientation and involves the entire cycle of the project. This paper proposes a research method for the full-cycle evaluation of power grid projects based on rough set-multi-level extension theory. First, this article combines various aspects of the project to establish a project evaluation index system involving multiple interests such as the environment and society. Then, the index weight is determined based on the rough set theory, and the multi-level extension theory is used to evaluate the project in the whole cycle. This model provides new ideas for the accurate evaluation of various types of projects and lays a theoretical foundation for improving the level of project management.
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Kelsey, Kathleen D. "Building Evaluation Capacity within an Agricultural NGO using SWOT Analysis." Journal of International Agricultural and Extension Education 25, no. 1 (2018): 60–70. http://dx.doi.org/10.5191/jiaee.2018.25106.
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Evaluation capacity building (ECB) aims to create a learning organization committed to increasing evaluation knowledge and skills among employees (Fitzpatrick, Sanders, & Worthen, 2011). ECB framework was used to determine the scope of monitoring and evaluation activities within an international agricultural non-governmental organization (NGO) using a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats analyses (SWOT). The objectives were to analyze current practices, capacity for evaluation activity at the project and organizational level, and propose a model for building evaluation capacity within the NGO. Existing documents and artifacts were content analyzed (Krippendorff, 2004) and 44 NGO employees, donor agency representatives, and similar NGO representatives were interviewed regarding their evaluation practices. Results indicated that project-level evaluation staff had sufficient training and expertise to conduct evaluation within the scope of their projects (strength). However, ECB and organizational learning from evaluation efforts were not institutionalized (weakness). The NGO lacked evaluation expertise and leadership at headquarters level due to staff attrition and lacked technology to capture data for aggregation purposes to report on progress made toward mission between projects and over time (threat). Opportunities included promoting an Evaluation Specialist to lead efforts by recruiting from within the NGO and advancing the individual’s knowledge and skills through pursuit of a doctoral degree in evaluation. The NGO is advised to adopt a knowledge management system to capture and aggregate data between projects and over time to communicate better overall mission accomplishments to stakeholders and donors.
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Ghobashi, A. A. "Agricultural Extensnon Techniques in the Sultanate of Oman, Present Prospect and Perspective." Journal of Agricultural and Marine Sciences [JAMS] 9, no. 1 (2004): 31. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jams.vol9iss1pp31-38.
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A study conducted during September 2003 included 80 participants grouped into 3 categories, who occupied different posts in the Agricultural (and Fisheries) Development Centers (ADC). A questionnaire covering various elements of extension methods and techniques was used. Result showed that participant's opinions were identical in 90.6% of the aspects put forward in the questionnaire. There were, however, significant differences in opinions between the three groups involved in the study regarding representation of ministry extension personnel at village levels, availability of media equipment and facilities in the ADC and level of training of extension staff. The study also showed the need for a complementary extension structure at ABC level, development of an appropriate relationship between extension and agricultural research and more technical and practical training for extension staff. The participants also emphasized the relative importance of providing extension means and outputs for demonstration of plots to target groups, the availability of media equipment and the necessity for developing techniques for better execution and evaluation of extension programs. Research priorities should also be linked with problems related to agricultural production at farm level in Oman.
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Macleod, ND, and BG Johnston. "An economic framework for the evaluation of rangeland restoration projects." Rangeland Journal 12, no. 1 (1990): 40. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/rj9900040.
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Statements concerning rangeland degradation and restoration issues are often supported by technically oriented evaluations, with limited consideration of the economic implications of resource conservation or rehabilitation. In the few cases where an attempt has been made to incorporate economic elements into analyses, some shortcomings have been evident in the methodology adopted. This has sometimes produced misleading results, and has made comparisons of different restoration technologies difficult. This paper examines several issues that are important in obtaining an economic perspective on the restoration of degraded rangelands. The formal procedure of benefit-cost analysis is presented as a rational framework for the economic evaluation of such activities. The framework is applied, via a case study approach, to examine the private economic value of several technologies for rangeland restoration. However, because the analysis is based on limited data, the conclusion is indicative rather than definitive. Issues relevant to the extension of the analysis to encompass social evaluations of rangeland restoration management are canvassed.
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Day, Susan D., Sheri T. Dorn, Diane Relf, and J. Roger Harris. "Advanced Master Gardener-Tree Steward: Training to Enhance Community Volunteerism." HortTechnology 7, no. 4 (1997): 363–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/horttech.7.4.363.
