Figure 1

Evaluation enlightens decision making in a project. Figure 1 summarizes evaluation's role in guiding a project’s management decision cycle. It is an adaptation of the model proposed by Daniel Stufflebeam [24–28]. The set of four text boxes at the center of the figure represent the flow of the four major decisions through the project cycle: design and scoping decisions on what objectives to accomplish; structural decisions about what resources, tools and methods to use; implementation decisions about the optimal process; and reiteration decisions about the readiness of output for dissemination. They are interconnected by arrows that suggest a circular counter clockwise movement. Corresponding to these four decisions in that order, the supporting evaluation processes are placed in a set of five textboxes A through E, revolving around the central decision boxes. Context evaluation (Box A) identifies and describes context needs & opportunities. Input evaluation (Box B) assesses competing resources to ensure feasible choices; Process Evaluation (Box C) ensures efficiency in delivering quality outputs and on time; Formative product evaluation (Box D) helps improve product quality and Summative product evaluation (Box E) assesses and helps document product quality. Two alternative decisions about the product/results emerge from Box E. The decision to disseminate results is shown through a vertical, upward arrow leading to a box above that suggests results dissemination. This arrow is bidirectional, suggesting repeated dissemination. This connection is interrupted by a horizontal, outward arrow that connects to the alternative decision box that suggests ending the project, a significant post-project possibility. On the other hand, the box of results dissemination connects to Box F placed above, that suggests a follow-up evaluation with product users to assess outcomes and impact of project results. A horizontal, outward arrow from Box F connects to the box that suggests project continuation, another significant post-project decision.