What is the primary purpose of program evaluation?

The primary purpose of program evaluation is to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of a program in meeting its goals. This involves collecting and analyzing data to determine whether the program is achieving its intended outcomes and how well it is utilizing resources. By focusing on effectiveness, evaluation examines the degree to which a program produces desired changes or impacts on the target population. Efficiency, on the other hand, evaluates how well the program converts inputs (like time, money, and resources) into outputs, which helps in understanding whether the program is cost-effective.

In the context of program management and improvement, this evaluation provides vital feedback to stakeholders, helping them make informed decisions about program continuity, modification, or scaling. While other aspects such as funding allocation and compliance with regulations may play important roles in program operations, they are secondary to the primary goal of evaluating whether the program serves its intended purpose effectively and efficiently. Thus, the focus on assessing both effectiveness and efficiency solidifies the reason why this answer is the most relevant in understanding program evaluation's primary role.