In evaluating whether hiring an additional after-school staff member will cover costs and generate revenue, which analysis is used?

• A. Summative Evaluation
• B. Task-Achievement Method
• C. Formative Evaluation
• D. Cost-Benefit Analysis

Answer: (D)

Cost-benefit analysis is used to determine whether the financial gains of hiring an extra after-school staff member outweigh the costs. This approach explicitly compares anticipated costs (salary, benefits, training, supervision) with expected benefits (revenue or cost savings from expanded services, increased funding, higher enrollment, improved outcomes that free up other resources, etc.), often converting everything into monetary terms to assess net gain or break-even point. In this context, it helps you decide if the hire will cover its own cost and contribute to revenue, or if the investment isn’t financially viable.

Formative evaluation looks at how a program is being implemented and provides ongoing feedback to improve processes during the rollout, while summative evaluation assesses the program’s outcomes after it has concluded. The Task-Achievement Method isn’t a standard evaluation framework used for financial viability.