Program Evaluation for Non-Profit Organization

An organization needs to put in place an evaluation process to ascertain whether it is accomplishing its goals or not. Such evaluation would then become a very important part of the ensuing planning process. There are two ways in which an organization conducts an evaluation. One is intended to proceed with the evaluation through the goals established by the organization. The other is to conduct the evaluation through the processes in place in the organization. With goal-based evaluation, the organization seeks to understand whether the avowed goals have been achieved or exceeded. It has an emphasis on outputs instead of processes. Even with limited resources and difficult situations, the goal-based evaluation looks at the outputs based on the inputs and other raw materials put into the process. It is usually useful for organizations that are beating deadlines, or seeking to meet targets given limited resources, time, and manpower. Results are given primacy in this kind of evaluation (Edvardsson & Hansson, 2003). Process-based evaluation focuses on efficiency and effectiveness. It is geared towards minimizing costs while ensuring that the goals are achieved. With this kind of evaluation, the goals to be achieved are given and are expected to be delivered. In doing so, the organization is freed from looking at the achievement of the goals because such is expected. What the organization is focusing on, however, is the way that the goals are being achieved. Are they effective and efficient? Are they contributing to the overall objectives of the organization? Is there a way that such processes could be improved and geared to help the organization achieve more? Are the policies of the organization sound and the different departments coordinating smoothly with each other? Through these questions, the organization is taking a look at the way in which it can achieve its goals by improving its processes. The goals are important but processes are more important in certain respects because of their systemic nature. Depending on the circumstances, however, a goal-based organization may be more important than a process-oriented one (Ott, 2001). In addition to this, process-based evaluation takes a look at the policies, programs, coordination systems, and other processes at work in the organization. It makes use of a systemic view of the organization and seeks to integrate every important aspect of the organization in the evaluation process. It is more comprehensive than goal-based evaluation as it may take more time to be completed (Ott, 2001). Application of Evaluation Styles Goal-based evaluation may be more appropriate in situations where the non-profit organization is evaluating together with their clientele. In the case of an organization dedicated to community development, a goal-based evaluation would be suitable for a discussion with the community regarding the achievements of the goals. Usually, if the goals are not accomplished or achieved, the people, together with the non-profit organization can brainstorm on the problems that are being faced by the community. In addition to this, it would be important to evaluate themselves about the hindrances that they face in accomplishing the goals identified during the planning phase. Goal-based evaluation also looks at the actual outputs of the organization’s project. If the project is about reducing the number of substance addicts in the neighborhood, then a goal-based evaluation would say that the program is successful if there is a significant decline in the number of offenders. On the other hand, process-based evaluation would take a look at the overall systemic performance of the organization. Even if the results are phenomenal if the processes are not firmly in place, then such an evaluation would be careful in proclaiming success. It would look at the coordination systems, the teamwork of the organization, as well as the ethical side of things. With such an evaluation, it becomes important to look at the overall strategy of the organization instead of simply focusing on achieved goals (Ott, 2001). Establishing the Framework of a New Nonprofit Organization As a new Executive Director of a nonprofit organization, there are several things I need to do in order to ensure that the organization is setup and would thrive in the process. Without the necessary legal and financial framework, the nonprofit organization is bound to fail. The following strategies outline what needs to be done for this organization. The first step, of course, would be to define what the organization is all about—the kinds of services to be offered and the way it will be structured. The vision, mission, and goals of the organization have to be defined. The structure, on the other hand, would enable the organization to achieve its goals. Registration and Legal Personality The nonprofit organization should acquire its legal personality by being registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission or its equivalent. Through this, the nonprofit organization will be able to transact legally under the laws of the country and will be able to purchase property and open accounts under its own name. This also prevents unscrupulous persons to setup accounts and secure properties in their own names at the expense of the organization. With a legal personality, however, also comes responsibility. As such, the organization may sue persons and it can also be sued. It therefore needs to comply with legal requirements of organizations. Securing Advisers The nonprofit organization also needs legal and financial advisers so that it would not violate any law or ordinance even accidentally. A legal counsel would be needed. Although there are lawyers offering pro-bono services, it would also be a good idea to include the lawyer’s fee in the budget of the organization. Securing Funding As part of the strategy of the organization, the Executive director also needs to look for sources of funding from different organizations. Private corporations and even countries do fund initiatives for development. It takes a careful research of these organizations. Without a steady source of funding, the organization will not prosper and will only flounder if there is no steady funding. As part of the financial framework of the organization, there should also be a means to ensure transparency and accountability. This would be important in ensuring that the donors trust the organization and for the organization to adhere to governmental rules such as Sarbanes-Oxley. Although SOX, as Sarbanes-Oxley is called, was meant for companies for profit, it has provisions for non-profit organizations. Adhering to these accounting regulations can also help in enhancing the overall strategy, integrity, and transparency of the organization. Reference Edvardsson, K. & Hansson, S. O. (2003). When is a goal rational?. Social Choice and Welfare, 24 (2), 343-361. Ott, J. S. (2001). The Nature of the Nonprofit Sector. New York: Westview Press. Â   Â  

