Using macro variables in program evaluation

This paper discusses the importance of using macro-level variables for program analysis. It is argued that three types of macro variables--cultural, economic, and demographic--provide a context for evaluation, and offer alternative explanations for the success or failure of a program. The problems of causality and availability of data are discussed. Macro variables are seen to be especially useful in "meta evaluation," and in integrating the results of specific program evaluations into general conclusions.     

The utilization of prevailing evaluation policy in the selection of performance measures

This study considers the problem of inferring a functional evaluation criterion from existing performance measure policies. The objective is to develop a rational basis by which to adaptively evaluate a current best set of performance measures from alternative sets. The analysis is based on a matrix approach for relating system characteristics to performance measures across a set of activities. A procedure for ranking measure combinations which are candidate implementation alternatives is devised using this matrix representation and cost information. An example illustrating the procedure is presented.     

Behavioral evaluation of a state program of deinstitutionalization of the developmentally disabled

The purpose of this study was to evaluate one phase of a statewide program of deinstitutionalizing developmentally disabled individuals. Forty adults who had spent a minimum of six months in community placements were evaluated with respect to changes in behavior associated with movement out of state institutions and into community settings such as group homes and day activity centers. Pre- and post-deinstitutionalization measures were taken with the Behavior Development Survey. Post-deinstitutionalization measures on Cataldo and Risley's Resident Activity Manifest were compared to the same measures obtained on 159 developmentally disabled individuals scheduled for deinstitutionalization. A consistent pattern of positive changes on both instruments favored deinstitutionalization, but changes could not be unequivocally attributed to movement out of the institutions per se.     

Pragmatic decisions in the evaluation of consumer satisfaction with mental health treatment

This article examines pragmatic choices which must be made in conducting consumer satisfaction assessment of mental health treatment. It is argued that choices involving sample, format, and procedure for examining satisfaction may influence the results of such research, and must be considered when creating or evaluating these efforts. These choices are examined in detail.     

Evaluating employee assistance programs. A review of methods, outcomes, and future directions

Renewed interest in assisting troubled employees has led to an upsurge in the development of employee assistance programs, coupled with demands for demonstrable effectiveness. This review examines the nature and scope of these programs, their administrative and methodological context, and the types and outcomes of evaluation studies conducted thus far. Proposals for improving future investigations through a number of different approaches and strategies are then made.     

On the limiting properties of social indicators

Characteristics of the population and economic measures that constitute traditional social indicators are compared with more recent “quality of life” measures to demonstrate that social indicators are always value statements at the policy level. The possibility of alternative perspectives is illustrated. It is suggested that an awareness of the assumptions implicit in any given indicator is as important as the data they provide.     

电商参与会促进农户农产品质量认证吗?——基于黄土高原苹果优势产区农户的分析

作为数字经济新业态的农产品电子商务成为促进农业高质量发展的有效途径。基于黄土高原苹果优势产区农户实地调研数据,使用多维固定效应模型分析电商参与对农户农产品质量认证的影响;利用中介效应模型和KHB方法剖析电商参与促进农户农产品质量认证的作用机制。研究结果表明:电商参与能够显著提升农户农产品质量认证的概率,同时增加了多重质量认证的可能;参与电商通过提高农户农产品质量认证意愿、增加农产品市场信息以及促进农产品品牌建设三个途径影响农产品质量认证。在此基础上,提出应加强农村信息基础设施建设与电商技术培训,提高农产品质量认证和品牌推广等对策,以此促进农户进行农产品质量认证,实现农业高质量发展。     

黄河流域数字经济与新型城镇化耦合协调及驱动机制

黄河流域生态保护和高质量发展重大国家战略背景下,推动数字经济和新型城镇化深度融合是保障黄河长治久安的必然要求。通过阐释数字经济与新型城镇化的耦合协调机制,构建数字经济测度指标体系、新型城镇化评价指标体系,运用熵值法测度评价2012-2021年黄河流域数字经济、新型城镇化综合发展水平,利用耦合协调模型、空间自相关模型、地理探测器等方法,从时序演变和空间特征两方面分析黄河流域数字经济与新型城镇化的耦合协调发展水平及耦合协调度驱动机制。研究发现:(1)黄河流域数字经济和新型城镇化综合发展指数呈上升趋势;(2)从时序演变看,黄河流域数字经济与新型城镇化的耦合度、协调度及耦合协调度均有所提升,其中耦合协调度呈轻度失调 濒临失调 勉强协调演变,由衰退失调型转向过渡磨合型,整体未达到协调发展;从空间特征看,耦合协调度呈“南高北低”的空间格局;(3)不同驱动因子对黄河流域数字经济与新型城镇化耦合协调度的影响具有显著时间异质性和空间异质性。据此,提出推动黄河流域数字经济与新型城镇化耦合协调发展的对策建议。