Evaluation: what we do

Howard Partners has developed a unique approach to program evaluation that addresses both program performance and program improvement. Our approach extends well beyond performance audit. As management consultants, our focus is on identifying areas for program performance improvement and making recommendations that are capable of implementation.

 

We are guided by an understanding that identifying problems is relatively easy; developing solutions is much more complex. In these assignments we bring our knowledge and experience in policy, strategy, management, organisation, information systems and finance.

 

We take an integrated approach to assessing 'value for money' - efficiency, effectiveness and appropriateness.  Our approach is to take a positive and proactive approach to:

 

.  identifying and documenting achievements, successes and impacts

.  discussing problems and issues of concern - and identify root causes

.  recommending change and workable solutions - including costs and savings

.  proposing strategies for implementation.

 

The firm has an extensive portfolio of review and program evaluation assignments undertaken for Commonwealth, State and Local Government.  Significant projects undertaken through Howard Partners are listed below. Assignments undertaken through consulting firms where Dr Howard was previously engaged are referenced.

Indicative Projects

Member of Panel to review the CSIRO Materials Science and Engineering Division - Science Assessment Review, Melbourne: CSIRO. 2013

 

Member of Panel to review the CSIRO Future Manufacturing Flagship, Melbourne: CSIRO. 2012

 

Evaluation of the Budget Initiative: Securing Australia. Canberra: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 2007

 

Audit of the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan. Brisbane: Department of Environment and Heritage and the Queensland Department of the Premier and Cabinet. 2006

 

Review of the ACT Government's Knowledge Fund. Canberra: Chief Minister's Department. 2006

 

Evaluation of the Agenda for New Manufacturing. Melbourne: Department of Innovation, Industry, and Regional Development. 2006

 

Evaluation of the Budget Initiative for Enhancing Animal Health Infrastructure. Canberra: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 2005

 

Evaluation of the Budget Initiative for Building a National Approach to Animal and Plant Health. Canberra: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 2003

 

Evaluation of the Australian Wetland Repair Program and Review of the Management of Wetland Care Australia. Canberra: Department of Environment and Heritage. 2003

 

Review and Report on Competed NIDP Projects. Canberra: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 2003

 

Review of the Australian Pork Industry Quality Program (APIQ).Canberra:  Australian Pork Limited. 2002

 

Evaluation of the National Drug Law Enforcement Research Fund. Canberra: Department of Health and Ageing. 2005

 

National Food Industry Strategy: Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. Canberra: Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry. 2000

 

Mid-Term Review of the Natural Heritage Trust: Review of Administration. Canberra: Department of Environment and Heritage.

1999. See Report