While this unit is focused on quantitative analysis for program evaluation or policy analysis, in this discussion session we will consider two very short essays on the relevance of evaluation to disaster and emergency management generally.

Review the following articles:

Discussion 2 -Enhancing Disaster and Emergency Preparedness.pdf

Discussion 2 -Evaluation of Disaster and Emergency Mgt.pdf

The first essay presents an argument of how evaluation enhances the several cycles or phases of managing emergencies and disasters.

The second considers how evaluation practices should be applied to the specific context of emergencies and disasters.

Please offer your own assessment of both of these general topics. First, how important is solid evaluation work to effective emergency management practices? Second, what is a basis for establishing evaluation standards around disaster or emergency issues? These are relatively complex questions please offer your own assessment on how one might meet these challenges.