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The Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Advanced Master Gardener-Tree Steward (AMGTS) program provides advanced training in leadership development and arboriculture to MG volunteer educators so they may expand the influence of extension through leadership in community forestry. A statewide survey of agents, MGs, and foresters served as the basis for developing the training package, which was funded in part by the Virginia Department of Forestry. According to a statewide survey, 70% of VCE MGs and extension agents with MG programs would like to be involved in community tree programming, while only 26% was currently involved. Typically, agents cited limited staff and volunteer resources as the primary factors in restricting program expansion. Furthermore, 90% of municipal foresters indicated they would like to work with trained volunteers. The AMGTS program simultaneously answers the desire of MGs to expand their role in the community landscape and the need of VCE to expand its outreach with increasingly limited resources. AMGTS training, guided by a 10-unit resource book, integrates technical and program management expertise to foster volunteer pride and self-sufficiency. This allows MG tree stewards to coordinate much of their own training and recruit and manage non-MG volunteers to whom they can provide limited training for specific projects, thus allowing program expansion without additional staff. The training is designed for delivery by knowledgeable professionals in the local community, such as arborists, horticulturists, college professors, extension specialists, MGs, and others who can provide quality training following the program guidelines.
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Allen, Frances, Janet Darby, Marie Cook, et al. "Learning from a successful process evaluation in care homes." Age and Ageing 50, no. 5 (2021): 1850–53. http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/ageing/afab139.
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Abstract Introduction process evaluations (PE) are increasingly used in parallel with randomised controlled trials (RCT) to inform the implementation of complex health interventions. This paper explores the learning accrued from conducting a PE within the Falls in Care Homes Study (FinCH), a large UK RCT. Methods in the FinCH study, six purposively sampled care homes provided data for the PE, which followed a realist approach. In this study researchers kept written diaries of their experiences in completing the interviews, focus groups and observations. We have reflected on these and present the main themes for discussion. Findings care home staff were enthusiastic to participate in the PE but researchers found it difficult to collect data due to staff not having time to take part, environmental factors such as no space for focus groups and low levels of research understanding. Researchers found that the expectations of the PE protocol were often unrealistic due to these limitations. Flexible and pragmatic approaches such as interviews in place of focus groups enabled data collection but required a reduced sample size and length of data collection to be accepted by researchers. Conclusion to enable care home staff to participate in successful PEs, researchers should build flexibility into research schedules, spend time building trust, collaborate with all levels of care home staff prior to data collection, increase research capacity in care home staff and co-design research projects.
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Shepherd, Nicole, Thomas J. Meehan, Fiona Davidson, and Terry Stedman. "An evaluation of a benchmarking initiative in extended treatment mental health services." Australian Health Review 34, no. 3 (2010): 328. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ah09698.
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Aim.To evaluate the effectiveness of a benchmarking initiative in facilitating quality improvement and reform in extended care mental health services. Method.Individual interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with 84 staff in 22 extended care mental health services that had previously participated in a State-wide benchmarking exercise in Queensland, Australia. Results.Staff reported positive outcomes from participation in the benchmarking exercise. Information derived from benchmarking provided a different perspective on the strengths and weaknesses of individual services and an opportunity to learn from peer services. Staff in 86% of the services identified issues that needed to be addressed and 64% of services had implemented one or more service improvement projects in response to shortcomings identified through the benchmarking exercise. Conclusions.The collection and reporting of performance data through a process of benchmarking was successful in facilitating service improvement in most of the participating facilities. Engaging services in all stages of the process was considered useful in converting benchmarking data into knowledge that was able to be applied at the local service level. What is known about the topic?Implementing and maintaining service improvement initiatives in mental health services can be difficult, due to ongoing resource limitations in the sector. Although there is currently a drive to promote benchmarking for mental health services, to date, there has been limited evidence that it leads to sustained service improvements. What does this paper add?This paper reports on an evaluation of a benchmarking initiative in extended treatment mental health services in Queensland, Australia. Six months after implementation, staff reported positive outcomes from participation in the project, and 64% of services had implemented one or more service improvement projects. Engagement of service staff in the process of benchmarking is important to ensure success. What are the implications for practitioners?Benchmarking initiatives can lead to service improvement. It is important to involve staff in the process of benchmarking, from choosing performance indicators and collection of data, to interpretation of the results. Organising events where staff can present findings from the project to their peers provides the opportunity to reflect on the direction of their service and learn from others. In this way, information provided through benchmarking can be converted into knowledge that is applied at the service level.
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Micah, Nalianya Japheth, and Stephen Wanyonyi Luketero. "Monitoring and Evaluation Systems and Performance of Non-Governmental Based Maternal Health Projects in Bungoma South Sub-County, Kenya." European Scientific Journal, ESJ 13, no. 23 (2017): 11. http://dx.doi.org/10.19044/esj.2017.v13n23p11.
