Integrating management information and program evaluation at Boysville of Michigan.
Item
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Title
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Integrating management information and program evaluation at Boysville of Michigan.
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Identifier
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AAI9000698
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identifier
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9000698
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Creator
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Grasso, Anthony Joseph.
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Contributor
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Adviser: Irwin Epstein
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Date
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1989
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Language
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English
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Publisher
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City University of New York.
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Subject
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Social Work | Sociology, Criminology and Penology | Education, Technology of
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Abstract
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This dissertation describes the design, implementation, and evaluation of an integrative model of management information, program evaluation and practice decision-making at a residential childcare and family treatment agency. The Boysville Management Information, Program Evaluation and Practice Decision Making System (BOMIS) represents an attempt to integrate computer technology with practice research utilization. Its ultimate purpose is to develop an information-driven model of administration and direct practice.;After identifying the need for the development of such integrative models, the dissertation presents a review of theoretical issues that must be addressed by design if such a system is to be successfully implemented. These issues include the unique character of social work administration, the proper role of research and information technology in social service agencies, and the need to integrate organizational performance with client service.;From a philosophical point of view, however, the major obstacle to implementation is the conflict between performance based on information technology and the traditional, humanistic values of social work. Failing to address this conflict in the design of an integrated system results in serious implementation problems.;After describing the agency setting and the information system itself, the study presents evidence concerning how fully BOMIS was implemented and how effectively it achieved its organizational objectives. Using a "Design and Development" research strategy, multiple sources of data concerning multiple programs were used to evaluate organizational performance before and after the introduction of BOMIS.;The evidence offered includes a quantitative study of research and information utilization by staff, a qualitative case study of the use of BOMIS generated information in external policy advocacy, a quantitative evaluation of fundraising efforts and a quantitative evaluation of client outcomes. Although the evidence presented is generally positive, a more qualitative, organizational analysis of administrative resistance to BOMIS explains why it hasn't been fully implemented.;Implications for utilization, implementation and design of BOMIS-type systems are discussed. While still unsure of all of the elements required for successful integration, the Boysville experience supports the assumption that how a human service organization integrates performance, information processing, and conflict management will determine its efficiency and effectiveness.
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Type
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dissertation
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Source
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PQT Legacy CUNY.xlsx
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degree
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D.S.W.
