Introduction
While undertaking the program, the short-term outcomes will be measured by evaluating the number of African American individuals who have expressed interest and have come up with various entrepreneurial concepts. The outcome will be measured by the number of successful business plans created and the number of African American entrepreneurs who have taken steps to launch their businesses.
Intermediate Outcomes to be Measured
The intermediate outcomes for the program will be evaluated by the number of businesses successfully launched and the percentage of African American entrepreneurs who have succeeded in their respective businesses. The program will also measure the number of African American businesses that can generate a steady income and the number of successful products and services they can provide.
Anticipated Long-Term Outcomes to be Measured
The long-term elements that will be measured to ascertain the program’s productivity are the number of African American businesses that can sustain their operations in the long run. The program will also measure the number of African American entrepreneurs who have become successful and have achieved financial stability, as well as the overall impact on the economy and market due to the success of these businesses. Focusing on measurable outcomes such as the number of jobs created and the amount of wealth generated will help to determine the overall success of this program.
Evaluation Questions
The evaluation questions (survey questions to ascertain the overall productivity of the program) include the following;
- How successful have you been in launching your business?
- How satisfied are you with the program?
- What kind of training and support did you receive from the program?
- How has the program helped you grow and sustain your business?
- Do you feel the program has provided adequate resources to help you succeed as an entrepreneur?
- Have any challenges or obstacles prevented you from achieving success in your business venture?
- What would be one suggestion for improving the African American Entrepreneurship Development Program?
Milestone for Implementation
While undertaking the program, the following anticipated measurable results will be achieved within the first three years;
- Within the program’s first three months, a minimum of 10 African American entrepreneurs must have successfully launched their businesses.
- At least 50% of entrepreneurs must generate a steady income within six months of launching their businesses. The milestone will represent the successful implementation of the program.
- At least 25% of African American businesses should be able to sustain their operations in the long run after one year of launching their business ventures.
- The overall impact on the economy and market due to the success of these businesses should be measurable and positive within two years of launching their respective businesses. The milestone metrics will ensure that the percentages depicting African Americans in the business environment increase.
Important Resources for the Project
Design
This program requires a clear and comprehensive action research design to ensure that all the program objectives are achieved. The design will incorporate the program’s goals, objectives, and strategies and how to achieve them.
Implementation
The program must be implemented promptly and effectively to achieve the desired outcomes. This will involve recruiting and training personnel, developing a budget, setting up an administrative system, and providing resources such as funding and technical assistance.
Evaluation
For the results to be justifiable, the program must be evaluated using various methods such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups. This will help to determine the program’s success and identify areas that require improvement. The methods will ensure that the program is effective and efficient.
Anticipated Demands to Complete the Project
Design
The barriers and obstacles when formulating the action research design of the program must be identified and addressed. Rafiei & Ricardez-Sandoval (2020) state that some obstacles include a lack of funding, inadequate resources, and market access. The best avenue to overcome such challenges is through partnerships with other organizations, such as financial institutions, which can provide adequate funding.
Implementation
One of the pertinent obstacles during the implementation stage is the need for more qualified personnel. The program must recruit and hire competent individuals (persons with knowledge of entrepreneurship) who can provide effective leadership and guidance throughout the project. This step will ensure that the project is completed promptly and efficiently.
Evaluation
A major barrier during the evaluation stage is the need for a reliable data collection system. According to Thomas et al. (2020), the program must develop a standardized data collection system (surveys or questionnaires) to ensure that accurate and verifiable information is collected throughout the evaluation process. This will help to track the progress and success of the program.
Individuals to Interview during the Process
- Representatives from relevant government agencies. The individuals will provide insights on government regulations and policies that may affect the program’s implementation.
- Experienced entrepreneurs who have successfully launched their businesses. The individuals will advise on how to effectively launch a business and sustain its operations in the long run.
- Financial experts who can provide advice on the best way to access capital and other resources needed for launching a business.
- Representatives from relevant organizations such as chambers of commerce, industry associations, and trade groups can provide information on market trends and opportunities available for entrepreneurs in the local area.
- Business owners who have successfully launched their venture under the program. Their contributions will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of the program.
The Best Sources for Collecting Data and Information
The project’s success depends on the accuracy of the data and information collected. The best sources for collecting data and information include interviews, surveys, focus groups, existing research studies, and other secondary sources. Interviews are especially useful for gathering qualitative data on the program’s impact on participants and their businesses. Surveys can be used to collect quantitative data on the program’s effectiveness in helping entrepreneurs start their businesses (Wu, Zhao, & Fils-Aime, 2022). The survey responses can be analyzed to identify areas of improvement. Focus groups are also beneficial for obtaining feedback from stakeholders and community members regarding the program’s success (Adler, Salanterä, & Zumstein-Shaha, 2019). Additionally, existing research studies can provide valuable insights into the program’s overall impact on the local economy and market. Lastly, secondary sources such as news articles and reports can provide additional information on the program’s success.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the African American Entrepreneurship Development Program must include a comprehensive evaluation process to ensure its success. The program should recruit qualified personnel and develop a reliable data collection system for tracking progress and assessing the program’s impact. Additionally, interviews, surveys, focus groups, existing research studies, and other secondary sources should be utilized to collect data and information on the program’s effectiveness.
References
Adler, K., Salanterä, S., & Zumstein-Shaha, M. (2019). Focus group interviews in child, youth, and parent research: An integrative literature review. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 18, 160940691988727. Web.
Rafiei, M., & Ricardez-Sandoval, L. A. (2020). New frontiers, challenges, and opportunities in design and control integration for enterprise-wide sustainability. Computers & Chemical Engineering, 132, 106610. Web.
Thomas, D. A., Nedeva, M., Tirado, M. M., & Jacob, M. (2020). Changing research on research evaluation: A critical literature review to revisit the agenda. Research Evaluation, 29(3), 275-288. Web.
Wu, M., Zhao, K., & Fils-Aime, F. (2022). Response rates of online surveys in published research: A meta-analysis. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 7, 100206. Web.