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The growth in number and size of non-governmental organizations in Kenya has been met with a growing concern about identifying their achievements and effectiveness of their projects. The struggle by majority of NGOs account for their work and demonstrate real results continues to taint their image as development change agents to various stakeholders. One way organizations can improve effectiveness of their interventions is by strengthening their monitoring and evaluation systems. This study sought to determine the influence of monitoring and evaluation systems on performance of non-governmental based maternal health projects in Bungoma South Sub-County, Kenya. Specific objectives were to: determine how monitoring and evaluation plans, human Resource capacity, nature of monitoring and evaluation information systems adopted, and stakeholder participation in monitoring and evaluation influence performance of nongovernmental maternal health projects in Bungoma South Sub-County. A descriptive survey design and correlation design was employed. With a target population of 101 respondents, a census was conducted on all respondents involved in implementation of maternal health projects from the three non-governmental organizations (AA, STC, and CREADIS). Data was collected through questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics. A fairly strong correlation of 0.607, 0.530, 0.533 and -0.489 for monitoring and evaluation plans, human resource capacity, nature of information system adopted, and stakeholder participation respectively and performance of maternal health projects. The regression analysis indicated that, taking all the independent variables at a constant zero, performance of maternal health projects was 4.087. The study recommends alignment of staff job descriptions with their M&E plans, increase the number of M&E training, conduct Routine Data Quality Assessment to detect areas of difficulties to staff, invest in Information and Communication Technology, and manage stakeholders’ involvement in Monitoring and Evaluation in order to achieve quality data.
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Mokua, Carren, and Gladys Kimutai. "Monitoring and Evaluation Systems and Performance of Public Private Partnership Projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya." International Journal of Current Aspects 3, no. VI (2019): 124–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.35942/ijcab.v3ivi.82.
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Globally, economies are increasingly facing difficulties in revamping their infrastructure. This has thus necessitated the involvement of public private partnerships (PPPs) for the last two decade. PPPs are contracts between government and private entities to finance, build and operate some elements of a public facility. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of M & E systems on the performance of public private partnership projects in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Specific study objectives were: to determine the availability of M&E systems, to assess the staff competence in the implementation of the M&E, to evaluate the use of Logical Framework Matrix and to assess the frequency of M&E report use which influence performance of PPPs projects in Nairobi County, Kenya. Theory of change and performance theory guided the study. Survey research design was employed. Questionnaires and interview schedules were administered in the collection of data. A population of 161 project staff in 26 projects were targeted. The study also involved 10 county government officials. Stratified sampling, simple random and purposive sampling designs were applied to select 125 respondents for the study sample. Qualitative and quantitative data was collected and analysed numerically. The analysis of data was done through Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Inferential and descriptive statistical measures were calculated and interpreted. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, mean, standard deviations and percentages were computed and then presented using frequency tables, cross tabulations and in bar graphs. Inferential statistics such as correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression were calculated as measures of linear relationships between variables. Chi square which is a measure of independence of variables was also computed to establish the relationship between variances in samples. Cramer’s V was also calculated to establish the strength of the relationships found through chi square tests. To analyze qualitative data, a more interpretive content analysis will be employed which will involve coding and classifying data with the aim of highlighting important responses. The codes were then transformed into numeric values to be analyzed numerically. The study found out that most of the staff in the PPP do not have formal training in project management and M&E. Since they had stayed for long in their positions at work, they tended to be competent. Most of them could even design complex M&E matrix and apply it. Most of the projects have functional M&E systems but the largest proportion is not well equipped to function appropriately. Many PPPs do not always disseminate the M&E reports thus making the staff unaware of what may require more attention and changes to facilitate performance. Most of the reports are also never deliberated upon. This shows that most of the decisions made are not based on what has been found to be working in the management of the PPPs. This has negatively influenced performance. Though Logframe matrix is an important planning tool, it is not in use to plan and to monitor and evaluate the PPPs in Nairobi County. It is thus recommended that staff should be trained and deployed to work in areas of their expertise. They should also be subjected to regular refresher courses for important technological updates. All project M&E reports should be made known to all staff since when disseminated and deliberated on, these reports become useful learning and working tools.
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Khan, Ammad Hassan, Ali Imran, and Muzamil Hussain. "Evaluation of Quality during Construction Projects: A Case Study of Pakistan." January 2019 38, no. 1 (2019): 69–82. http://dx.doi.org/10.22581/muet1982.1901.06.
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Achieving and maintaining quality values are indispensable for attaining organizational and customer satisfaction. This research investigates different aspects of operationalize quality culture and factors affecting the quality of building construction in under developed countries like Pakistan. A qualitative and quantitative survey was circulated among different stakeholders including Clients, Consultants and Contractors to assess the level of the contractor’s performance, the project monitoring and controlling techniques, proper health and safety requirements, client satisfaction and workers experience in construction industry projects. The practice of professional quality management in building projects is increasing, however, many flaws and negligence are still found in local practices. This analysis also indicates that political and socio-economic factors play a significant role in maintaining the quality level in local industry. Therefore, the allocation of sufficient resources, proper training of workers, and recruitment of quality control staff and the use of advanced technologies are recommended for proper implementation of QMS (Quality Management System).
