Communications
At Charterfield, we design educational programming ranging from classroom teaching materials to programs for museums and historic sites, as well as training workshops. We focus on creating engaging programs that involve participants in active learning while meeting program objectives. By applying what they are learning to solve a problem or ‘step into someone else’s shoes,’ participants gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter and connect their own experiences to their new knowledge. We have a particular expertise in reaching newcomer and ESL audiences, gained through our hands-on experience in the settlement sector in Canada as well as overseas.
We are experienced in devising research plans, performing web-based research, preparing focus group guides, conducting focus groups and one-on-one interviews, analyzing the data, and summarizing the results.
Performance
We consult extensively with clients when developing risk assessments, logic models, and performance indicators. With a risk assessment, you gain an understanding of the factors in your business that could lead to not achieving your objectives, and the severity of those factors (i.e., the likelihood of a risk materializing and the impact if it did materialize). With this knowledge, your organization can then work towards developing appropriate mitigation. If required, we can also help facilitate this process and play a challenge role based on our experience in management control frameworks.
Performance information enables you to track the key results of your business. For this, there are two fundamental performance planning tools that are used: logic models and performance indicators. A logic model lays out in a flow diagram the activities and the direct, indirect, and final outcomes. A logic model allows management to see in one image how the activities of their organization lead to the final outcomes. It is useful as a communication tool with staff and outside partners, as well as to confirm that the activity level is appropriate for the desired outcomes. From a performance perspective, it allows the development of meaningful performance indicators that target specific outcomes. Performance indicators are mainly percentages or ratios, designed to measure the incremental increase in the achievement of objectives over time. By measuring the indirect outcomes, and sometimes the direct outcomes, management is informed about the progress of the organization.
Our approach is to clearly understand client expectations and to consult with our client and their staff throughout the assignment to reflect the culture and objectives of the organization. We conduct interviews to gain awareness of the issues as experienced in various levels of the organization, as well as workshops when an assessment is required in a risk or performance context. We fit our methodology around how you work, so there is no learning curve for the client.
Consultants at Charterfield have extensive experience in program evaluation with the federal government and with non-government organizations. We provide meaningful and independent reflection on the success and relevancy of programs. Our findings are supported by multiple lines of evidence so that program management and funders can rely on our conclusions. We conduct a comprehensive review of information based on consultation with stakeholders followed by a thorough and balanced analysis that results in practical recommendations. Our program evaluations give you the tools to make course corrections toward fuller achievement of program objectives and to demonstrate the value of your program. |
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