Posted: April 14th, 2015

Macro Social Work

SOWK 673 – Spring, 2015

Assignment 3: Organizational Change or Program Design Evaluation Plan

Assignment 3A – Organizational Change or Program Design Evaluation Plan Paper – 30% of Course Grade

Based on the results of Assignment 1 and 2, the team will develop a written organizational change or program design evaluation plan. The elements of the evaluation plan should also be researched and supported by assigned class readings or scholarly literature, citing no less than five (5) sources. Students will meet to assign portions of the proposal development for individual responsibilities. The elements of the plan will follow an assignment handout. The proposal will be approximately 10–14 pages in length, APA format, double-spaced or single-spaced for tables or diagrams).

Evaluation Plan Elements: For each plan element, include a brief rationale as to why you selected it, as well as a description of the element.

1. A specific research design and a diagram of the design: Describe using common research designs, identifying the number of groups (one, two or multiple), the times of measurement (pre-test, post-test, and the number of post-tests), and if groups are randomly assigned.
2. Hypotheses and variable definitions: Identify the hypotheses based on the predicted effects of the program or change initiative. Hypotheses are limited to major predicted effects. Variables are defined conceptually (what is the nature of the effect) is this section (e.g., “employee absenteeism,” “employee work stress,” rather than by the tool or data collection instrument.

1. Data collection instruments or tools (including one existing instrument or scale): Identify the measurement to be used for each variable (example: employee absenteeism will be measured by the company’s days of reported absenteeism per year, or employee stress will be measured using the Job Content Questionnaire (naming appropriate sub-scales)). If using a tool that measures multiple concepts, describe the tool and how it relates to the variables to be measured. Be specific about how each variable will be measured. Briefly describe the reliability and validity of each measurement, citing a source for existing instruments, and draw conclusions on reliability and validity for data sources gathered from the employer or employee directly.
2. Data collection methods and timing: Fully describe all aspects of the data collection process, including, when, how, where, from whom, format (electronic, paper, interview, focus group), and how confidentiality will be maintained.
3. Population and sampling methods: Describe the population and sampling methods (how employees are involved in the data collection process, and the sample type, as either probability (random) or non-probability (non-random).
4. Proposed types of results: Considering the hypotheses, design, and variables and data collected, describe the type of results that your study will produce and the value of these results. The type of results to consider include process, quality and/or satisfaction, benchmarks, effectiveness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, cost-benefit or return-on-investment results.
5. Proposed report elements, the report’s value, and a dissemination plan: Provide an outline of the report elements (bulleted), a brief description of its value to the organization and stakeholders, and plan for who receives the report.
6. A conclusion summarizing strengths, limitations and ethical concerns, specifically regarding vulnerable populations: Use basic foundation research concepts, such as reliability and validity of the measurements, design, and sample to address limitations. Consider ethical concerns related to participation in the evaluation and to long-term effects of the evaluation and your predicted results on vulnerable populations and the organization as a whole.

Due: Unit 14                                                                               Continued Next Page

Assignment 3B – Team Presentation – 5% of Course Grade

A team presentation of the proposed organizational change or program design (Assignment 2) and the proposed evaluation plan (Assignment 3) will occur during Units 14 and 15. A brief and concise PowerPoint and brief handout 1 to 2 pages should be used.

The presentation should be 15 to 20 minutes in length or as long as determined by the instructor when class size requires it. The presentation should include all team members

Due: Presentations will take place during Units 14 and 15

Grading Guidelines: For team-based assignments, 80% of each student’s grade for the assignment will be the grade given by the instructor for the team’s response to the assignment. All students must participate in team-based assignments, and each team is provided consultative support and guidance by the instructor. Any student failing to contribute regularly may have to undertake the assignment individually, based on the instructor’s decision. 20% of the student’s grade on each assignment will be based on the group’s confidential evaluation of the individual student’s activities to support the group project, compiled through the use of a survey instrument provided by the instructor.

Content (meeting all content requirements as outlined in the assignment handout and syllabus) will receive a total of 60 evaluation points, Critical Analysis (use of critical thinking, drawing upon literature and knowledge, as outlined in the assignment handout and syllabus) will receive a total of 35 evaluation points, and Quality (correct, and effective use of writing skills and format) will be receive a total of 5 evaluation points.