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Maynard, Donald N. "Enhancing the Scope of Vegetable Cultivar Evaluation in Florida." HortTechnology 12, no. 4 (2002): 560–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.21273/horttech.12.4.560.
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Vegetable cultivar evaluations are conducted seasonally by research and extension faculty at several locations throughout the state of Florida. Results are summarized and published in a Florida Agricultural Experiment Station Circular, Vegetable Variety Evaluation in Florida and used as a basis for extension recommendations published in Vegetable Production Guide for Florida, an industry-sponsored publication. The selection of vegetables to be evaluated depends on local needs and the evaluator's interest. Until recently, this has provided fairly good coverage of the principle vegetables grown in the state. However, the future of this program as currently structured may be in doubt because of changes in assignments of current faculty, new faculty with assignments and interests that differ from their predecessors, and reduced administrative recognition for cultivar evaluation. It is likely that county extension faculty and professional staff will have a greater role in cultivar evaluation as university faculty input is reduced. Increasing the scope of vegetable cultivar evaluation by university faculty to include adaptation of new crops and specialty vegetables adds a new dimension to traditional trials. Some of these vegetables have not benefitted from selection or breeding so there is opportunity for crop improvement as a further extension of vegetable cultivar evaluation.
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Wang, Dong, and Mao Sheng Yang. "Research of Quality Evaluation of PV Power Generation Project Based on the Extension Theory." Advanced Materials Research 1092-1093 (March 2015): 67–71. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.1092-1093.67.
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In order to make a further promotion and development of photovoltaic power generation project, this paper brings the extension theory in photovoltaic power generation project quality evaluation and builds the photovoltaic power generation project extension evaluation index system and model on the basis of matter-element theory and extension analysis. Ranking the evaluating projects by calculating the indicators compared with the correlation of evaluation degrees. The paper takes three photovoltaic power generation project in Shaanxi in 2012 as an example, expounding the model is reasonable and reliable. The empirical results give a best reflection on the quality of the photovoltaic power generation project, which provide a scientific basis for project decision. The paper results provide a new thought for quality assessment of photovoltaic power generation project, enriching the photovoltaic power generation project evaluation method.
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Rumenya, Hezron, and Dr Johnbosco Mutuku Kisimbi. "Influence of Monitoring and Evaluation Systems on Performance of Projects in Non-Governmental Organizations: A Case of Education Projects in Mombasa County, Kenya." Journal of Entrepreneurship and Project Management 5, no. 2 (2020): 46–66. http://dx.doi.org/10.47941/jepm.494.
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Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of monitoring and evaluation systems on performance of projects in non-governmental organizations: A case of education projects in Mombasa County. To achieve this purpose the study assessed how organizational structures and human capacity for monitoring and evaluation influence project performance in non-governmental organizations in Mombasa County. Also, the study examined how a project monitoring and evaluation plan and work planning for monitoring and evaluation activities influence project performance in Non-Governmental Organizations in Mombasa County.Methodology: A descriptive research design was used in this study and structured questionnaires were used to collect the study data. The study population constituted of project officers, managers, and monitoring and evaluation staff in the twenty-two registered non-governmental organizations operating in Education sector in Mombasa County. According to NGOs statistics in published Annual NGO report of 2018/2019, a registered NGO had an average of 10 employees stationed in Kenya. Therefore, the approximate number of project staff in Education sector is approximately 220. Yamane (1967) formula was applied in determination of sample size, with 1% margin of error. Based on the formula, total of 69 participants were required. The participants were voluntary sampled into the study sample though self-administering of online based questionnaire. Prior data collection, a sample of fifteen individuals working in education sector was considered in piloting of the research instruments. To adjust for incidences of non-response rate in voluntary sampling, an additional 30 participants were considered giving a cumulatively sample size of 99 participants. In this study a total of 15 project staff implementing projects in Education sector were considered for piloting. A reliability analysis of pilot data yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.890 implying a high level of internal consistency. Data was collected from sampled seventy respondents from ten non-governmental organizations while observing standard ethical and health guidelines. Collected data was downloaded from kobo-collect online platform and exported to Excel and SPSS for further processing. Descriptive and inferential statistics were generated and used to interpret the nature of relationship between the predictor variables and the dependent variable.Results: The study established that the performance of projects in education sector significantly and positively correlated with organizational structures for M&E (r=0.639, p<0.05), human resource capacity for M&E (r=0.412, p<0.05) and project M&E plan (r=0.273, p<0.05). However, the performance of projects in education sector was found to have a weak positive correlation with M&E work plan where (r=0.015, p>0.05). A regression model of the predictors against the performance of projects in education sector yielded R-square value of 74.1 % leading to a conclusion that the four components under study influence project performance in education sector.Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study recommends that the management of NGOs with technical support of focal M&E staff put in place mechanisms to further strengthen their existing systems for M&E. Also, further research can be explored on how M&E work plan influences project performance while considering adoption mixed methods approach in order to understand the justification for underlying relationships.
