Health Program Evaluation: Scoping the Evaluation 2009

Program planners and implementers are often faced with the task of having to develop an evaluation plan or framework for the program/project that they are working on. This requires scoping the boundary of the evaluation and choosing the most appropriate evaluation approach and questions. Planning, negotiation, program logic modeling and evaluation criteria/indicator selection are integral components of this task. It is in these areas that this course is concentrated.

Where: 4th floor, 207 Bouverie Street, Carlton.
This location at the University of Melbourne’s School of Population Health is 15 minutes walk from the CBD , and is just south of the main university campus.

When:
Health Program Evaluation: Scoping the Evaluation is a three-day intensive short course available on the following dates in 2009:
April: 15th, 16th and 17th
July: 15th, 16th and 17th
November: 18th, 19th and 20th

This course is designed for those who are involved in devising evaluation frameworks for programs or projects in the public health field. Participants do not require any background training or knowledge of evaluation, however, experience or knowledge of health programs would obviously be an advantage. A need for practical evaluation knowledge and skills would also provide motivation to take this course.

The course is designed to suit the busy schedules of professionals involved in program planning and evaluation. The course recognises workplace needs, and builds then into the practical learning program. Key concepts and approaches underpinning the course activities can be applied immediately in the workplace.

There is strong evidence to support the idea that the training of groups of professionals from the same workplace is more likely to lead to better outcomes and stronger workplace change. We would strongly encourage organisations to support the involvement of at least two people in any short course.

Can this short course operate at my workplace?

Yes, additional short course times and venues are negotiable with groups of 10 or more. Since 2002, this short course has been provided across Australia to participants from Commonwealth and State health departments, General Practice divisions, community health centres, councils and hospitals. A number of organisations have found this arrangement to be a most worthwhile way to implement workplace development.

How is this short course delivered?

The three-day intensive course is designed around eight sessions. These are provided in the form of seminars, discussions and group exercises. Morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea are provided.

What is covered in the sessions?

The course is based on seven sessions:
Session 1:    Defining evaluation: valuing.
Session 2:     Evaluation purposes, types and questions.
Session 3:     Program logic model approaches to evaluation planning.
Session 4:     Program logic modelling.
Session 5:     Defining evaluative criteria/indicators.
Session 6:     Choosing outputs and outcomes for measurement.
Session 7:     Planning and negotiation.

Course participants are asked to bring to the course a brief one page summary of a program they would like to evaluate (if they have one) . Much of the course’s activities will focus upon the early stages of working up these programs for evaluation. Previous students have valued this opportunity to work on their own programs. For those participants who do not have a current program to work on, interesting and relevant program scenarios are provided as an alternative.

Accommodation:
Accommodation for interstate or rural participants will need to be organised and funded by the student. The Centre for Health Policy, Programs and Economics will be pleased to assist students in finding a suitable place of residence.

What are the assessment requirements?
This short course has no assessment requirements. The University of Melbourne will issue a Certificate of Completion to participants who have successfully completed the course.

How do I apply?
The fee for this course in 2009 is A$782.00 + GST = $860.00.

If you wish to enrol, please complete the application form and return it as soon as possible to the address given. Places are limited and enrolments will be considered strictly in order of receipt. Courses will run subject to a minimum number of enrolments.

Application Form
If you require an additional application form, further information on any aspect of the course, or other courses run by the Centre for Health Policy, Programs and Economics, please contact the Administrator:

Joy Yeadon
Centre for Health Policy, Programs and Economics
The University of Melbourne
4th Floor, 207 Bouverie Street
Carlton Vic 3053
Phone: +61 3 8344 0710
Facsimile: +61 3 9348 1174
Email: chppe-enquiries@ unimelb.edu.au