Mind the Gap: Tracking Recommendations to Improve Program Effectiveness

Abstract

Program evaluations offer essential information regarding all aspects of program operations. But too often, recommendations for program refinement and enhancement are quickly forgotten. This paper illustrates an effective strategy to ensure that these recommendations are taken “off the shelf” and incorporated into future program design and evaluation activities. This paper describes the process evaluation “best practice” used effectively in several jurisdictions to ensure that program recommendations are well-formulated, strategic, and monitored throughout the evaluation cycle. It begins by describing the types of recommendations that truly make a difference-- strategic recommendations that focus on measurable improvements in program delivery- rather than tactical recommendations that target minor adjustments to program implementation. Several examples from real word evaluations are highlighted in this paper demonstrate the different ways in which this technique can be modified to meet differing program goals. Specific tactics discussed include: creating a recommendation tracking database that organizes each recommendation by topic, sector, and category; classifying the current status of each recommendation; and the reporting interval for updating program recommendations.