Enhance Program Effectiveness Research Articles

Examining the Receptivity to Tobacco Treatment Information for Individuals Living With Mental Illnesses: A Mixed Method Study.

People living with mental illnesses (MI) have a specific need that requires tailored tobacco treatment (TT) information to be delivered in a desirable, appropriate, and acceptable manner to increase their receptivity. In this mixed-method study, we aimed to develop tailored TT pamphlets for people with MI. In Phase I, we explored perspectives on tailored TT information from mental health providers (MHPs) and individuals with MI. In Phase II, we assessed the desirability, applicability, and acceptability of the developed tailored TT pamphlets. Semistructured interviews were used to obtain qualitative and quantitative data from 16 MHPs and 13 individuals with MIs recruited from an inpatient psychiatric facility. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were used to synthesize the data. The study guides the development of effective approaches, presentations, and content to enhance TT engagement for people with MI. The proposed tailored TT pamphlets proved desirable, applicable, and acceptable for individuals with MI. We recommend developing tailored TT information for people with MI in collaboration with MHPs and the target audience. Clear, concise communication is crucial, ensuring desirability, applicability, and acceptability. Further research should identify effective approaches and evaluate tailored TT materials to enhance program effectiveness.

Implementation of a Poverty and Hunger-Free Village as a Realization of the SDGs

General Background: Poverty and hunger are complex issues targeted by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specific Background: Sumorame Village, Candi District, Sidoarjo Regency, implements programs aimed at poverty and hunger alleviation, focusing on collaboration and resource management. Knowledge Gap: Prior studies have not deeply explored implementation aspects at the village level within the SDGs framework. Aims: This study analyzes the implementation of poverty alleviation programs in Sumorame Village, focusing on communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure. Results: The findings indicate that effective communication and competent human resources are crucial for success. Financial resources are appropriately allocated, though infrastructure remains inadequate. Positive attitudes and strong commitment enhance program effectiveness, while the bureaucratic structure follows proper procedures. Novelty: This study provides an in-depth examination of poverty alleviation in the village context, highlighting the role of communication and resource management. Implications: Regular evaluations of physical resources and infrastructure maintenance are necessary for sustainable poverty reduction. This research offers insights for policymakers and local governments in similar settings. Highlights: Communication: Effective communication with residents is vital for the success of poverty alleviation programs. Resource Allocation: Proper budgeting and competent human resources enhance the program's impact but infrastructure improvements are still needed. Bureaucratic Structure: Adhering to standard operating procedures and defining roles supports program implementation. Keywords: Poverty, Hunger, SDGs, Village Implementation, Resource Management

Empowering rural women: key factors driving participation in livelihood credit programs in Gubalafto woreda, North Wollo, Ethiopia

Background This study investigates the factors influencing rural women’s participation in credit programs in Gubalafto Wereda. Understanding these determinants is crucial for improving program effectiveness and supporting women’s economic empowerment in the region. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a sample of 364 rural women from four kebeles, selected through stratified random sampling based on agro-ecological characteristics. Data were collected via interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, t-tests, and logit regression models to determine the significance of various factors affecting participation. Results Descriptive statistics revealed key associations between participation and factors such as household size, income level, educational status, perception of group collateral, skill training, and distance from lending offices. Chi-square tests showed significant relationships, while t-tests identified differences between participants and non-participants. Logit regression analysis indicated that household size, income level, educational status, group collateral, skill training, and proximity to lending offices significantly influenced credit participation at the 1% level (p<0.01). Experience with income-generating activities and perception of interest rates were significant at the 5% level (p<0.05). Market access was significant at the 10% level (p<0.10). Positive factors included household size and income level, while age, distance from lending offices, and perception of interest rates had negative effects. Conclusion The study highlights that specific factors significantly impact rural women’s participation in credit programs. To enhance program effectiveness, stakeholders should address these determinants and develop robust institutional frameworks with effective monitoring and evaluation systems.

