Evaluation research bridges the gap between conceptual definitions, theory formulation, and practice. Evaluation research utilizes quantitative and qualitative research designs to analyze evidence and disseminate the findings to identified stakeholders that will inform decision making and policy development. Explicit models of the decision process for program development and implementation are incorporated into the structure of the evaluation design and analysis. The course includes needs assessment, benchmarking or best practices, logic modeling, program theory development, empowerment evaluation, system analysis, and process-outcome designs. Examples incorporate national and international programs.