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Arslan, Gokhan. "WEB-BASED CONTRACTOR EVALUATION SYSTEM FOR MASS-HOUSING PROJECTS IN TURKEY." Journal of Civil Engineering and Management 18, no. 3 (2012): 323–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.3846/13923730.2012.698892.
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Determining the most appropriate contractor for a construction project is a highly critical issue. Selecting the right contractor for the right job can significantly influence the overall project performance. In the selection process, construction clients have to know all financial, technical and general information about the contractors to determine the most appropriate one for the project. Within this context, clients should consider several criteria that may include quality of production, adequacy of technical staff and financial stability. In this study, a survey was carried out among 52 construction professionals working at the Public Housing Development Administration (PHDA) in Turkey. The objective of this survey is to examine the relative weights of the criteria that have been using by this owner in the construction contractor selection process. Afterwards, a web-based contractor evaluation system, WEB-CONTEST, by which the contractors can be evaluated based on a combined criterion, is proposed. The system facilitates the contractor selection process and enables the construction owner to select the most correct contractors for its relevant projects.
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Idowu, Oladele Oladimeji. "Evaluation of the Demand-Driven Agricultural Extension Curricula among Alumni from Selected Universities in Nigeria." Journal of Agricultural Extension 25, no. 2 (2021): 1–17. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/jae.v25i2.1.
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The study assessed demand-driven agricultural extension curricula by alumni from universities in Nigeria partnering with Sasakawa Africa Fund for Extension Education (SAFE) on such curriculum for at least seven years. Using a cross-sectional research design and cluster sampling technique, 227 alumni were randomly selected from a population of 520. Data were collected through structured questionnaire on socio-economic characteristics, mode of study, areas of specialization operationalized as close-ended questions and rating of programme components on a 5 -point Likert type scale of poor (1) fair (2) good (3) very good (4) excellent (5) with 70 items. Data entry and analysis were done with SPSS 25 using percentages, mean score and multiple regression analysis. Adult education approaches, supervised enterprise projects, students’ supervision, academic advice, information sharing, and participation in research projects had highest positive rating; while fund raising, scholarship, opportunity for enrolling and be part of a professional scientific network, linkage & involvement with Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA) field activities, laboratories and variety of subjects offered had highest negative rating. Socio-economic characteristics of alumni were significantly correlated and explained 49 percent of the variation in programme rating. The study recommends that there is need to review the curricula covered in this study and mechanisms for compliance with the Sasakawa methodology should be reinvigorated.
Keywords: alumni, demand-driven, agricultural extension, university curricula.
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Ren, Xing Li, and Xing Rong Jiang. "Research on Decision-Making of Fine Chemicals’ Extension." Advanced Materials Research 998-999 (July 2014): 83–86. http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.998-999.83.
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Fine Chemicals is an important direction and inevitable trend of development of China's petrochemical industry. In order to occupy the commanding heights of industry development strategy, many domestic chemical companies enhance their ability to resist risks, fine chemical products to take extended strategy. However, due to the fine chemicals own characteristics, while enterprises is in product extension, they are often faced with complex decision problems. Based on all of those, multi-product programs projects preferred aand the main product of the extension when siting evaluation are research.
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Rinofi, Asmawi, and Zul Irfan. "Training, Working Motivation and Performance of Non-Permanent Workers-Auxiliary Staff of Agricultural Extension Workers (THL-TBPP)." Jurnal Niara 12, no. 2 (2020): 87–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.31849/niara.v12i2.3416.
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This study aimed to analyze the effect of training and working motivation on performance of the non-permanent workers-auxiliary staff of agricultural extension workers (THL-TBPP) in West Sumatra. The research method used was a survey approach with quantitative methods and the techniques of data analysis used were descriptive and inductive analysis. The research results indicate that the extension management training of THL-TBPP on training material, facilitators, and training organizing aspects have been conducted very well. The extension workers’ motivation of THL-TBPP regarding the needs of achievement and affiliation was very high, whilst the motivation over the authority was medium-worth. The performance of THL-BPP extension workers from the counselling preparation, implementation, counselling to the evaluation and reporting was very high in which the extension workers of THL-BPP carried out all the duty very well. The training had a significant level of 0.000 < 0.05 so that it fulfilled the condition to be the supporting variable of extension workers performance. It means that if the performance of THL-TBPP extension workers in West Sumatera increases, then it is caused by one of the training done. The agricultural extension management training has given a positive impact on the improvement of THL-TBPP extension workers performance in West Sumatera. The motivation had a significance level of 0.004 < 0.05 so that it has fulfilled the condition to be the supporting variable of extension workers performance as well. The high motivation for extension workers will increase the performance of THL-TBPP extension workers in West Sumatera.