Environmental Education Implementation Analysis by Social Studies Teacher at Junior High School Sukoharjo Regency, Indonesia

Environmental problems pose serious challenges, necessitating urgent action to prevent further damage. Implementing environmental education in junior high schools can engage students in maintaining and preventing environmental harm both within schools and communities. This study aims to evaluate how social studies teachers in Junior High Schools in Sukoharjo Regency implement environmental education and identify their obstacles. Employing a qualitative approach, the research describes data obtained through triangulation techniques, with analysis based on the Miles and Huberman model. Findings reveal that, as of 2022, 36 junior high schools in Sukoharjo Regency have been awarded the Adiwiyata program, categorized into four levels: 33 district-level, 21 provincial-level, four national-level, and four independent-level schools. Positive environmental impacts include maintained cleanliness, reduced pollution, and minimized environmental damage. However, challenges persist, such as limited funding, insufficient quality of human resources, and constrained space. These obstacles hinder the effective implementation of environmental education, underscoring the need for targeted support and resources to enhance program effectiveness.

A Study on the Effectiveness of Self-Esteem Enhancement Program : For Upper Elementary School Students

A Study on the Effectiveness of Self-Esteem Enhancement Program : For Upper Elementary School Students

Building capacity for local public health: lessons from a mixed-methods evaluation of an academic-public health partnership used in response to COVID-19.

The Massachusetts Academic Health Department Consortium (AHD) established the Academic Public Health Volunteer Corps (APHVC) to support Local Health Departments (LHDs, n = 351) to meet rapidly emerging needs during the COVID-19 pandemic through engaging student volunteers. A program evaluation captured lessons learned and informed recommendations for sustainability and future replication. The mixed-methods evaluation leveraged the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Data were stratified by LHD engagement with APHVC. Quantitative surveys informed probes for qualitative focus groups and interviews; findings were categorized into CFIR constructs using a deductive approach. One-fifth of LHDs (n = 76, 27 used APHVC services, 45 did not) completed the survey. Eleven employees participated in follow-up focus groups or interviews. APHVC filled resource gaps, built capacity, and provided high-quality deliverables. LHDs experienced issues with reliability and communication of volunteers and lacked time to train volunteers. CFIR aided in evaluating APHVC in real time, producing actionable recommendations for best practices, dissemination, and future iterations of the program. Results are being used to enhance program effectiveness and sustainability, community health, and health equity across Massachusetts, and may help inform academic practice-based programs across the United States.

Overcoming Infrastructure Challenges to Unlock Food Security in Rural Indonesia

General Background: Food security is a critical issue in rural areas, especially in developing countries, where sustainable agricultural practices and government support play a vital role in ensuring a stable food supply. Specific Background: In Sumorame Village, Candi District, Sidoarjo Regency, the local government has implemented a food security program aimed at improving agricultural productivity and community welfare. Knowledge Gap: Despite the program's significance, little is known about the specific factors influencing its success, particularly in the context of rural governance and local agricultural conditions. Aims: This study aims to describe and analyze the implementation of the food security program in Sumorame Village, focusing on four key factors: communication, resources, disposition, and bureaucratic structure. Results: The findings reveal that communication between the village government, farmers, and community groups has been effective through targeted socialization efforts. Human resources are competent, with strong collaboration among farmer groups. Financial resources have been allocated in accordance with regulations, but physical infrastructure remains inadequate due to limited agricultural land, unfavorable geographical conditions, and suboptimal hydroponic yields. Disposition among stakeholders is positive, with high commitment observed. The bureaucratic structure has been functioning in accordance with established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Novelty: This study highlights the importance of resource optimization, particularly in agricultural infrastructure, and stresses the need for improved technological integration to enhance program outcomes. Implications: The results suggest that strengthening communication and addressing physical resource limitations are crucial for improving food security program effectiveness in rural areas. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers seeking to enhance rural food security initiatives. Highlights: Communication is crucial for successful food security program implementation. Infrastructure limitations present significant challenges to agricultural productivity. Collaboration and commitment among stakeholders enhance program effectiveness. Keywords: Food security, rural governance, agricultural infrastructure, communication, resource optimization

