Program Evaluation and Improvement Methodology
Program redesign and improvement can be both chaotic and unproductive without a model that is rigorous, flexible, and reflects the realities of service delivery to individuals and families. That’s why CSF developed our unique Program Evaluation and Improvement Methodology approach to conducting assessments of health and human service programs for their improvement and redesign efforts. Our methodology is a rigorous "people-powered" logic model approach to business analysis and process improvement projects designed specifically for human services programs. It facilitates innovation by identifying specific areas where program improvements can be made, composing alternatives to existing service delivery/practice models, and reality testing of the recommended alternatives through envisioning and modeling workshops. Working collaboratively with key program stakeholders, CSF’s consultants build high-level workflows that illustrate the full sequence of actions, resources, and decision-making points that are typical of cases conducted by the agency’s current service delivery system. These workflows track the "life of the case" and allow our consulting teams to evaluate program structure, service delivery, and performance against the program’s service mission and desired outcomes. Commonly, logic models contain four basic phases in various configurations: Inputs, Activities, Outputs, and Outcomes. What makes the CSF methodology unique are the Engage, Envision, and Empower phases, which enhance the efficacy of the logic model by using a Collaborative Solutions Framework to ensure the input of key project personnel and other stakeholders. This means that at any stage of the project, tasks and activities will incorporate the input and feedback of our client, its partners, and stakeholders, CSF’s experience and expertise and that of peer advisors from across the country, and CSF’s methodology, models, and tools that have been honed by years of experience to produce quality results.