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Rinofi, Asmawi, and Zul Irfan. "Training, Working Motivation and Performance of Non-Permanent Workers-Auxiliary Staff of Agricultural Extension Workers (THL-TBPP)." Jurnal Niara 12, no. 2 (2019): 87–96. http://dx.doi.org/10.31849/niara.v12i2.3731.
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This study aimed to analyze the effect of training and working motivation on performance of the non-permanent workers-auxiliary staff of agricultural extension workers (THL-TBPP) in West Sumatra. The research method used was a survey approach with quantitative methods and the techniques of data analysis used were descriptive and inductive analysis. The research results indicate that the extension management training of THL-TBPP on training material, facilitators, and training organizing aspects have been conducted very well. The extension workers’ motivation of THL-TBPP regarding the needs of achievement and affiliation was very high, whilst the motivation over the authority was medium-worth. The performance of THL-BPP extension workers from the counselling preparation, implementation, counselling to the evaluation and reporting was very high in which the extension workers of THL-BPP carried out all the duty very well. The training had a significant level of 0.000 < 0.05 so that it fulfilled the condition to be the supporting variable of extension workers performance. It means that if the performance of THL-TBPP extension workers in West Sumatera increases, then it is caused by one of the training done. The agricultural extension management training has given a positive impact on the improvement of THL-TBPP extension workers performance in West Sumatera. The motivation had a significance level of 0.004 < 0.05 so that it has fulfilled the condition to be the supporting variable of extension workers performance as well. The high motivation for extension workers will increase the performance of THL-TBPP extension workers in West Sumatera
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Cammoun, R., J. M. Détriché, F. Lauture, and B. Lesigne. "Clinical evaluation of the ‘MASTER’ robot system and development of a new version." Robotica 11, no. 6 (1993): 535–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s026357470001938x.
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This paper describes the first prototype of the robot system ‘MASTER’ for helping disabled people. The results of evaluations after one year of experiments in French rehabilitation centres are reported. Following comments and criticisms by staff and users, many improvements were made to the first version and have been taken into account in the design of a new version which will be evaluated in 1992–93 in French and European projects.
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Henderson, Amanda J., Jan Davies, and Michaela R. Willet. "The experience of Australian project leaders in encouraging practitioners to adopt research evidence in their clinical practice." Australian Health Review 30, no. 4 (2006): 474. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/ah060474.
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Objective: This paper describes a qualitative program evaluation which sought to identify factors that either assist or impede the adoption of clinical evidence in everyday practice. Design and Participants: Thirteen Australian projects were funded in a competitive grant program to adopt innovative strategies to improve the uptake of research evidence in everyday clinical practice. Project leaders? reports were analysed to collate common themes related to 1) critical elements in successful application of research knowledge, 2) barriers to implementing evidence, and 3) lessons for other organisations that might implement a similar project. Results: Despite the diversity of the methods used to establish projects and the range of topics and clinical settings, many similarities were identified in the perceived critical success elements, barriers, and lessons for adopting clinical evidence. Eighteen themes emerged across the data including: leadership support; key stakeholder involvement; practice changes; communication; resources; education of staff; evaluation of outcomes; consumers; knowledge gaps; adoption/ implementing staff; access to knowledge; risk assessment; collaboration; effectiveness of clinical research evidence; structure/organisation; cultural barriers; previous experiences; and information technology. Conclusion: Leaders of projects to adopt evidence in clinical practice identified barriers, critical success elements and lessons that impacted on their projects. A range of influences on the adoption of evidence were identified, and this knowledge can be used to assist others undertaking similar projects.
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Almeida, Dayana, Renata Bovo Peres, and Andréia Nasser Figueiredo. "Rural environmental planning in a family farm: education, extension and sustainability." Ciência Rural 46, no. 11 (2016): 2070–76. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/0103-8478cr20150926.
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ABSTRACT: Developing research, teaching and extension in university programs is fundamental to capacitate professionals for the challenging endeavors. Considering the importance of these three university functions as relevant learning practices, the objective of this study was to analyze qualitatively the development of teaching project proposals associated with extension activities, directed to the rural environmental planning in an Agricultural Production Unit, in order to identify the issues and their degree of applicability. Twenty project proposals were developed in the "Rural Environmental Planning" course to plan an Agricultural Production Unit, which were subsequently evaluated by the farmer. This discipline is part of the Bachelor's degree course in Environmental Management and Analysis of the Universidade Federal de São Carlos. The projects followed qualitative research methods using the systemic and participatory approach. At the end of the process the farmer answered an evaluation matrix of the projects. Development of the projects was particularly important for the students and for their knowledge on the various topics covered, which also resulted in factual improvement perspectives in the Agricultural Production Unit. Construction of knowledge was participatory and integrated between the students and farmer.
