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Objectives for this Assignment. Please refer to the last critique assignment for general objectives for this critique assignment. In addition, for this assignment, a specific objective is:

to examine the internal consistency of a grant proposal, specifically the connection between the work plan (plus evaluation and dissemination activities) and the budget.

Specific Tasks.

• First, review the Work Plan and Budget assignments and read appropriate sections about reviewing in Bauer.
• Then, read individually the work plans of all the members of the group you are assigned to review. If you need to refer to a concept paper, needs statement or objectives to understand the work plan, please refer to the list I've just posted on the What's New page for your convenience.

• Critical factors to look for in your examination of the work plan include:
  • Is there sufficient detail to understand what will happen?
  • Is the work flow well organized and described?
  • Does the time/task chart provide a good picture of who does what when?
  • In your judgment, will the project accomplish its objectives by following the work plan?

• Critical factors to look for in your examination of the evaluation plan include:
  • Does the evaluation plan relate to the objectives?
  • Will the evaluation show whether or not the project made a difference and is what way?
  • Is the level of evaluation effort (neither too much or too little) appropriate to the project?

• Critical factors to look for in your examination of the dissemination plan include:
  • Are the correct audiences addressed? Are there others that should be included?
  • Are the techniques used to address these audiences appropriate for them?
  • Is the level of dissemination effort appropriate to the project?

Budget Review.

Once you are satisfied that you have adequately critiqued the work, evaluation and dissemination plans, turn to the budget. With a copy of the work plan beside you, check to be sure the work plan (an evaluation and dissemination) can be accomplished with the resources listed in the budget.

Some of the questions you may want to consider are:

• Are there sufficient personnel to perform the work? Do they (Will they) have the right qualifications? Is the time allocated sufficient to perform the work and not overly generous?
• Are the salary and wages for personnel reasonable? Are fringe benefits included?
• If the budget includes consultants, are their qualifications as described in the work plan appropriate? Is the fee and time spent reasonable for the task?
• Does the project have any special space needs? Have arrangements been made to provide space?
• What kind of furniture, equipment and/or software is necessary to complete the project? Does the budget include these items as cost elements or are they otherwise provided for?
• If travel is called for, are the destinations and the people designated to travel appropriate for the project? Are the cost estimates for travel reasonable?
• In addition to general office supplies, are there any special material needs?
• Has adequate provision been made for communication costs?
• Are there other necessary expense items called for by the plan and, if so, are they included in the budget?
• What about the aesthetic appearance of the budget? Is it easy to read and does its format help you understand the way the budget will be set up and managed?

In addition to these questions of inclusion and reasonableness, be sure to examine the plan for evaluating results and disseminating them. Has adequate provision for the expenses involved in these activities been included in the budget? Is the amount in proportion to the scope of the project?

Examine the budget narrative or justification page(s) to make sure all calculations, way of arriving at estimated costs, and reasons for expenses items that might be questioned are included.

To write up your critiques, which will range from 1/2 to 1 page, refer to the last critique assignment.

This assignment is due on July 30. Please post the URL to the web board as you have done with previous assignments.