First Stage - Define the Aim

Stage 1

The single most important element is the definition of the aim of the programme or project. If an evaluation’s function is to measure the programme’s success, it is necessary to know what the programme aims to do. It is East Oxford Action's experience that this is where a lot of problems arise, both in terms of power - with different groups vying to define the aim, and in terms of lack of clarity – with different groups having different interpretations of the aim and thus different views on whether the project has been a success.

The function of the evaluator in this process is to mediate between those with differing views on the aim of the project, and to enable them to resolve their differences and to come if possible to a consensus on the aim. At the end of the stage the group should have negotiated and agreed one aim. Where the evaluation has not started at the beginning of the programme the differences over the aim between those involved can often explain the problems the project is encountering and part of this stage of the workshop much time may need to be devoted to exploring this. Workshops undertaken at the middle and end of the programme repeat the question. This reveals whether the aim has changed or perhaps even needs to be. In cases where there has been disagreement over the aims in the first evaluation it is useful to see whether these differences have been resolved.