Urbis Think Tank
Why evaluation is critical
A major part of what Urbis’ does every day is to evaluate policies and programs, for government and business. Policy and program evaluation is the process of making a judgement about the worth or value of a policy or program through systematic assessment.
Our clients tell us how important this work is.
“Evaluation is essential – regularly, broadly and strategically – especially for our Division”
“Evaluation should be critical to everything we do”
“We need to improve the way we demonstrate value and impact…we could position better to make the case to Government”
Each evaluation is customised, but the core elements of the Urbis evaluation toolkit involve the following steps:
- Ask questions, develop criteria, and set clear objectives
- Systematically collect information about the activities and outcomes of programs
- Track progress, make judgements and decisions and improve effectiveness
- Build understandings
Evaluation delivers value at each step along the chain – it improves the planning process, the implementation process and the reviewing process.
When our clients are preparing a program of action, we advise that the evaluation should be planned up front. By planning the evaluation early, they can systematically collect the information they need, which will maximise their return on their investment.