Effectiveness of OpenSID Application in Improving Services in Kemamang Village Bojonegoro

The Bojonegoro District Government, together with the Bojonegoro District Communication and Information Office (KOMINFO), had implemented the use of the OpenSID application as a means of providing better public services. One of the areas where this initiative was being carried out was in Kemamang Village, Balen Sub-district, Bojonegoro District. The objective of this research was to describe the Effectiveness of Implementing the OpenSID Application in Improving Document Services in Kemamang Village. This study employed a qualitative descriptive research method, focusing on effectiveness measurement based on Subagyo’s criteria, which included program targeting accuracy, program socialisation, program goal achievement, and program monitoring. The research findings indicated that the OpenSID programme in Kemamang Village had effectively achieved its goals and objectives. OpenSID had facilitated access and enhanced citizen satisfaction. However, the programme’s socialisation aspect had not been effective, leading to low citizen participation. Intensive socialisation involving the community was necessary. Programme monitoring needed enhancement to identify issues and improve programme quality. The challenge of application maintenance also required attention to ensure programme performance. By undertaking these measures, the OpenSID programme could become more effective and optimal. The implementation of the OpenSID application in Kemamang Village was ineffective in terms of the socialisation and programme monitoring indicators. The lack of citizen engagement in socialisation had resulted in a lack of awareness regarding document creation requirements. Therefore, the Village Government needed to actively participate in planned socialisation methods. Ineffective monitoring has also led to system maintenance issues. Therefore, the Village Government should conduct regular monitoring to address problems and enhance programme effectiveness.

Everybody’s got to learn sometime? A causal machine learning evaluation of training programmes for jobseekers in France

This paper estimates the heterogeneous impact of three types of vocational training- preparation, qualifying, and combined – on jobseekers’ return to employment using the Modified Causal Forest method. Analysing data from 33,699 individuals over 24 months, it reveals a short-term negative lock-in effect for all programmes, persisting in the medium term for combined training. Only qualifying training shows a positive medium-term effect. Seniors, low-skilled, foreign-born, and those with poor job histories benefit most, while youth and higher education levels benefit less. Targeting foreign-born individuals could significantly enhance programme effectiveness, as indicated by the clustering analysis and optimal policy trees.

Narrative synthesis of the effectiveness and characteristics of heart failure disease self-management support programmes.

A deeper understanding of the key elements that should be included in heart failure (HF) disease self-management support (DSMS) programmes is crucial to enhance programme effectiveness and applicability to diverse settings. We investigated the characteristics and effectiveness of DSMS programmes designed to improve survival and decrease acute care readmissions for people with HF and determine the generalizability and applicability of the evidence to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). A narrative meta-synthesis approach was used, and systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of DSMS programmes were included. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, and Embase were searched without language restriction and guided by the adapted Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. Eight high-quality systematic reviews were identified representing 250 studies, of which 138 were unique RCTs measuring the outcomes of interest. The findings revealed statistically significant reductions in HF readmissions [relative risk (RR) range 0.64-0.85, P<0.5, five out of six reviews], all-cause readmissions (RR range 0.85-0.95, P<0.5, five out of six reviews), and all-cause mortality (RR range 0.67-0.87, P<0.5, five out of five reviews). Overall, 44.2% (n=61) of RCTs reduced acute care readmission and improved survival. Studies were categorized according to intensity (low, moderate, moderate+, and high) based on the opportunity for immediate treatment of HF instability; 29.2% (14/48) of low-intensity, 63.6% (21/33) of moderate-intensity, 40% (6/15) of moderate+-intensity, and 47.6% (20/42) of high-intensity interventions were effective. Most effective programmes used moderate-intensity (39.4%, 48%, or 50%, respectively) or high-intensity (33.3%, 36%, and 43.7%, respectively) interventions. The majority of studies (90.6%) were conducted in high-income countries. Programmes that provided opportunities for early recognition and response to HF instability were more likely to reduce acute care readmission and enhance survival. Generalizability and applicability to LMICs are clearly limited. Tailoring HF DSMS programmes to accommodate cultural, resource, and environmental challenges requires careful consideration of intervention intensity, duration of follow-up, and feasibility in low-resource settings.

