- The purpose
- Programme structure
- The available resources
Purpose can be determined by finding out answers to the questions like who initiated, what is to be evaluated and when should it be completed. Programme structure deals with designing, carrying out and reporting the evaluation procedure. Resources include materials and facilities to support data collection, analysis and report..
For example, to evaluate the share price fluctuations of British Airways in 2010 one should analyze the data regarding world economy to volcanic ash issue. The data may contain details of recent employee’s strike to matters of no relevance at all. To evaluate the given situation one has to critically analyze the role of these various components in share price. One has to judge the pros and cons of each aspect on share price to evaluate it scientifically.
Once We Knew, We Can Apply
Apply simply means the use of learned theories, knowledge and skills to solve a problem or to explain a new situation. It’s the application of knowledge acquired from one context to another. For example, once a manager learned the Total Quality Management theory he can apply it in his organization for effective management.
According to Sousa DA(2009:54)
apply is the level refers to the ability to use the learned material in new situations with a minimum direction. It includes the application of such things as rules, concepts and methods and theories to solve problems. The learner uses convergent thinking to select, transfer and apply data to complete a new task
Previous experiences of decision-makings can be applied for current and future decision-making process. For this, relevant critical knowledge should be identified and acquired. Critical thinking in the process of evaluation leads to acquiring critical knowledge about a particular situation. In appropriate other situations this knowledge can be applied to solve problems and to test theories. Jennex M.E(2005:8)
Apply: Theory in practical situation
Application of knowledge is everywhere in real life situations. Students learn multiplication table and apply it to calculate total amount needed to distribute sweets in the class. Content theory is applied while fixing rewards to employees and so on.
Real estate agents apply law of demand (sometimes unknowingly) and some skills to increase property value. Availability of land is almost constant and as per law of demand, the price of land will increase as the demand increases. Again, the price of a property is decided to a great extent by the price of nearby properties. If a property sold out for an amount higher than existing rate, the prices of nearby properties will increase accordingly. Realizing this, agents buy properties and propagate that they had bought it for higher prices. Then potential buyers start to think that the propagated one is the actual price. These operations are an effective application of theory and knowledge, which help them to make huge profit.
Synthesis–mixing to get something new
Synthesize means to combine two or more sources in order to get something new. It is a complex one as it includes all other skills one learned. Moreover the result of the synthesizing should be more than the sum of the components.
To synthesize one has to figure out the relationship between the constituents, as it may not be obvious. The balance of information should be maintained, as one source may appear to contain all information. Moreover, synthesis requires a high level of thinking. (Sharpe P.J 2006:136)
Integration of Different Views
Synthesis summarizes several evaluation results and draws conclusions based on data and discussion. It is the perfect integration of different viewpoints.
If a group of people evaluates a case, they may reach in a number of conclusions. Each may be substantiated with proper application of theory and knowledge of individuals in the group. To synthesis these views high level of thinking is essential.
The output must take in to account of all the arguments at the same time it should be above the sum total of individual arguments.
Sharpe P.J (2006:136) says synthesize different viewpoints, experience or facts means combining them to form a single expression. Thus the synthesis of different views brings the most relevant picture or solution for a situation or problem.
Human resource management is a synthesis of management theories and psychological concepts. Here the principles of appropriate management theories are integrated with psychological aspects to form a new system to motivate and manage people effectively.
References
Anderson J and poole M(2001)Asssignment and thesis(4)9-9
Jennex M.E(2005:8) Case studies in knowledge management, Hershey: Idea group publishing
Sousa DA(2009:54). How the Gifted Brain Learns, London: sage ltd
Mathison S(2005).Encyclopedia of evaluation, California: sage pubclications Inc
Rossi P.H, Lipsey M.W, Freeman H.E(2004) Evaluation: a systematic approach,
7th edn, Thousands Oaks: Sage publications.
Winebrenner S(2001) Teaching Gifted Kids in the Regular Classroom: Strategies and Techniques, Minneapolis: Free spirit publishing
Jennex M.E(2005:8) Case studies in knowledge management, Hershey: Idea group publishing
