Implementation

Implementation describes (a) the act of putting into practice the plans to complete an evaluation and (b) a type of evaluation. To implement plans is to use resources in intended ways to accomplish evaluation goals. An implementation evaluation assesses the extent to which planned activities and operations are in place. It is common in evaluation literature to see process and implementation used interchangeably to describe the same type of study; for example, of a program that is in place and using resources earmarked for specified goals. The conclusions from an implementation evaluation are more likely to be estimates of the extent of compliance with a plan rather than a yes or no determination. Such studies are essential because implementation problems are a common cause of ...