Implement

Track planning and implementation: how did it go?

In this step, you can take all of the hard work you put into making your program perfect and put it into action. At this point, you have selected your program and planned how to implement it, which is a huge accomplishment! However, it is extremely important that the program is being implemented with quality. Monitoring the quality of the implementation process normally includes process indicators (i.e., attendance logs, satisfaction surveys, observation surveys, etc.). While implementing your program, develop a process evaluation plan and monitor the indicators while running your program, measure the quality of activities and program fidelity, and then move onto evaluating the outcome of your program.

What if I am already implementing a program?

If you are looking to improve or expand an existing program, examine the work plan you outlined and determine the quality of your activities. Identify and make mid-course corrections if necessary, also monitor your existing programs fidelity. Review your evaluations for any new ideas or tools you may wish to use. Lastly and most importantly share this process evaluation information with your key stakeholders; keep them in the loop as much as possible.

(See also: Framework: Overview of 10 Steps)

 Benefits of Implementation and Process Evaluation

The benefit of implementing your program is, now all of the hard work you previously put in can be showcased. Process evaluations provide a clear, detailed written guide for staff and stakeholders.

Tasks for Implementation and Process Evaluation

1. Develop a clear process evaluation plan before launching the program.

• The process evaluation plan helps you organize your thoughts about the following:
• Consider, what process evaluation questions should you ask?

1. What tools should you use?
2. What should your data-gathering schedule be?
3. Who is responsible for gathering the information?
4. Examine whether the activities identified in your logic model are implemented as planned.
5. Identify and make mid-course corrections if needed.
6. Track the number of participants and their attendance.
7. Monitor your programs fidelity

What’s Next?

Evaluate

What If I’m Not Ready for This Step?

Plan

Resources

Healthy Teen Network Resources

• Capacity-Building Assistance, Training, TA, and Other Services
• What’s In Your Toolbox? GTO Webinar Series
• Stay on Track Using Getting to Outcomes (elearning module)
• Tip Sheet: Best Practices for Community Engagement
• Tip Sheet: Built to Last: Planning Programmatic Sustainability
• Making Your Logic Model Work for You
• Supporting Evaluation: Evaluating the Implementation of Sex Education in Schools
• Tip Sheet: Classroom Management
• Unlocking the Secrets of Classroom Management, Interactive Elearning Module

 Other Resources

• American Statistical Association, What is a Survey?
• American Evaluation Association
• Building Capacity in Evaluating Outcomes
• CDC, A Framework for Program Evaluation
• ETR, RECAPP: Program Evaluation Basics
• Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender & Reproduction. Measurement, & Assessment Bibliography
• Philliber Research Associates
• Research Methods Knowledge Base
• Little PSBA-GTO