PRT 380-Sec.001
Course Syllabus
PRT 380: Analysis and Evaluation in Parks, Recreation and Tourism
Spring 2011
Lecture: MWF 11:20-12:10
Room: Jordan 1218
Instructor: Christopher Serenari
Office Location: Biltmore 3016, Office Hours Fridays 10am-11am or by appointment.
E-mail: chris_serenari@ncsu.edu
PRT 380 Analysis and Evaluation in Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management
Preq: 300-level Statistics course; CNR 134; PRT 359
3(2-2-0) F,S
Examination of the steps involved in analyzing and estimating the impact of recreation and parks services. Includes relevant issues and useful approaches for systematic analysis. Emphasis is placed on an understanding and development of various types of systematic evaluation designs.
Activities leading to the analysis and development of performance reports to assess and improve managerial operational efficiency are covered.
Course Overview:
Organization and management of recreation services decision makers need information about the preferences, needs, behaviors or people. Also needed is information about administrative structures and resources. In this class, you will understand how evaluation and research are used in your field to provide evidence that directs our course of action. In the public and private sectors, data derived from research and evaluation is critical to decision making. In an era of increasing accountability (from boards, councils, commissions, division heads, shareholders, and taxpayers), decision making is increasingly driven by research and evaluation (and politics, but that’s another course). In most managerial situations, councils, boards, division heads, shareholders, taxpayers, etc. demand evidence that resources are being used effectively and efficiently. Public and private institutions want to know if they are meeting customers’ and clients’ needs and expectations and that’s where you come in…
PRT 380 is designed to introduce students to systematic data collection for applied research and evaluation. Applied research and evaluation refers to data collection used to inform administrative, management, and policy decisions and actions.
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PRT 380-Sec.001
Course Objectives:
Upon successful completion of this course, students will:
1.
Demonstrate an understanding of the logic of scientific evaluation and research as it relates to evaluation in PRTM.
2.
Demonstrate knowledge of basic evaluation designs and their applications in PRTM.
3.
Identify appropriate methods and procedures for research and evaluation in PRTM.
4.
Demonstrate familiarity with basic data compilation, analysis, interpretation, and reporting procedures.
Course Expectations:

Students are expected to bring a level of interest in the subject matter and try to see the big picture as we move forward. I firmly believe that each student ultimately wants to learn and retain something from this course.

I also expect students in PRT 380 to demonstrate signs of becoming a professional . This means that you care about and take responsibility for your performance. It also means that you want to make a positive impression and gain skills useful in your life during and after college.

Students should COME PREPARED TO EVERY CLASS and for exams, quizzes and classroom exercises. All class readings and other assignments are for your benefit and should be completed before class. Course concepts are not easily grasped and the reading assignments will help make them clearer--thus, helping you to achieve a better grade. Constant comparison of lecture notes and text material is also strongly encouraged.

Students should have basic familiarity with Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

Cell phone conversations are not allowed in class during class time. Also, please refrain from texting during class time. If you really need to use your phone please remove yourself from class. Cell phones should be silenced during class and during exams. A 20% penalty will be assessed if a cell phone goes off during an exam or quiz!

Laptops are permitted for note taking in this class. I trust that you will not abuse this privilege and spend 50 minutes conducting extracurricular activities like IMing your aunt.
However, I do reserve the right to disallow this privilege if the class suffers.

Students are expected to show respect for ALL class members (i.e., peers and the instructors) and exhibit appropriate in-class behaviors.
Interrupting while someone is speaking, reading outside class material, surfing the internet during class, etc. is prohibited and will yield repercussions.