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Moody, Lesley, Kate Bak, Simron Singh, Laura Macdougall, and Esther Green. "Using the experience-based design (EBD) approach to strengthen patients’ impact." Journal of Clinical Oncology 32, no. 30_suppl (2014): 69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1200/jco.2014.32.30_suppl.69.
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69 Background: The Experience Based Design (EBD) approach uses patient and clinician experiences to identify opportunities for improvement in the healthcare system. The EBD approach elicits subjective and personal patient, carer, and staff experiences at crucial points in the care pathway by encouraging them to share their stories. Methods: Cancer Care Ontario (CCO), an agency that oversees cancer services in Ontario, held an EBD workshop with the objectives of capacity building and facilitating healthcare improvements throughout the province. 110 participants (27 teams) from across Ontario attended the workshop to engage participants to take an active role in developing actionable plans to address patient experience issues. An evaluation following two years of EBD was necessary to: (a) determine EBD progress and effectiveness; (b) identify successes/challenges for getting projects off the ground; and (c) identify additional resources required to spread EBD across Ontario. The evaluation consisted of: 1) two province-wide electronic surveys (long survey for those directly involved in EBD projects; short survey for frontline staff) and 2) semi-structured phone interviews with patients/caregivers. Results: Some EBD projects have completed multiple initiatives; others are just beginning. Projects address process improvement (e.g., streamlining patient bookings), resource/tool development (e.g., symptom screening tools) and establishing patient advisory boards and committees. Five (28%) survey respondents said that EBD projects elicited implementation of 6 to 10 changes and 6 (38%) respondents indicated that: (1) respect for patient preferences and (2) communication, information and education were two principles of Person-Centred Care (PCC) that improved the most. Conclusions: Future steps include development of a collaborative website, a symposium to showcase projects, an evaluation of the EBD initiative and peer-reviewed publication.
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Pounder, Diana G. "Theory to Practice in Administrator Preparation: An Evaluation Study." Journal of School Leadership 5, no. 2 (1995): 151–62. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/105268469500500203.
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The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effectiveness of a field-based doctoral program in educational administration on linking theory and research to the improvement of practice. Specifically, the study evaluates the degree and ways in which doctoral student field-based projects and studies completed as an integral part of the University of Utah's field-based Ed.D. program have resulted in program or policy changes in schools or other education-related agencies. This evaluation of the theory-practice emphasis in the University of Utah's Ed.D. program suggests that the program is successfully meeting its central program objective. Study data indicate that approximately one-half to two-thirds of student projects resulted in some sort of policy or program change in educational practice. Projects that resulted in change in local schools, districts or other education-related agencies tended to be either policy adoptions addressing legal and/or personnel administration concerns or instructional program implementations for students and staff. Factors that enhanced the likelihood of a project resulting in a policy or program change were: 1) the student's familiarity with relevant problems of practice; 2) the degree to which students worked closely with other organizational employees in developing and refining the project; and 3) the utility and conceptual/analytical quality of the proposal itself.
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Xia, Yan, Sarah Taylor, and Maria Rosario T. De Guzman. "Evaluation of the Health Rocks! Program: The Association of Youth Engagement with Program Outcomes." Journal of Youth Development 11, no. 3 (2017): 95–104. http://dx.doi.org/10.5195/jyd.2016.463.
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This evaluation research examined the relationship between program process and program outcome, specifically, youth engagement in the national 4-H Council Health Rocks! program and their program outcomes. Based on program evaluation surveys completed after the program by participants, youths’ engagement in the program was associated with their gains in knowledge and skills about substance use, and personal assets related to avoiding risks. When youth participants find a program interesting, are actively engaged in the program, and find the program staff friendly, they benefit more from the program. Findings underscore the importance of engaging curriculum and friendly staff to the success of extension or afterschool youth programs. The evaluation method may offer an example of balancing rigor of evaluation design and feasibility of implementing an evaluation.
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Bachurina, Svetlana Samuilovna, and Tat’yana Sergeevna Golosova. "Investment component in bim implementation projects." Vestnik MGSU, no. 2 (February 2016): 126–34. http://dx.doi.org/10.22227/1997-0935.2016.2.126-134.
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This article considers building information modeling (BIM) maturity levels as an ability to operate BIM technology both at an individual project and across the enterprise. The main indicator of BIM implementation maturity is the level of technological and organizational changes in a company. 3 levels of BIM maturity according to BIM Task Group are shown. This article shows some basic criteria of effective BIM-technology implementation. The core transformation is process reengineering, which gives a vector to all subsequent changes including conversion of organizational structure and material and technical equipment. In this regard, the early stages of BIM implementation major cost falls on process reengineering, especially on the transition from CAD to BIM. The radical conversion of work processes entails a review of the staff of the company in terms of the structure and qualification. Other types of BIM implementation investments for the subsequent stages of the project consist of the costs on structural changes, staff education, technical provision and infrastructure development. In order to estimate the investment in the process of implementing BIM all of the costs must be presented in monetary equivalent. This process is complicated by the necessity of converting high-quality information and time parameters, so it is advisable to appeal to the expert evaluation of the data. In addition to monetary costs of the implementation process there are some immeasurable ones. It is vital to take into account the losses associated with the absence of employees in the workplace at the time of re-education, as well as the costs of the process of evaluating the effectiveness of BIM.
