| Session Title: Can These Checklists Work? Simplifying Cost and Sustainability Evaluations |
| Think Tank Session 738 to be held in International Ballroom E on Saturday, November 10, 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM |
| Sponsored by the Graduate Student and New Evaluator TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Lori Wingate, Western Michigan University, lori.wingate@wmich.edu |
| Discussant(s): |
| Nadini Persaud, Western Michigan University, npersaud07@yahoo.com |
| Daniela C Schroeter, Western Michigan University, daniela.schroeter@wmich.edu |
| Abstract: Serious and sophisticated cost analyses and sustainability evaluations are two fundamental but often neglected aspects of professional evaluation. However, knowing that a program is responsible for certain outcomes is of little value in a political environment. The quintessential question at the end of the day pertains to "costs" and "sustainability." To thwart the neglect of these components of evaluation, this think tank introduces two checklists that can be used by novice and experienced evaluators to conduct cost and sustainability evaluations. After providing the audience with a brief overview of both checklists, attendees break into small groups to explore the strengths and weaknesses of each checklist. At the end of discussion both groups reconvene to share their enhanced understanding by providing constructive feedback to the checklist authors. |