This week we first looked at evaluation systems. Preskill states that an evaluation system “is a means for identifying, developing, implementing, and sustaining those things that support evaluative inquiry.” There are five essential components of an evaluation system. They are leadership commitment, evaluation vision and philosophy, evaluation strategic plan, evaluation design and implementation requirements, and personnel and financial resources. If one or more of these components are missing, then the evaluation system may not work efficiently or effectively. Then we looked at building evaluation capacity through AI by means of “improving an organization’s ability to achieve its mission or a person’s ability to define and realize his/her goals or to do his/her job more effectively.” Both of these topics essentially made me understand how important it is to remember to think of everything and to be aware of who I’m interviewing or surveying and how it’s being done.

As for my final course project, I have made some revisions to the first three parts, but I still need to put all the sections together to make sure they flow logically and finish up the last two parts. After that, I’ll need to put my PowerPoint together. I’m really glad that we had the chance to complete this project in pieces and receive feedback along the way. It has been a very helpful process.