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.

Completed Projects:

Implementation of a new concept of counselling by the Federal Employment Agency
The implementation and impact of BeKo is beeing evaluated nationwide by the Sociological Research Institute Göttingen (project management), Zoom e.V. as subcontractor and two other institutes. The evaluation was started January 2012 and ends September 2013. It contains interviews and written questionnaires with unemployed, counsellors as well as trainers, experts and management at local, regional and national level. (Duration 02/2012-12/2013)

Evaluation of the project "Work in Grone – Work for Grone"
Grone is a part of the city of Göttingen. The project "Work in Grone – Work for Grone" was implemented by the Employment Promotion Agency Göttingen (Beschäftigungsförderung kAöR) and funded by the programme BIWAQ. Zoom e.V. was responsible for the evaluation of the project. (Duration 2008-2012)

PINGUIN
As subcontractor to the Sociological Research Institute Göttingen (SOFI) Zoom e.V. and two other organisations evaluate the implementation of the pilot project “Internal, integral support for work integration” by the Federal Employment Agency. (Duration 2008-2011)

Coalition for jobs II
Zoom e.V. did evaluate the implementation of the "regional coalition for jobs for people over fifty" in the southern part of Lower Saxony. The programme was funded by the Federal Ministry of Work in the context of the national programme "prospects 50plus – regional coalitions for jobs". (Duration 2008-2010)

Project "Jobs and Sports"
The evaluation of the Leonardo project "job & sports" documented and considered approaches designed to increase the employability of disadvantaged youth through sports. (Duration 11/2004-11/2005)

Evaluation project "Go Willi"
The project "Go Willi" did aim to prevent the occurrence of violence in public places. Zoom e.V. was responsible for the evaluation of the project. (Duration 2008-2009)

Evaluation project "ALFA – Everything for all"
The project ALFA did aim to develop strategies to prevent the occurrence of violence in public places. Zoom e.V. was responsible for the evaluation of the project. (Duration bis 12/2009)