Program Review and Evaluation

Supporting innovation in the life sciences.

SDS Strategic Directions & Solutions provides program review and evaluation services in areas important to Canadians and their communities, such as: community innovation, economic and environmental sustainability, social and cultural diversity, and institutional accountability.

Every project is unique and we ensure that our associates' capabilities closely match the needs of the project. Our evaluation reports follow widely accepted guidelines and usually include recommendations for changes in policy and program design, and implementation, monitoring, and evaluation strategies.

Our Program Review and Evaluation Services Include:

  • Evaluation of programs, policies, and /or initiatives to determine their relevance, success, cost-effectiveness, and/or sustainability.
  • Development of evaluation frameworks, performance measures, and monitoring plans.
  • Conduct of environmental scans and process reviews.
  • Development of strategic or operational plans, special surveys, and specialized research methodologies.

Our work contributes to:

  • Government programs that are consistent with federal and provincial priorities.
  • Government programs that focus on results and value-for-money.
  • The development of evaluation frameworks and performance indicators for the effective evaluation and collection of performance data, monitoring of progress, and evaluation of results.

Recent Program Review and Evaluation Projects

Second Evaluation of PBPMs Delivered under the Canada-Manitoba Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA).

SDS Strategic Directions & Solutions is the Winnipeg-based subcontractor to TNS Canadian Facts, Social and Policy Research, for the purpose of undertaking the current evaluation of provincial performance of activities funded by the Canada Manitoba Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA), for the period April 2003 to March 2005.

Winnipeg's Advanced Manufacturing and Energy and Environment Cluster Study.

In 2008, SDS Strategic Directions & Solutions undertook a detailed study and analysis of the current and future business opportunities for two key Winnipeg industry clusters, advanced manufacturing and energy and environment. The study report provided quantitative analysis of Winnipeg's competitiveness and performance relative to other cities across Canada plus a qualitative analysis of the challenges and opportunities based on consultations with key stakeholder groups. This study was carried out for Destination Winnipeg and its partners Competitiveness Training Trade, Manitoba and Western Econimic Diversification (WD).

A Review of WD's Contributions to the Life Sciences (Human Health) Cluster in Manitoba for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD).

In June 2005, SDS Strategic Directions & Solutions completed A Review of WD's Contributions to the Life Sciences (Human Health) Cluster in Manitoba for Western Economic Diversification Canada. This large-scale review included a detailed review of WD's data and industry specific reports, a synthesis of quantitative indicators, and the collection of qualitative data through on-site interviews with key informants who are industry leaders in the life sciences.

The final report was widely disseminated throughout Western Economic Diversification and other federal departments, the provincial and municipal governments, and industry groups.

A Formative Evaluation of the Innovation and Community Investment Program (ICIP) for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD).

In June 2004, SDS Strategic Directions & Solutions completed A Formative Evaluation of the Innovation and Community Investment Program (ICIP) for Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD). Projects carried out under ICIP were focused on specific issues and opportunities grouped around three major themes: Community Innovation Strategy, Innovative Technologies, and Skills Development. Evaluation data were collected through: a detailed review of administrative records, files and secondary sources; telephone interviews; a focus group interview; and e-mail surveys of project proponents.

The findings and recommendations included a recommendation to renew ICIP, within the Western Diversification Program, and identified areas for improvement in the future delivery of the program.

Helping to address housing and homelessness needs .

Qualitative Evaluation of the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI) Model for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Housing and homelessness programs of the federal, provincial and municipal governments are delivered in the City of Winnipeg through a single-window office (WHHI) staffed by officials of all three levels of government. WHHI is charged with responsibility for ensuring effective and responsive coordination of tri-level activities of the Government of Canada, Government of Manitoba, and the City of Winnipeg with respect to affordable housing and assistance for the homeless.

In July 2002, SDS Strategic Directions & Solutions was retained by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation to conduct a Qualitative Evaluation of the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI) Model and to develop recommendations with respect to future directions for the WHHI model beyond March 31, 2003.

Subsequently, in November 2003, the three government partners renewed the memorandum of understanding (MOU) and extended the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI Single Window Phase 2) for another five years.

Mid-term Evaluation of Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI) Model (Phase 2) for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

In March 2005, at the end of year two of the WHHI Single Window Phase 2, SDS Strategic Directions & Solutions was retained by the WHHI partners to conduct a Mid-term Evaluation of the Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI) Model, to determine how well the WHHI partners were working together with community partners to address housing and homelessness needs. Community partners and staff provided feedback through focus group and telephone interview sessions.

In January 2006, a recommendation was put forward to Winnipeg's Executive Policy Committee to approve the extension of the mandate of the WHHI to March 31, 2008 based on the recommendations identified in the final report: Mid-term Evaluation of Winnipeg Housing and Homelessness Initiative (WHHI) Model (Phase 2).