Program Evaluation: Preparation Activities
There are some specific preparation activities that are helpful in performing peer reviews.
The following preparation activities will help you conduct successful peer reviews.
Define Review Purpose and Scope
The first step in preparation is to determine the purpose and scope of the review within the context of other review and management activities.
Roles of Peer Review Participants
Peer review requires the selection of dedicated persons with distinct roles and responsibilities to ensure a quality peer review process is conducted.
Peer Review Record
The peer review record is established at the beginning and maintained throughout the review process.
Criteria, Logistics, Cost, and Analysis
A peer review requires evaluation against pre-established criteria. Criteria, and the evidence implied by the specification of those criteria, form the basis for the ratings and the narrative critique of each review.
Independence, Conflict of Interest, Openness
Each of the EERE core criteria and additional criteria for which the program seeks review input can be stated as questions for the reviewers in terms specific to the project or program.
Selection of Reviewers
Peer review results depend greatly on the quality of reviewers and the process by which they are selected.
Ratings Systems (Evaluation Tools)
The review leader and chairperson should determine how the projects/program would be rated and distributed to both reviewers and those being reviewed.
Materials for Reviewers
So that the peer review is fair, credible, useful, and cost effective, the review leader should provide adequate and timely preparation materials to the peer review panel and to the presenters.