What type of assessment is focused on operational aspects of a program rather than its outcomes?

The focus of a process evaluation is to examine the operational aspects of a program, rather than its outcomes. This type of assessment delves into how a program is implemented, the activities carried out, the participants involved, and the resources utilized. By scrutinizing these elements, process evaluation helps to understand the functioning and quality of the program, enabling administrators and stakeholders to identify strengths and weaknesses in implementation.

Process evaluations can be crucial for improving program efficacy because they provide insights into whether the program was delivered as intended and what factors may influence its success or failure. In contrast, evaluations that focus on outcomes are concerned with the end results of the program, assessing whether specific goals were achieved, which reflects a different aspect of program evaluation and does not consider the operational nuances.