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Lacey, Susan R., Caryl Goodyear-Bruch, Adrienne Olney, et al. "Driving Organizational Change From the Bedside: The AACN Clinical Scene Investigator Academy." Critical Care Nurse 37, no. 4 (2017): e12-e25. http://dx.doi.org/10.4037/ccn2017749.
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BACKGROUND Staff nurses are pivotal in leading change related to quality improvement efforts, although many lack skills to steer change from the bedside. The American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN) staff nurse leadership program, Clinical Scene Investigator (CSI) Academy, teaches and empowers staff nurses in leadership skills and change concepts to translate evidence into practice affecting patient outcomes. OBJECTIVES To describe the curriculum of the AACN CSI Academy that provides staff nurses with the leadership skills required to create unit-based change projects that positively impact patient/family outcomes. METHODS The curriculum of the Academy included leadership topics, communication, change concepts, quality improvement methods, project management, and data management and analysis. Each team of participants collected project data to show improvements in patient care. The program evaluation used many data sources to assess the program effectiveness, relating to the professional growth of the participant nurses. The participants assessed project patient outcomes, sustainability, and spread. RESULTS The first cohort of CSI participants included 164 direct care nurses from 42 hospitals in 6 cities. They rated the Academy highly in the program evaluation, and they reported that the Academy contributed to their professional development. The individual hospital quality improvement projects resulted in positive patient and estimated fiscal outcomes that were generally sustained 1 year after the program. CONCLUSION With the skills, tools, and support obtained from participation in the CSI Academy, staff nurses can make substantial contributions to their organizations in clinical and possibly fiscal outcomes.
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Merkes, Monika. "Examples of Exemplary Practice in Adolescent Primary Health Care." Australian Journal of Primary Health 4, no. 1 (1998): 37. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/py98004.
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As one of seven projects funded by the Victorian Government Department of Human Services to investigate exemplary practice in adolescent health, a study was undertaken in the Department's office in the Northern Metropolitan Region that examined two existing primary health projects: the Keeping in Touch with Schools (KITS) Project, auspiced by the Eltham Community Health Centre and Diamond Valley Secondary College in the City of Nillumbik, and the Youth Counselling Awareness and Support (YCAS) Project, auspiced by Kildonan Family Services in the City of Whittlesea. Proiect features that were explored included elements and type of service, referral pathways and linkages, consumer satisfaction and other service outcomes, elements critical to success, obstacles, supervision and staff training, standards and guidelines, planning and evaluation, promotion of the service, and organisational structure. The study found that a combination of characteristics contributed to the success of the two projects that were examined. These pertain to skills and expertise of staff, flexibility of the service, cost, the type of service model, co-location with other services, linkages and partnerships, outputs and outcomes, feedback, management structure, standards and guidelines, planning processes, and evaluation.
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TRETYAKOVA, Larisa A. "Business evaluation of hiring personnel in a highly competitive environment." SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC PHENOMENA AND PROCESSES, no. 2 (2020): 71–79. http://dx.doi.org/10.20310/1819-8813-2020-15-2(109)-71-79.
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In today's socio-economic environment, in order to achieve strategic objectives, each organization needs a highly qualified staff with the optimal competency and the capacity to perform its professional duties effectively. As a result, there is a high impact of staff selection, recruitment and evaluation on the success of the organization. The lack of effective tools for staff evaluation and development is a significant reason for limiting the ability of organizations to develop competitive advantages. Goals/objectives: development of certain theoretical provisions and substantiation of detailed procedure for conducting business evaluation when hiring personnel in a highly competitive environment. The subject of the study is socio-economic and managerial relations that determine the patterns of organizing a business assessment of personnel when hired in a highly competitive environment. Methods. The methodological basis is the systematic approach and the method of dialectical cognition, which made it possible to systematize and substantiate the methodological toolkit of business evaluation of personnel during hiring. Main results/discussion. The results of the study include a detailed procedure for conducting a business evaluation when hiring personnel, taking into account the conditions of a highly competitive environment. State and municipal authorities can apply the proposed recommendations when developing projects and programs aimed at creating a highly competitive professional environment in organizations. Conclusions. The proposed business evaluation procedure for hiring staff takes into account the conditions of a highly competitive environment, and the chosen evaluation system will contribute to a significant increase in the productivity and quality of the staff, decisions made, and therefore will lead to an increase in the value of the organization's human resources.