Objectives

In 2008, the Center for Tobacco Policy Research was named the evaluator for the National Network Initiative. CTPR had conducted an evaluation of the National Networks during the previous funding cycle in 2007. In the current evaluation, CTPR will continue to assess the development and expansion of the national networks. Specifically, the primary objectives of the evaluation are: To identify existing capacity and resources available to each of the networks; To evaluate the effectiveness of recruitment and retention of organizational stakeholders and partners into the networks; To evaluate the level of collaboration between the networks and key state, local & national agencies and organizations; To identify successful activities the networks have implemented; To evaluate the types of expert consultation the networks provide to stakeholders and partners; and To examine the growth of the networks through the five-year funding cycle. With input from the evaluation committee, consisting of representatives from CDC/OSH, each network and CTPR, an Evaluation Logic Model was developed to guide each evaluation activity.

Methods

The evaluation will employ a mixed method approach using social network analysis, key informant interviews, and materials review: Social Network Analysis An examination of inter-organizational relationships between network partners will be conducted using a brief web-based survey. To ensure that we have the right partners identified, an operational definition was developed to guide the identification process by the network leadership. Definition: The core, ongoing, and strategic network is a partnership of critical agencies that are leading efforts in commercial tobacco control among priority populations. Identification criteria: The core, ongoing, and strategic network includes any critical organizations or individuals within your network who you have had direct contact with in the last 12 months, and meet any of the following criteria: Has provided input for strategic planning on tobacco control for the Network, Has conducted program and/or policy efforts in tobacco control at the national, regional, or local levels, Has helped enhance the ability of the Network to perform its activities and achieve its goals for tobacco control. Key Informant Interviews Qualitative interviews will be conducted with directors from the lead organizations in each network and representatives from selected organizations participating in each network. Each interview will be conducted via telephone. Materials Review An in-depth review will be conducted of the networks' submitted semi-annual and annual progress reports, along with any other materials that the networks would like to share.

Results

The three focus areas will be analyzed using descriptive statistics, qualitative data analysis, and social network analysis. A final report presenting the results will be disseminated to the CDC/OSH and all participating networks and their partners in November, 2009.

More Information about the CDC National Networks

To learn more about the CDC National Networks Initiative please visit the National Networks central webpage. For results of the 2007 National Networks evaluation, please refer to the 2007 National Networks Final Report, also conducted by CTPR.