Justify a Problem for Evaluation

Question

Description

You are a program manager in the public sector whose department has just received funding to address one problem within your community. It is your responsibility to select the problem and justify your selection to department leadership.  A partial listing of community problems includes, but is not limited to growing unemployment, increased poverty, deteriorating education, transportation issues, homelessness, inadequate nutrition in infants or children, obesity, deteriorating tax base, increased crime, businesses leaving the community, or aging population.

Consider how you will define the problem and purpose as well as what research question you would be interested in studying (based on potential future research, work, or personal interest). You will also explore why it is important to critically examine what others have done before beginning your own analysis.

In a paper, investigate the problem.  Prepare a PowerPoint presentation that briefly articulates key considerations.  Consider one slide per bulleted item, although final bullet regarding what has been done in the past may be 2 or more slides if needed. This should include:

Problem to be addressed

Justification: why the problem should be studied

Purpose for evaluation

Research question

What should be measured to show change (potential variables)

Desired outcomes

Description of what has been done in the past and what has/has not worked

Lessons learned: How can understanding what others have done in the past to address this problem assist you in combatting it now?