Students should be flexible and open to change in the course outline, presentation of topics, as well as teaching methods.
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PRT 380-Sec.001
Supplemental Web Page:
All students have been subscribed to the course web page located at http://moodle.wolfware.ncsu.edu/. This site will be used for a variety of communications for the course. It will contain lecture outlines, handouts, readings, updates on course information, the course syllabus, schedule changes, and other assignment information.
Required Reading
Evaluating Leisure Services: Making Enlightened Decisions 3 rd ed. ($59.95-NCSU Bookstore)
Other readings will be provided on Moodle by the instructor.
Assignments Overview
1.
Mid-term Exam #1:
2.
Mid-term Exam #2
3.
Quizzes/Homework
100 points
100 points
42 points
4.
Working Project Assignments 70 points
5.
Unannounced quizzes 6 points each (as needed)
Homework Grading
In an effort to make homework grades less complicated, there is a very simple formula...
3 - Student completed assignment with excellent understanding of concept.
2 - Student displayed basic understanding of material.
1 - Student did not display a basic understanding of the material
0 - Student did not submit assignment on time
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PRT 380-Sec.001 4
Working Project Assignment Rubric (Parts and Whole)
A – 5 - Student exhibited a sophisticated understanding of the material to complete the assignment. The work is excellent in all respects with minor or no flaws or errors, attention to detail, and the highest level of professionalism.
B – 4 - Student exhibited a good understanding of the material to complete the assignment with a high level of professionalism and detail . The work is acceptable in all respects with some noteworthy flaws or errors.
C – 3 - Student exhibited a basic level of understanding of the material to complete the assignment. The work is acceptable in most respects though with an unsatisfactory number of flaws or errors and lacking in attention to detail.
D – 2 - Student exhibited a poor level of understanding of the material to complete the assignment. The work is not acceptable with a significant number of critical flaws or errors and minute attention to detail .
F – 1 - Student did not exhibit any understanding of the material to complete the assignment. It is obvious the student did not complete the assignment or showed little effort and professionalism.
Final Grading (I do not round up for being a “good” student)
96% or higher of total points = A+
94 – 95% = A
90 – 93% = A-
86 – 89% = B+
84 -- 85 % = B
80 – 83% = B-
76 – 79% = C+
74--75% = C
70 – 73% = C-
66 – 69% = D+
64 -- 65% = D
60 – 63% = D-
Less than 60% = F

PRT 380-Sec.001 5
Grading on exams and assignments:
It is important that students have clear expectations about grading policies in this course. In general, “A+” work is exceptional in all respects. For assignments, A and A- is excellent work with minor flaws or errors. “A work” demonstrates creativity, attention to detail, and the highest level of professionalism. B+ work is very good in most respects with shortcomings or errors not characteristic of excellent or exceptional work. “B work” is generally good and better than average or fair marks. The C range reflects average or fair performance. Usually, work graded as C is complete but does not exhibit creativity, attention to detail, or a high level of professionalism. C work ranks above minimal performance. A mark of “D” reflects poor performance on an assignment. This mark generally reflects disregard for instructions, numerous major flaws or errors, and no professionalism. It represents the bare minimum for completing an assignment. An “F” on an assignment should be self-explanatory.
Attendance

Attendance is required. After 4 unexcused absences, your final grade may be lowered by 20%.

There will be no make-ups for missed quizzes and in-class assignments, including problem session assignments.

Only students with authorized university excuses can make up an exam, announced quiz, or other graded in class assignments.
The instructor must be notified prior to the exam or quiz date. Students with authorized absences must schedule a make-up date within 5 business days of the missed class.

In the case of absences due to illness or injury, documentation from a physician or medical facility will be required to make up an exam or excuse an absence. Documentation must state student’s inability to attend exam. In other words, this documentation must show that the student was physically unable to attend the class. Documentation of a doctor’s visit is NOT
SUFFICIENT. The documentation must state that you were physically unable to attend class. Prescriptions will NOT be treated as documentation.

In the case of family or personal emergencies, official or authentic documentation will be needed.
 The University’s class attendance policy can be found at http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/academic_affairs/courses_undergrad/REG02.20.3.php
Class Cancellation
In the event class is cancelled, students will be notified by e-mail at least 45 minutes prior to the start of class. In most situations, with the exceptions of emergencies, students will be notified 1-2 days in advance.

PRT 380-Sec.001 6
Policies for Completing and Submitting Assignments

READ THIS CAREFULLY: ALL ASSIGNMENTS ARE DUE BY THE SPECIFIED TIME ON THE GIVEN DATE.
DO NOT ASK FOR AN EXTENSION FOR ANY REASON, INCLUDING TECHNOLOGICAL PROBLEMS (SUCH
AS PRINTER FAILURES, LOST DRIVES, ETC.). LATE ASSIGNMENTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AND WILL
NOT BE GRADED.

Working Project assignments should be formatted according to general APA 6 th
Edition guidelines. An APA 6 th
edition style guide is available on Moodle. You will lose points for not adhering to APA guidelines.

All assignments should be carefully proofread before submission. One point will be deducted from the overall grade on an assignment for each typographical error.

