How does performance measurement differ from program evaluation?

This module taught you that performance measurement has become a very important aspect of the program evaluation process as the stakeholders in the agency or program will want to see evidence that the outcomes are being met and, if not, what specifically needs to be addressed or fixed in order to meet those outcomes.

Tasks:

In about 300 words, respond to the following:

• How does performance measurement differ from program evaluation?
• What do you think are the key benefits of using performance measurement as part of the program evaluation process?
• If you were working for an agency that is in its upcoming year and that only has the money and manpower to develop and carry out either program evaluation capabilities (putting its resources into developing the capability to conduct performance evaluations) or performance measurement capabilities (putting its resources into measuring the key outputs and outcomes for its programs), which one of these would you do first? Why?

Submission Details:

• By Saturday, March 19, 2016, post your responses to this Discussion Area.
• Through Wednesday, March 23, 2016, respond to at least two of your classmates’ posts who chose perspectives different from yours. While responding, comment on the current practice and future plans or additional strategies to use when writing your response to other student’s postings. Think about the language you use to comment constructively on other students’ posts.