Program evaluations & reviews
ORIMA Research is experienced in conducting program evaluations and reviews for the public sector, including:
- entire evaluations of public programs; and
- This includes evaluation design, data collection, reporting and provision of action-oriented recommendations.
- research services to support program evaluations/ reviews being conducted by government agencies.
- Services we provide include online surveys, telephone surveys, focus groups and secondary data processing and analysis.
Case studies
Case study #1 – Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)
The Department of Employment and Workplace Relations provides the government with advice, programmes and services to maximise the ability of unemployed Australians to find work, and to support strong employment growth and improved productive performance of businesses in Australia.
The Personal Support Programme (PSP) helps people tackle difficult personal circumstances and stay connected to the economic and social life of the community. It is a bridge between short-term crisis services and employment services like Job Network. People eligible for the PSP receive individualised attention because of their difficult circumstances. They may face homelessness, drug and alcohol problems, psychological disorders, domestic violence or other significant barriers to economic and social participation.
ORIMA Research conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the PSP. The methodology for the evaluation included two waves of face-to-face interviews with PSP participants (to enable tracking of program impact), as well as research (focus groups, face-to-face and telephone interviews) with PSP providers and Centrelink specialists. The scope of the research was large, involving 30 Centrelink specialists, 240 PSP case workers and managers, and 189 participant interviews.
The research had a broad range of objectives, including profiling the participants of the programme, evaluating the overall effectiveness of the programme in achieving outcomes for participants, and identifying administrative and coordination issues that impact on programme effectiveness. The project made a number of recommendations for the improvement of the programme.
Case study #2 - Australian Government Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC)
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) manages the lawful and orderly entry and stay of people in Australia, and promotes a society which values Australian citizenship, appreciates cultural diversity and enables migrants to participate equitably.
Since its establishment in 1945, DIAC has managed the arrival and settlement in Australia of around 6.5 million migrants from 200 countries, including 660 000 arrivals under humanitarian programmes.
ORIMA Research was commissioned by DIAC to conduct a survey to assist DIAC to evaluate the Immigration Dilemmas: Ethics, APS Values and Leadership (IDEAL) programme. The IDEAL programme aims to support leaders in DIAC to engage more effectively with their staff on values related issues.
ORIMA Research designed and conducted an online survey of all DIAC staff. The survey provided DIAC with information about the effectiveness of the programme and helped inform programme improvement initiatives.
The PSP report is publicly available at: Personal Support Programme Report