Effectiveness of LEP activities in enhancing EFL students' oral communication skills at King Khalid University

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the effectiveness of Language Enhancement Program (LEP) activities in enhancing the oral communication skills of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students at King Khalid University.Design/methodology/approachA mixed-method study design was used. Simple random sampling techniques were adopted to recruit the study participants. For the survey, a total of 58 male students were recruited and for interviews, 20 male students were selected. The 58 participants were randomly divided into experimental and control groups. The traditional method was adopted to teach the control group, while LEP activities were conducted to teach the experimental group.FindingsA post-test was conducted to examine the oral communication skills of the participants of the experimental group. The scores of both groups were analyzed using a t-test value at a significant level of 0.05. The content analysis method was adopted to assess the enhancement of the oral communication of the students enrolled in the LEP. The questionnaires and interview results showed that the LEP program has a central focus on improving students' oral communication skills.Research limitations/implicationsIt is limited to the EFL students at King Khalid University.Practical implications LEP is a good program and can be implemented in Saudi Universities.Social implicationsStudents can interact with one another through the LEP activities that promote their English proficiency as well as their personality characteristics.Originality/valueThe paper spells out the role of LEP activities in improving students' oral communication in English and students' opinions about LEP activities in enhancing their English language in different types of communicative contexts. Further, it suggests some pedagogical implications for overcoming the difficulties faced by EFL students in various communicative contexts.

O.4.4-2 Cross-sectoral sporting programs aimed at children from low-income families: lessons learnt from the Netherlands

Abstract Purpose Children from low-income families participate less often in sport and physical activity than children from high-income families. In the Netherlands, sporting programs were implemented by sports clubs in collaboration with other local organizations to stimulate physical activity among children from poor families. These programs were funded by the Dutch government within the program ‘Sport Impulse Youth from Low Income Neighborhoods’ (2014-2020). The aim of the research was to get insight into the implementation and successfulness of these sporting programs with regard to increasing sport participation among the target group. Methods After the two-year funding period, online questionnaires were sent to project coordinators and group interviews were conducted with project coordinators and collaborating partners (funding period 2014-2017). During the final funding period (2018-2020), also group interviews were conducted with participating children and parents. The research focused on the reach and implementation of the programs, involvement of parents, experienced effects, and factors influencing sport participation among the target group. Results Sporting programs were often adapted to the local context. Furthermore, there was little collaboration with key figures in the neighborhood that were close to the target group. The target group was predominantly reached through providing sport activities at schools in low-income neighborhoods. Providing different sport activities and personal guidance, stimulated children’s participation. However, a lack of follow-up activities and a lack of parental involvement, hindered structural sport participation. Conclusions The target group can be reached with these kind of sporting programs. To enhance program effectiveness, it is important to involve parents and to ensure suited follow-up activities are available. Furthermore, it is important that the sport coach is someone who is familiar with the background of the target group. Moreover, collaborations with key figures in the neighborhood could help in attracting more participants. Finally, adaptations in sporting programs should be thoroughly monitored. Funding source This study was funded by ZonMw, The Netherlands.

AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE READING ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM AND LITERARY COMPETENCE OF THE GRADE 7 STUDENTS

This Experimental research study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the reading enhancement program to the Literary Competence of Grade 7 students. It used quantitative methodology in the gathering of data through the pretest and posttest conducted in both experimental and control groups. The subjects of the study were the Grade 7 students of Camanlangan National High School. They were composed of two heterogeneous sections with 40 students per group. The experimental group was exposed to the Different Learning Approaches using the Differentiated Instruction (DI) while the control group used the traditional method of instruction. It was found out that there was a significant gain in the literary competence in the areas of Contextual Knowledge, Knowledge about Reading, Literary Reading Skills, and Textual Knowledge, of the students after the intervention. Furthermore, the students eagerly responded to the application of different teaching strategies as well as the use of Differentiated Instructions. It was therefore concluded that this enhancement program is an effective method of enhancing the Literary Competence and is recommended that the school administration must encourage and support the use of this approach by exposing teachers to different fora and symposia/seminars and workshops to improve their instructional competence in reading delivery so as to provide updated techniques in improving reading skills of the students. They are encouraged to give ample time to discuss the basics of grammar, especially in the rules of subject-verb agreement, the basic sentence patterns, and the different tenses of the verb, which are crucial to developing literary competence in students. KEYWORDS: Literary Competence, Contextual Knowledge, Knowledge about Reading, Literary Reading Skills, Textual Knowledge, Differentiated Instruction, Experimental research,

Development and effectiveness of a cognitive enhancement program based on a mobile application for preventing dementia: a study focusing on older adults who use senior citizen centers

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a mobile application on quality of life, wellness, and preventive behaviors against dementia among older adults who use senior citizen centers.Methods: Seventy-two older adults who used senior citizen centers were allocated to an intervention group (n=36) and a control group (n=36). The experimental treatment involved a cognitive enhancement program for preventing dementia using a mobile application for 12 sessions over 6 weeks. Data were analyzed using the t-test, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, paired t-test, and independent t-test.Results: The cognitive enhancement program based on a mobile application was effective for wellness (t = -3.87, p &lt; .001) and preventive behaviors against dementia (t = -3.98, p &lt; .001) for older adults who used a senior center.Conclusion: The mobile application-based cognitive enhancement program developed in this study is recommended as an effective intervention for dementia prevention in older adults.

Development and Verification of Integrated Communication Enhancement Program Using Non-Violent Communication Model

본 연구의 목적은 비폭력대화 모델을 활용하여 기독교인을 위한 의사소통능력 증진 프로그램을 개발하고 효과를 검증하는 것이다. 통합적 의사소통능력 증진 프로그램은 비폭력 대화 모델을 활용하여 대인 의사소통능력 증진을 위한 프로그램과 하나님께 비폭력적 기도와 같은 소통 프로그램을 부가하여 개발하였다. 연구대상은 실험군이 11명, 대조군이 13명이었으며, 통합적 의사소통능력 증진 프로그램을 시행하였다. 실험은 비동등성 대조군 사전-사후 유사실험설계를 하였고, 프로그램은 총 6주간 진행하였다. 연구 결과, 첫째, 통합적 의사소통능력 증진 프로그램에 참여한 실험군은 대조군보다 의사소통능력이 유의하게 증가하였다. 둘째, 통합적 의사소통능력 증진 프로그램에 참여한 실험군은 대조군보다 대인관계능력의 하위요인인 권리 및 불쾌감 주장이 유의하게 증가하였다. 셋째, 통합적 의사소통능력 증진 프로그램에 참여한 실험군과 대조군은 종교적 안녕감에서 유의한 차이가 없었다. 비폭력 대화를 활용한 통합적 의사소통 능력의 증진은 대인관계에서의 자기 권리를 찾고 부정적 정서를 불쾌하지 않게 주장할 수 있는 역량이 증진되어, 대학생들의 사회 활동에서의 불이익을 예방할 수 있는 효과적인 프로그램으로 판단되었다. 그러나 하나님과의 소통을 측정할 수 있는 적절한 도구가 없어, 대신적 의사소통능력을 측정하지 못한 한계점도 나타났다. 후속연구에서는 대신적 소통을 측정할 수 있는 도구개발과 대신관계 증진을 위한 프로그램의 개발 및 효과 검정 연구가 진행되기를 기대한다.The purpose of this study is to develop and verify the effectiveness of a communication skills enhancement program for Christians applying the nonviolent communication model. The integrated communication ability promotion program was developed by adding a program for improving interpersonal communication ability and a communication program such as praying nonviolently to God. The subjects of the study were 11 people in the experimental group and 13 people in the control group, and we implemented an integrated communication skill promotion program for the experimental group. The experiment was designed with a non-equivalent control pre-post similar experiment design, and the program was conducted for a total of 6 weeks. As a result of the study, first, the experimental group showed a significant increase in communication ability compared to the control group. Second, assertion of rights and displeasure, which are sub-factors of interpersonal ability, increased significantly in the experimental group than in the control group. Third, there was no significant difference in religious well-being between the experimental group and the control group. The promotion of integrated communication skills using nonviolent dialogue is judged to be an effective program that can prevent college students from being disadvantaged in social activities by improving their ability to find their rights in interpersonal relationships and assert negative emotions without being offended. It became. However, there was no appropriate tool to measure communication with God, so there was a limitation in measuring the ability to communicate with God. In follow-up studies, it is expected that the development of tools to measure communication with God, the development of programs to improve relationships with God, and research on the effectiveness of tests will be conducted.