Pay close attention to instructions given for individual assignments (e.g., requirements related to cover pages, page limits, covering memos, how to submit, etc.).
Class Format
The primary method of instruction for PRT 380 will be lectures, in-class activities, and problem sessions. The lecture period will be used to introduce principles and concepts in research and evaluation. The lecture period will also be used to guide the completion of problem session projects. Each assignment is geared with the final project in mind where each student will design a customer/client survey and proposal for a park, recreation, tourism, or sport program or service as part of this course.
Note that this is a tentative schedule and is subject to change.
Description and overview of problem session assignments will be provided during the introductory problem session period. Some exercises completed during the problem sessions will be graded on an S/U (satisfactory/unsatisfactory) scale. The exercises will be used to help students understand and complete the proposal and survey project. The instructor will make comments and suggestions on these assignments. Grading of final Working Projects will consider the extent comments and suggestions on the exercises are used.
Problem session exercises graded S/U are not optional.
Students with Disabilities
Reasonable accommodations will be made for students with verifiable disabilities. In order to take advantage of available accommodations, students must register with Disability Services for Students at 1900 Student Health Center, Campus Box 7509, 515-
7653. For more information on NC State's policy on working with students with disabilities, please see the Academic
Accommodations for Students with Disabilities Regulation (REG02.20.1).

PRT 380-Sec.001
Policies on Academic Integrity
Academic integrity will be taken seriously in this course. Be aware that source materials and information taken from articles, books, journals, and other media used in course assignments must be clearly documented. Intentional acts to represent another author’s work as your own will be treated as plagiarism and academic dishonesty. Keep this in mind especially when the literature review is assigned. Also, each student is expected to do his or her own work unless other instructions are given (e.g., group assignments). All intentional violations of these principles will be dealt with according to policies set forth in the N.C. State University policies on student conduct. See http://www.ncsu.edu/policies/student_services/student_discipline/POL11.35.1.php for details on sanctions
(penalties) and procedures associated with violations of academic dishonesty policies.
Class Evaluations
Online class evaluations will be available toward the latter part of the course. Students are encouraged to provide constructive feedback on how to better improve the course and their learning experience.
Overview of Assignments
Exams. There will be two mid-term exams. Study guides are provided before exams. The second mid-term is not comprehensive.
Homework (HW) and Quizzes. There will be homework and announced quizzes regularly. Quizzes will occur at natural breaks in course material to evaluate student comprehension of major concepts. On occasion there will be pop quizzes. Although a pop quiz can be given at any time, they are more likely when attendance in the lecture period is approximately 60% or less.
Working Project Assignments (WP). Each student will complete a major project related the evaluation needs of NCSU Campus
Recreation Outdoor Adventures. Weekly assignments will build toward completing these assignments. Details for each assignment will be posted on Moodle. Brief descriptions of each are described below.
1.
Identifying Evaluation Needs.
The first step in planning a research and evaluation project is to “define the problem.” This refers to identifying specific research and evaluation needs. Each student will identify 2-3 specific needs to be addressed within the
Outdoor Adventures program. Students will be expected to effectively articulate the significance of evaluation research. This assignment will be about 1-2 pages (double-spaced): 5 Points
2.
Literature Review. This assignment requires each student to identify five published, peer-reviewed, empirical studies or official reports related to Outdoor Adventures’ evaluation needs. The literature search will help you refine your approach and will help
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PRT 380-Sec.001 8 you find the appropriate terminology to articulate your research problem. These sources identified will be used in the future assignments and the final report (3-4 pages, double-spaced): 5 Points
3.
Problem Statement and Objectives. Specifying objectives is a critical part of any evaluation. Well-written objectives indicate without ambiguity the exact intentions of a evaluator. That is, they state “what is the study about?” They usually indicate the unit of analysis and variables that require measurement. Objectives usually take shape after some thoughtful reflection on the practical needs of the management situation and review of the literature. 5 Points
4.
Questionnaire Development. Students or groups will design a questionnaire to gather data to conduct your proposed study. We will cover different questionnaire formats in class. This assignment will give you practice in questionnaire design. 5 Points
5.
Data Collection.
Working in groups, students will collect data for their project by obtaining completed questionnaires. 5 Points
6.
Presentations. Each group will give a 20-30 minute presentation to preview what’s to come on their final report. The expectations are that students will prepare presentations appropriate for a panel of professionals (who will likely be present). In other words, these should be thoughtfully prepared and rehearsed. Presentations will be scheduled for the last 2-3 lecture periods. 20 Points
7.
Final Report. Each student will be given an opportunity to sign up for a group focused on a Outdoor Adventures need to be named later. It expected that reports will be of high quality, professional in appearance and content. 25 Points

PRT 380-Sec.001
Date
Week 1:
1/10-1/14
Week 2:
1/17-1/21
Week 3:
1/24-1/28
Week 4:
1/31-2/4
9
Spring 2010 Tentative Topic Schedule
Topics
Course Introduction/ Foundations of
Evaluation:

Introduction to Evaluation

Terminology

Why Evaluate?
1/17: MLK –NO CLASS
Approaching Evaluation:

Evaluation Models
Conceptualization of Evaluation Ideas

What is Conceptualization

Where do Ideas Come from?

