Evaluation

For a successful undertaking - regardless if it is a small project or a comprehensive programme - it is necessary to systematically reflect on its performance and effects, and thereby initiate and sustain learning processes. Evaluation, as we understand and implement it, should not only take a view of social action as a phenomenon to be analysed from the outside. At the same time, evaluation should strive to initiate, encourage and support learning processes. We have conceptualised our evaluations based upon this idea, which can, depending on its objectives, include different elements and focal points: the scope reaches from training and counselling to self-evaluation - especially by applying the methods of moderation to facilitate finding and setting goals as well as methods to reach them - to complex research designs such as panel studies with control groups. We can meet these requirements based on our extensive knowledge on empirical social studies, on the one hand, and our expertise in supporting organisational processes on the other. We study and assist the implementation of projects, evaluate the structure and quality of working processes as well as examine the effects of strategic interventions.

The team at Zoom e.V. has gathered experience in the evaluation of projects and programmes on the local, national (Ministry of Social Affairs Model Project, EQUAL Programme evaluation) and EU (evaluation of EU funded projects) level. The language skills of the team (English, Italian, Spanish, French, and Portuguese) naturally facilitate the evaluation of transnational projects. Due to our proximity to practice and our own experience in projects, we understand the significance, potential and limits of evaluation. In our view, our interest in social processes and the close co-operation with the organisations being evaluated is a prerequisite for a successful evaluation.

Evaluation "Job & Sports"
In the EU-Leonardo project "jobs & sports," we document and evaluate different approaches for communicating social competencies in order to increase the employability of disadvantaged youth.

Additionally, project evaluations have been conducted on the transnational projects "CREE"and "strategies & effects."