Adventure Therapy for Adolescents with Complex Trauma: A Scoping Review and Analysis

Background: Childhood adversity is linked with mental health concerns, including complex trauma (CT), whereas positive experiences may be restorative. Treatment for CT with adolescents commonly uses therapies administered indoors. Yet outdoor adventure, being rich in positive experiences, may also be appropriate. Purpose: This article examines how adventure practices may be healing for adolescents with CT. Methodology/Approach: A scoping review of literature since 2014 on adventure therapy (AT) for 12- to 18-year-olds with CT was undertaken. Refining searches from six databases identified six texts which met inclusion criteria. A seventh paper was added manually. Findings/Conclusions: CT-informed adventure tended toward a tri-phasic approach: safety, processing, and integration. Adventure benefits included improvements in attachment, skills, schemas, and stress management. An ecological approach was identified, through the analysis, as were some well-intended but harmful practices that a human rights-based practice framework may help avoid. Implications: Adopting an ecological and human rights-based approach as frames for AT research and practice may yield new insights and enhance program effectiveness for youth with CT. This should apply to adventure generally and specifically to AT; however, more research is needed given the paucity of available texts.

A Study to Assess the Effectiveness of Self Enhancement Program for Nursing Students (Sepns) on Raising Self- Esteem among Nursing Students in selected, Nursing College Padhar Betul M.p.

Introduction: Self esteem is an emotional component that is essential for psychological survival. Without self esteemmany basic and emotional need going unmet. Awareness regarding self esteem is an important factor to differentiatebetween human and animals. Self Esteem Program is a motivation program specifically designed to make people feelgood about themselves and to give a boost of enhancement to their self esteem.Method: The present study adopted Evaluating research approach. One group pre test post test design was used toassess the effectiveness of self enhancement program for nursing student. In the study the sample comprised of 26undergraduate nursing students of college of nursing students padhar was fulfilling the inclusive criteria. Convenientsampling technique was used to select the sample.Result: The data presented in the study show that out of 26 subjects majority 18 (69.23%) participants belonged to agegroup of 17-22 years, and similar majority were females, Most of them 11(42.30%) had a family monthly income Rs. 2000-10000 per month. The mean pre test score was 26.42, whereas mean post test score 35.76. The data depicts that the obtainedt value was 10.76 and p value 0.001.Conclusion: After exclusive data interpretation it has been found that self esteem has significantly improved compared topre test. Thus it can be concluded that Self Esteem Enhancement Program for Nursing Students (SEPNS) found effectiveto enhance the self esteem among undergraduate nursing students.