Variables

Outdoor Adventures presentation
Conceptualization of Evaluation Ideas

Literature Reviews/APA Format

Timing and Quality
Evaluation Measurement

What is Measurement?

Levels of Measurement


Trustworthiness
Validity, Reliability, Usability
Ethical, Moral, Political, & Legal

Issues
Sampling

Types
Sampling Error
Pre-Class Reading Assignment
1/12: Henderson and Bialeschki:
Chapter 1.0-1.4
1/14: Trochim Chapter 1
1/19: Henderson and Bialeschki:
Chapter 1.5
1/21: Henderson and Bialeschki: (1.6)
1.9
&
Riddick and Russell 5 Ps p27-32
1/24: Riddick and Russell Step 2
(Literature Reviews) &
Henderson and Bialeschki: (1.7-1.8)
1/28: Trochim Chapter 3-3
1/31: Henderson and Bialeschki: 1.11
& 2.3
2/2: Trochim Chapter 2
Homework
Quiz 1 : Assigned 1/14: Due 1/19
HW1: Identifying Variables: Assigned 1/21: Due
1/24
Quiz 2 : Models and Conceptualization: Assigned
1/21: Due 1/26
WP1: Identifying Evaluation Needs —Assigned
1/21: Due 1/28
WP2 Literature Review
—Assigned 1/24: Due 2/7
Quiz 3
WP3: Problem Statement and Objectives
Assigned 2/7: Due 2/14
: Measurement and Trustworthiness:
Assigned 2/4: Due 2/7
—

PRT 380-Sec.001 10
Week 5:
2/711
Week 6:
2/14-18
Week 7:
2/21-25
Week 8:
2/28-3/4
Week 9:
3/7-11
Week 10:
Evaluation & Research Design

Evaluation and Instrument
Design
MID-TERM EXAM I (Friday 2/11)
Evaluation & Research Design
Non-Experimental Design

Survey Techniques

Administering Surveys
Experimental Design in PRTM
Qualitative Evaluation

Design

Approaches

Content Analysis
Triangulation
&
Data Collection Considerations
Introduction to Quantitative Data
Analysis
Levels of Data; Type of Analysis;
Organization of Data
SPRING BREAK
2/7: Henderson and Bialeschki 2.1-2.2;
R&R 140-162
2/9: Exam Review
2/14: Trochim Chapter 4; Henderson and Bialeschki 2.6
2/16: Henderson and Bialeschki 2.7-2.8
2/18: Henderson and Bialeschki: 2.13
& 2.14
2/21: Trochim Chapter 6; Patten 149-
160; Patten Appendix H
2/28 Henderson and Bialeschki: 2.15 &
2.16
3/2: Henderson and Bialeschki: 3.1-3.2
NO CLASS
Quiz 4 : Sampling Assigned 2/7: Due 2/9
Sampling)
MID-TERM EXAM I (2/11): covers through
WP4: Questionnaire development assignment
Quiz 5
Assigned 2/16: Due 2/23
HW2: Assigned 2/16: Due 2/18
: Design: Assigned 2/18: Due 2/21
--
WP5:Data Collection : Assigned 2/25: Due 3/4
HW3: In-Field Assignment 2/25 : Due 2/28
Quiz 6 : Qualitative and Mixed Methods: Assigned
2/28: Due 3/2
Univariate Analysis

PRT 380-Sec.001
3/14-18
Week 11:
3/21-25
Week 12:
3/28-4/1
Week 13:
4/48

Frequency Distributions

Central Tendency and Dispersion
Univariate Analysis Cont’d
Bivariate Analysis

Cross-tabs

Means comparison

Correlation
3/14: Trochim Chapter 11
3/21: Data Entry FINISHED
3/23: Delivery of database to PM
3/25: Trochim 12-d & Henderson and
Bialeschki: 3.4
3/25 PM delivery of collated database to Mr. Serenari for review
3/28: Henderson and Bialeschki: Unit 4 Bivariate Analysis cont’d

T-tests

Data Reporting
Exam Review 4/6
MID-TERM EXAM II (Friday 4/8)
WP6: Project Presentations Week 14:
4/11-15
Week 15:
4/18-22
Week 16:
4/25-29
WP6: Project Presentations
NO CLASS 4/22
Work on Final Report/Help Sessions
Week 17: May 9th WP7: Final Report Due by 6:00PM
HW4: Frequency Analysis
HW5: Correlation
11
HW6: Cross-tabs
HW7: T-tests
HW8: Peer Review Due 4/29
Final Report Due