The Cabulliwallah Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Cabulliwallah - Essay Example Cabuliwallah is kind and generous in that when he first met with Mini he offered her nuts and raisins. On subsequent visits to the house he had always a present for her. According to the writers excerpt, Minis family was wealthier and financially stable but despite this, he didnt expect a reward for his hospitality nature. When he gave mini nuts and raisins, minis father offered to pay for them but as Cabuliwallah was leaving, he gave the money to mini. As soon as he was out of jail, he proceeded to Minis house with almonds, raisins and grapes though he had little money. Cabuliwallah is hot tempered and quick to anger. When his customer refused to pay for the Rampuri shawl he had sold to him, he responded with anger and hit the man. He even went on and called the customer all sorts of names. He didnt take into account that in the neighbourhood there other customers, his friends, underage children and his dear friend Mini. Minis father is charismatic in that he always knew how to respond to various situations. When Cabuliwallah asked for Mini, he had her brought out in order to make sure that her fears fade away. He assured her of security which made her to familiarize with the visitor. When his wife raised concerns of the security of their child, he investigated what the peddler and the child shared before he made the decision to send him away. Minis father is caring and always wants the best for everyone in the family in that he investigated the repercussions the decisions will have on his family before making the decisions. He always ensured that whenever a family member raised concerns on various issues, and sought to make the best decision. Before he made the decision to send or not to send the peddler away, he investigated what the peddler shares with the kid. Cabuliwallah works in the informal sector of the economy whereas Minis father works in a more formal setup. It is apparent that Cabuliwallah is

Final Exam Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Final Exam - Assignment Example esses in a way but there should be clear, well-defined, and realistic goals, even if those goals are limited to one aspect of life or restricted to one region of the world. The fact is that these movements are able to fulfill their goals (Schulze, 2002). Promote and establish various training programs to educate women and men, Muslim and non-Muslim, on the principles of gender equality and social, economic, and political justice in Islam. The majority of Muslim women are marginalized from the legal and power structures. Thus there are needs and concerns of women arising from their daily struggles to be addressed in local laws and customs. Customs have to be changed in ways that increase women’s life options, the goal of the process by strengthening of the religious and ethnic or national community. Moreover, questions of sexual morality, marriage and family life, divorce, custody, inheritance has to be addressed (Wagner, 2007). There is a change in Attitudes toward Democracy. There are many countries encompassed by Muslim around the globe. Research has shown that Muslim religious and politics are mostly influence by their ideologies, political and legal orientations which is also true to other religions. Muslim preferred forms of government, attitudes toward human rights, community agendas and relations to terrorism have been viewed as tendency for violence. Muslim societies should try to alter this perception and find ways of falling within democratic values spectrum and reject violence by those that oppose democracy. This strategy can help policymakers identify potential partners in the Muslim world who may cooperate in promoting democracy, stability and countering the influence of extremist and violent groups (Schulze, 2002). Muslim societies should discourage radical activities in their corresponding areas. This is because in some nations there are several developments that have been made over time in attempting to intensify Islamic radicalism. For example

Global Marketing and Social Responsibility Research Paper

Global Marketing and Social Responsibility - Research Paper Example Due to the fact that I am a marketer, I move about San Antonio, TX. Currently, I am working for a multinational company based in San Antonio, TX. I am dynamic and a person of high integrity (Sims, 2007). In addition, I have 3 years of experience as a marketing officer. The additional diploma courses enhance my efficiency especially given the fact that they related to managing individuals, which marketing is all about. My marketing mixes in the US are definitely not the same with those of my country of interest. Nevertheless, I wish to point out that my dynamisms will allow me to work in any city within Spain. However, I expect to find a challenging job that has opportunities for growth. It would be my pleasure to use my skills, knowledge, and experience to see into it that my new organization benefits significantly. The minimum basic salary that I will be looking for is $ 10,000 per