Effects of Motivation Program in Work Exercise Movement Based on COM-B Model for Reducing Sedentary Behaviors of Office Employees: A Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Covid-19 affects health behaviors in terms of less physical activity and increased sedentary behavior of office employees, which is a cause of non-communicable diseases. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of a motivational enhancement program in work exercise movement (MEP in WEM) based on the Capability Opportunity Motivation Behavior (COM-B) model. Materials and Methods: The cluster randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were designed to collect data and test the program’s effectiveness. Fifty-eight officers, divided into two groups, with 28 officers in the experimental group and 30 officers in the control group, were included in this study. This was calculated by statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences with an effect size of 0.80, p-value 0.05. The data were collected from the Likert rating scale with a Cronbach’s reliability score of 0.776 to 0.911. The MEP ran for 11 weeks with 12 intervention activities between April and July 2021. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used for data analyses. Results: After participation, employees’ motivation (mean 3.12, SD 0.520) and sedentary behavior (mean 2.65, SD 0.691) were at a high level, and the MEP in WEM was significantly effective in enhancing motivation. Additionally, the experimental group had the higher motivation and less sedentary behavior than the control group before participating in the intervention at a significance level of 0.05. Conclusion: This ME program should be used to initiate policies in promoting physical activity of office employees. Keywords: Sedentary behavior; COM-B; Employee; Motivation; Work exercise; Motivational program

Assessing the Impact of the Family Hope Program on Mitigating Economic Underdevelopment in Berastagi City

This research investigates the effectiveness of the Family Hope Program (FHP) as a strategy to mitigate economic underdevelopment in Berastagi City, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the study evaluates the FHP's impact on economic indicators, human capital development, and community engagement. Quantitative data, gathered through structured surveys among program beneficiaries, is complemented by qualitative insights from interviews and case studies. Findings indicate notable improvements in household income, access to education, and healthcare services among beneficiaries. The program's emphasis on community engagement and holistic support fostered a sense of empowerment and social cohesion within the community. However, challenges persist, including limited economic diversification and infrastructural deficiencies. Recommendations underscore the need for economic diversification, infrastructure development, and community-driven initiatives to enhance program effectiveness. Contextualized within existing developmental theories, the conclusions drawn advocate for adaptive strategies and collaborative efforts to foster sustainable socio-economic development. This research provides insights guiding policymakers and stakeholders in shaping targeted interventions for inclusive and resilient development in Berastagi City.

A novel element of comprehensive program evaluation: Using a domain matrix design

AbstractObjectiveThis brief presents a novel element of program evaluation, termed a domain matrix design, and demonstrates the application of the design element with an example from a collaborative evaluation project focused on the Department of the Air Force's Personal Financial Readiness program.BackgroundUtilizing sound scientific principles and employing a replicable approach to program evaluation, the domain matrix design is an adaptable approach to quantitative data collection for program evaluation that minimizes participant survey burden while maximizing available data.MethodThis goal is primarily achieved through the identification of domains of measurable training outcomes that are pertinent to the evaluation and then the strategic assignment of program participants to survey assessment groups that provide sufficient, but limited, overlap of these domains.ResultsThe proposed approach provides sufficient data on all outcome domains, and analyses can be utilized to examine how each domain is linked to other domains as outlined in the program's logic model, while also minimizing the participant burden and streamlining data collection.ConclusionThis brief serves as an example of bridging evaluation to meet internal program stakeholders' needs with opportunities to contribute to the broader research community, specifically the fields of family science and evaluation. That is, the example project demonstrates how evaluation can meet both the internal needs of program stakeholders (e.g., does this program work for us? what modifications are needed to enhance program effectiveness?) and the external needs of the research community (e.g., broad dissemination of findings to share and compare results).