Evaluating Partnership Programs: Challenges and Approaches

Sun, 08/31/2008 - 12:52 — Cristina Sette

Publication Type:

Conference Proceedings

Authors:

Sue Funnell

Source:

2006 International Conference, Australian Evaluation Society, Holiday Inn Esplanade, Darwin, Australia (2006)

Keywords:

Evaluation; ILAC Newsletter; partnership

Abstract:

These organisations may vary greatly in terms of sector, size, structure, objectives, objectives, modus operandi and the nature of their contribution to the overall objectives of the partnership as a whole. With respect to purpose and mode of operation, partnerships vary in terms of their relative emphasis on communication, cooperation, co-ordination and collaboration. Partnerships can be evaluated from many perspectives. This paper addresses two of those perspectives, namely, how to evaluate: ? the effectiveness of a program that is run by a partnership, given the challenges that such programs present ? the way in which the partnership itself functions as a partnership. It reports on the methodology of an evaluation (in progress) of the NSW Our Environment it's a living thing (OEILT) Partnership Program. The paper shows how the evaluation is applying some principles and methodologies that have been used in the European context by Toulemonde, Fontaine, Laudren and Vincke (1998) as partial technical solutions to challenges confronted in evaluating partnership programs. The paper also reports on the application and adaptation of a particular tool (the Nuffield Partnership Assessment Tool) for evaluating how well the partnership itself is functioning. The author is the evaluation project leader with assistance from Larraine Larri and wishes also to thank the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation for its willingness to have this paper presented.