Final answer:
A stakeholder analysis should indeed begin during the feasibility study and be continued throughout the project. This analysis is crucial for gauging stakeholder interest and commitment, which are key for a project's success. Proper engagement and continuous dialogue with stakeholders can lead to effective participation and project buy-in.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stakeholder analysis is indeed a crucial element that should begin during the feasibility study and continue throughout the course of a project to ensure its success. The Lesson Learned section reinforces the idea that the success of an evaluation project depends on the active participation of stakeholders at all levels, not just the project leader or evaluator. A stakeholder analysis that is initiated early on can help in assessing the interest and commitment levels of potential stakeholders, influencing how they might engage with the project over time.
According to the Mini-Case Study Four, a substance abuse prevention program's evaluation encountered difficulties when stakeholders identified for interviews lacked sufficient knowledge or investment in the program. This situation demonstrates the potential pitfalls of not conducting a thorough stakeholder analysis or failing to maintain stakeholder engagement throughout the project. It is important to identify those who view themselves as stakeholders and engage them effectively.
In the Buy-In section, the project benefited from the involvement of community partners and stakeholders who were engaged from the conceptualization to the dissemination stages. Meaningful engagement with stakeholders, including regular conversations about the research process, expectations, and authorship, contributed to the positive outcome of the project as evidenced by the effective participation by a key stakeholder, Joshua Brown.