Abstract
More than 200 state agencies in Texas report to the Texas Legislature. Each of these agencies is a complex organization, unique because of its legislative mandate. These 200 agencies provide different services, receive different funding, and serve different clientele. The increasing emphasis on accountability makes it essential that a macro-evaluation process be established in order to accurately report the performance of a state agency. The objectives of this research study were divided into three major areas. Objective number one was to identify the major organizational areas which are common in all state agencies. Objective number two was to identify the variables within each area that could impact the performance of a state training agency. Objective number three was to develop a generic process or procedure using the information obtained from objectives one and two for evaluating the performance of a state training agency. The Texas Engineering Extension Service was selected as the state agency to be used to develop and pilot-test the evaluation process. A total of 17 managers, 26 instructors from 2 of the 12 divisions, and 438 students participated in this research project. Each of these individuals was asked to complete a questionnaire specifically designed to provide the data essential to the accomplishment of the objectives. The results of this research project indicated the five areas most critical in a state training agency are: personnel, programs, financial resources, administration, and facilities. Personnel functions contributed up to 30% to the overall success of the agency. Programs accounted for up to 25% and financial resources up to 20%. Facilities and equipment and administration each contributed up to 13% and 12%, respectively, for the agency's overall performance. Twenty-eight elements were identified by the survey participants in the five major areas. Each of these elements influenced the results for each area. This evaluation process, with minor changes, could have application to other state agencies, associations, institutions, and organizations.
Radke, Milton Laverne (1990). Development of a model for evaluating the performance of a state training agency. Texas A&M University. Texas A&M University. Libraries. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /DISSERTATIONS -1117199.