Government regulations in business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Government regulations in business - Essay Example This paper illustrates that the government has the mandate to overlook all business activities, and also have the power to control certain businesses. The government has the responsibility to impose various regulations to ascertain that the customers are not exploited, and there is a fair competition among the firms in any given industry. Government regulations in marketing are crucial towards customer protection as well as maintain fairness in competition. The number of government regulations in marketing is sufficient to ensure that there is a reasonable business environment. The government imposes laws on marketing regarding product safety and warranties. Such laws ensure that the advertisers are limited to advertising only true information. Warranties ensure that the manufacturer produces high-quality goods. The limits obtruded on freedom of speech are beneficial to controlling what one organization says about the other and hence fairness is maintained in the market. Government r egulations on validation of advertising claims ensure that the customers are only fed with true information. Therefore, it is evident that government regulation on marketing activities plays three main roles. It ensures that producers of the advertised good or service produce goods of similar quality to what they claim while advertising. It regulates the relationship between competitors. They ensure that the customers receive the best services or goods and are not misguided by the advertisement.

Basic Statistics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Basic Statistics - Essay Example A negative correlation implies that the likelihood of depression reduces with an increase in age. A positive correlation would have been indicated by straight line implying that as a person ages there is an increase in the likelihood of individuals being depressed according to the data provided in book 5 (Weiss, 2006). In essence, an analysis of the data using SYSTAT implies that there is no significant correlation between age and depression. Age should therefore not be a factor when predicting the likelihood of an individual becoming depressed. Therefore, one can conclude that biological factors related to ageing do not affect the capacity of individuals to deal effectively and healthily with depression. In fact, the weak correlation implies that as one gets older perhaps due to experience and hardening they become less prone to depression. Analysis using SYSTAT indicates that the correlation between work and depression work and depression is actually -0.113. A correlation with a figure less that 1 indicates that there is no correlation between the two variables or the correlation could be very weak to be of any statistical significance. In this case one can comfortably conclude that there is no significant relationship between work and depression. The independent variable in this case was work and the dependent variable was depression. The correlation value in this case assumes a negative integer. The positive integer implies that there is a negative correlation between work and depression according to the data provided in book 5 (Weiss, 2006). This implies that if the value of the integer was 1 then it would have been expected that the people without work were more likely to be depressed that the people who were working. In essence, the data may be implying that although work is not a significant determinant with reg ard to the prevalence of depression according to the data, it

Reading + Summary Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Reading + Summary - Essay Example McAlister wrote that the Western curators and art collectors were arrogant enough to hold the belief that the Tut pieces should belong in a Western museum. McAlister also writes that Nixon convinced Sadat to allow the Tut pieces to come to American in the first place; implying that Nixon made the Tut visit possible, while portraying Sadat as a pushover. McAlister also proposes that the media’s advertising of the Tut exhibit by mentioning all of the gold, that the media was comparing the Tut exhibit to the current oil crisis. This was done by pointing out how rich the Middle East was. The author also shows that the Yom Kippur war with Israel, the cause of the oil crisis, was not as one sided, since Egypt made a show of force. The Yom Kippur war was also shown to have ended through US and the Soviet Union negotiated UN ceasefire. McAlister shows that the US is only interested in Egypt and the Middle East for their own interests. This author is offensive in several aspects of her points. First poor and middle class Americans in the seventies were not all art illiterate. Just because a person does not have money does not mean that the gold shown in the Tut exhibit was what drew the American masses. The media campaign is what drew the masses. Secondly the whole Middle East was and is not run by the US and the Soviet Union. Both Egypt and Israel were armed by the US and the Soviet Union, but by no means was the fight between anyone, but Egypt and Israel. It is arrogant to believe that the US interest is what the world revolves around. Thirdly McAlister obviously has not studied the Yom Kippur war in depth. Israel’s losses at the beginning were due as much to the lack of judgement of an Israeli general, General Bar On, and his creation of the Bar On line. The Bar On line was the line on the Suez Canal that other Israeli generals, General Ariel Sharon and others, warned