Clarifying Project (GW Mem. Pkywy)

41035Forum 2 Clarifying your project
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There are several types of evaluation methods – descriptive, causal, etc. You can find information on several of them at BetterEvaluation which can be found at http://www.betterevaluation.org/en/start_here/decide_which_method . For this forum decide which type your evaluation falls under. Take that specific model and answer the following about your project specifically: Describe your activity in more succinct form. To whom will the evaluations findings be reported? What is your timeline for releasing the findings? Please review all the resources linked to this page.

Next, create your own planning framework. Linked on the main page through the Rainbow Framework or specifically at http://www.betterevaluation.org/sites/default/files/Frame%20-%20Compact.pdf . Create your own frame for your project. What evaluation questions will you ask? What activities are planned? What type of data collection, etc.? Who has ultimate responsibility and who is the audience? The first part of this forum should help you with the second part. Both are required.

I do realize you might be working with existing data and that is fine. You may report the procedures that are currently being used if they are available. Due to the time constraints in the class we will not have time to collect our own. Some of the answers you will have to extrapolate from what you are able to collect. This might mean looking at the structure of Park administration as well.

Writer:
This was my initial post last week which I wrote:

In reviewing the listing on the National Park Services website, I have chosen to select the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP). Many may wonder why pick a popular roadway? The reason what GWMP offers a great running trail which I run quite often, also along this scenic route your able to our Nation’s Capital iconic monuments, but, directly accessible via the parkway is the US Marine Corps Iwo Jima Memorial (Despite being former US Army it still resonates with me) and also houses former President L. B. Johnson Memorial Groves. The parkway connect to several attractions in close proximity but stretches from the Great Falls all the way down to Mount Vernon area in Alexandria (U.S. National Park Service, n.d.)

For the evaluation aspect of this assignment I would like to look at the visitor data and correlate the data set with use of program(s) offered such as the Ranger-led tours. Possibly this correlation could determine the efficacy of said program(s) and overall outreach of public relations campaign across the spectrums. How does the generation of tourism in this area relate to the cost in operation and maintenance. (For instances the Memorial Bridge restoration project). In regards to Parkways GWMP is only one of five I believe that NPS manages and I also think it would be interesting to measure the efficacy across the different parkways such as Blue Ridge Parkway etc. I also understand as a Public Administrator understand the financial impact can be essential but comparing to many data sets can create problems as not each data set with will address certain intricacies like major events in areas such Inauguration, Fourth of July or Cherry Blossom Festival.

Reference

U.S. National Park Service (George Washington Memorial Parkway). (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/gwmp/index.htm

The Professors’ response:

You have selected an interesting project that entails multiple sites. You will need to minimize the amount of data you are collecting from surveys so it is managed, i.e., so it can be included in an appraisal given the time limitations of this course?

Dr. M.

I am available to assist if needed reach me via what’s app or email.