Evaluation for Management & Development

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2008:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

The subject is based on an assumption that leaders and managers need timely, systematic information for use in decision-making about programs (and policies) for which they are responsible. The focus is on internal evaluations within organisations (for example schools, government agencies and businesses) which have adopted a learning organisation focus. Students are exposed to program planning techniques such as program logic/ and evaluability assessment. Other topics include evaluative techniques to develop and improve programs. These include needs assessment; translation of search conferences into local action; development of policy from innovative practice; and various approaches to implementation including action research and empowerment evaluation. Students are exposed to a range of data management approaches and reporting, via case studies used during class sessions.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• appraise critically various approaches to evaluation for management and development;
• demonstrate an understanding of how evaluation can assist with the development and design of a new program, or in the refinement or consolidation of an existing program;
• apply skills associated with planning and implementation within the overall management of programs and organizations.

Generic Skills:

On completing this subject students should be able to:

• consider ways in which organisations operate when adopting a learning orientation;
• appreciate the need for well-articulated programs (and policies) and be able to develop them;
• demonstrate an understanding of how evaluation can assist with the development and design of a new program, or monitoring or clarification of an existing program;
• apply specific techniques to management and development situations.