The evaluation of a professional development program in social work. Using swot analysis as an evaluation method

• Author: D. C. Bódi/M. Gotea
• Position: Transilvania University of Brasov/Transilvania University of Brasov
• Pages: 123-128

Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov

Series VII: Social Sciences • Law • Vol. 9 (58) No. 2 - 2016

THE EVALUATION OF A PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN SOCIAL

WORK.

USING SWOT ANALYSIS AS AN

EVALUATION METHOD

D. C. BÓDI 1 M. GOTEA2

Abstract: This paper presents the partial results of evaluation for a

professional development program, created for social workers from the

Social Service of Hospice “House of Hope” Brasov, Romania. In the final

evaluation stage, we have used several methods and instruments to identify

the efficiency of the program and to find ways to improve it. One of them was

the SWOT analysis, through which we intend to identify the strengths and

limitations of the program implemented. SWOT analysis was filled out by

both the specialists participating in the professional development program

and the lecturers who have held the working sessions. The partial results of

the final evaluation have revealed that the program developed has achieved

its goals and met the expectations of the participants and those identified at

the managerial level.

Key words: professional development, evaluation of a program in social

work, SWOT analysis.

1. Introduction

Developing a career in the social assistance field is a relatively new and rarely

approached subject in public institutions and non-profit organisations in Romania,

particularly because of the rarity of available financial resources for this type of programs

meant to provide both professional and personal development for the employees. We are

referring to developing a career within a framework created by the European Union,

which states that education, shaping the future work force and the efficient investment in

human capital are “key components necessary to insure high levels of sustainable

economic growth, based on knowledge and employment service, but also to face the

complex challenges of today’s economy” (INCSMPS, 2014, p.6).

Career development refers to the evolution of social workers within an organization,

according to its needs and depending on the employees’ individual performance, potential

and aspirations. This important dimension requires an open mind and sustained effort not

1 Transilvania University of Braşov, diana.bodi@unitbv.ro

2 Transilvania University of Braşov, mihaela.gotea@unitbv.ro