Background: The focus of this dissertation is on methods associated with evaluating a program's merit and worth. There are many approaches documented in the literature for evaluating merit and worth. The focus is only on theory driven evaluation (TDE). The premise of TDE is the program theory (PT) must be understood before being able to evaluate the merit and worth of a program. One of the early limitations in the TDE literature was a lack of methods for deriving PT. Renger has recently published methodology describing how existing source documentation could be to develop a program theory. A key component of Renger's methodology is the validation of the PT. Renger suggested using subject matter experts (SME) and program staff to validate the PT. However, it is uncertain whether relying on SMEs to validate a PT is sufficient. Objectives/Methods: Thus the current work focuses on whether there is empirical (i.e., research) and/or statistical (i.e., correlation analyses) support for a PT generated by SMEs. Results: Findings of the correlation analysis provide some evidence of the effectiveness of SMEs validation process. Specifically, weak or very weak statistical support was found for 56.25% (N=9) of relationships between mechanisms of change depicted in the model from Aim 5 (N=16). The results of targeted literature review indicate a strong relationship between the PT generated by SMEs and targeted literature search. Specifically, research evidence was found for 13 (81%) relationships between mechanisms of change identified in the model from Aim 5. Conclusion: PT can be reconstructed from source documentation. Reconstructed PT should be validated. Validation by SME appears to be time a fast, cost-effective way of getting feedback on the initial draft of PT. However, due to the limited scope of targeted literature search and correlational analysis, it is not possible to conclusively determine whether relying on subject matter experts is sufficient to validate reconstructed Program Theory. More research on TDE validation methods is needed.

This thesis tells the story of the Community Development Program (CDP) of the Department of Indian Affairs. The Program was initiated in Canada in the early 1960s during a time of international popularity for the community development approach, and a national sentiment that the federal government ought to do something to positively change the situation for Indian people in Canada. The Program is probably best remembered for the commotion that its young practitioners caused when they began to encourage community development on Canadian Indian Reserves. The question that guides the research asks whether or not the CDP was different from previous policies of the Department of Indian Affairs. The author asserts that the CDP was novel in its organization, the problem it sought to address, and the way in which it treated Indian people. Data were gathered through interviews with former employees of the Department of Indian Affairs and through archival research into the files of the Department and its former employees.The author uses the theoretical framework developed by Jurgen Habermas and adapted by John Forester to interpret both traditional Canadian policies directed towards Indian people and the Community Development Program.

Thesis (D. Min.)--Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, 1996. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 129-133).

Project Report (M.Pub.) - Simon Fraser University, 2006. / Theses (Master of Publishing Program) / Simon Fraser University.

Thesis is divided into twelve chapters, of which the first six can be seen as the theoretical part and a further six chapters in part practical. The theoretical part is to set out an overview of not only the EU Structural Funds, but also policies that take place within the EU. A little more work devoted to programs, and through which funds can be obtained in agriculture, from the perspective of both the pre-accession period to the EU and in the period after the entry into force. For the most part, is the thesis focused on agriculture, since the practical part is treated as a guide for ZOD Borovany how to develop the project and other elements required for the application for a grant in the new programming period 2007 - 2013. ZOD Borovany has rich experience in raising funds from EU funds, and always towards the realization of the use of advisory services firm, which deals with the processing of projects.

In this thesis is designed Development Programme of Trebic. The work analyzes the state and development of the city, on the basis of SWOT analysis were identified weaknesses particularly in the area of high unemployment, business support, low promotion of the city and energy city policy. Especially for those areas suggestions of improvements/development, for example through mobile applications for the greater appeal of the city or using the energy manager to monitor the energy performance of buildings.

The aim of my Master’s thesis is create business plan financed by Countryside development program. The project is about reconstruction agricultural building into pension, which will offer ativities on organic farm and will be aimed on families with childern.

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Higher education is facing new expectations and demands for accountability. This is especially true in categorically-funded programs that expand the scope of mission for an institution. The Economic Development Program of the California Community Colleges is such a program. An evaluation of program outcomes was required by the California legislature in 1998 for the Economic Development Program. This evaluation was conducted in a high-stakes environment in a six-month time frame. The intent of this study is to provide a cohesive case history of this evaluation effort, and to examine tools that may prove helpful for the program in future evaluation studies. Interviews with government officials, program administrators and managers, the evaluation contractor, and project directors revealed a consistent lack of understanding of how to construct program evaluations. The evaluation report studied attempted to evaluate program outcomes before assessments of program need, program theory and design, and program implementation had been adequately addressed.

No description available.