Our Impact
Our Impact

Program Evaluation

How We Do Program Evaluation:

Our approach to program evaluation is unique in that we use our time-tested methodology and tools for modeling and data analysis, combined with a strengths-based approach to building the “to-be” state.  We help our clients construct their “to-be” state based on the principles of Appreciative Inquiry. Appreciative Inquiry is based on a deceptively simple premise: how we frame the conversation impacts the outcome. By focusing the conversation on “what is possible” and how we can best leverage an organization’s or program’s strengths rather than what is “broken,” organizations create faster, more lasting change. 

Our philosophy is that program improvement is not linear; it is a spiral path. The CGC Spiral is a dynamic symbol for making program improvements. It is a graphic representation of our approach – keeping the end in mind and being able to demonstrate improvements and return on investment (ROI) at any point in time.  The figure to the right – a timeline superimposed on a spiral – depicts this approach.  As we start in the center at t0, we begin to make improvements that takes us to t1.  We then continue along to each point in time.  

CGC’s logic model approach to program evaluation and program design helps to clarify the linkage between program activities and mission goals by visually mapping a program’s inputs, activities, and outputs to its desired outcomes and impacts.  This visual is a critical tool in exploring the answers to these questions. Moreover, by establishing clear linkages between program activities and desired outcomes, logic models often facilitate the development of improved performance metrics that measure outcomes as well as outputs. We believe that the development of a logic model could help entities explore the as-is and to-be states of programs and ultimately to improve performance metrics.  

In Addition to Our Logic Model, Our Areas of expertise within Program Evaluation Include:

  • Survey Design, Administration & Analysis
  • Modeling & Statistical Analysis
  • Focus Groups & Interviews
  • Individual & Team Assessments