Summative evaluation is usually conducted at which stage of a program?

Summative evaluation is a type of assessment that is conducted after the completion of a program to determine its overall effectiveness and impact. This evaluation focuses on measuring the outcomes and results of the program, assessing whether the objectives were met, and evaluating the success of the interventions used.

The purpose of summative evaluation is to provide information that can inform decision-making for future programs or to justify the resources used in the program. By examining the outcomes after the program has been implemented, stakeholders can gain insights into what worked well, what didn’t, and how similar programs might be improved in the future.

In contrast to other evaluation types, such as formative evaluation, which is intended to provide ongoing feedback during the program's development, summative evaluation looks backward at the completed program. This distinguishes it from evaluations conducted during the planning phase, at the beginning of program implementation, or throughout program development, where the focus is more on refining the program and improving its processes rather than assessing its end results.