Overview

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PSA offers comprehensive program evaluation services designed to provide organizations with evidence-based insights to enhance decision-making, improve program effectiveness, and ensure accountability. Our evaluations are tailored to meet the specific needs of our clients, whether in education, business development or other sectors.

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PSA adheres to internationally recognized Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) frameworks, including those established by the OECD-DAC, United Nations Evaluation Group (UNEG), and the World Bank.

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In addition to global best practices, we aim to align our evaluations with South African M&E policies and frameworks, ensuring compliance with national and provincial requirements. These include the National Evaluation Policy Framework (NEPF) and the Department of Basic Education (DBE) M&E Framework.

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PSA staff are also members of the South African Monitoring & Evaluation Association (SAMEA) and follow SAMEA guidelines which promote ethical, professional, and participatory evaluation approaches.

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PSA applies various evaluation methodologies depending on client needs and the nature of the program under review – these include:

• Qualitative Evaluations – These focus on gathering descriptive data through interviews, focus groups, and case studies. They provide in-depth insights into participant experiences, program implementation challenges, and best practices.

• Quantitative Evaluations – Where clients require measures of success, PSA will typically apply these type of evaluations involve collecting numerical data through surveys, structured observations, and administrative records. The data can be processed using statistical software to measure program effectiveness, identify trends, and establish correlations.

• Mixed-Methods Evaluations – PSA frequently employs a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. This ensures a more holistic understanding of a program’s impact by integrating statistical findings with contextual insights from stakeholders.

• Process Evaluations – These examine how a program is implemented, assessing whether activities are delivered as intended and identifying operational bottlenecks. These evaluations help organizations refine their strategies and improve efficiency.

• Outcome and Impact Evaluations – These determine whether a program has met its intended objectives and measure long-term effects on beneficiaries. By analysing changes in key performance indicators, PSA helps clients demonstrate the value and sustainability of their initiatives.

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Our evaluations are guided by robust methodologies to ensure objectivity, reliability, and practical recommendations. We engage stakeholders throughout the process to ensure findings are relevant and actionable.

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Ethical Standards and Data Privacy​

 

PSA upholds the highest ethical and privacy standards in all evaluations. Our practices align with international ethical guidelines and South African-specific frameworks, including The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) – ensuring data privacy and responsible handling of sensitive information.

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We ensure that all participants understand the purpose of the evaluation, their rights, and how their data will be used, while protecting sensitive information through anonymization and controlled access.

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Recent Work

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Early Childhood Development (ECD) Evaluation

In 2024 PSA conducted an evaluation of Grade R on behalf of the Department of Education in KZN. This evaluation assessed the alignment of teaching practices, learning and resources at Grade R level against national curriculum standards.  The evaluation combined surveys, structured interviews, and field visits to provide a comprehensive understanding of the strengths and challenges of teaching and learning in Grade R in KZN schools.

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