| Session Title: Identifying Challenges to Using Evaluation to Inform Program Management and Public Policy |
| Think Tank Session 435 to be held in Royale Board Room on Thursday, November 8, 3:35 PM to 5:05 PM |
| Sponsored by the Research, Technology, and Development Evaluation TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Connie Chang, United States Department of Commerce, cchang@technology.gov |
| Discussant(s): |
| Connie Chang, United States Department of Commerce, cchang@technology.gov |
| Rosalie Ruegg, TIA Consulting Inc, ruegg@ec.rr.com |
| Abstract: This Think Tank is the culmination of a series of five annual think tanks initiated in 2003 that have focused on challenges to evaluation. The initial session identified six categories of challenges: (1) institutional/cultural barriers, (2) methodological problems, (3) data/measurement difficulties, (4) resources issues, (5) communication obstacles, and (6) conflicting stakeholder agendas. Individually, and in combination, these challenges interfere with evaluation effectiveness in measuring and improving program performance, meeting public accountability requirements, and informing program management, public policy strategies, and national resources allocation decisions. The previous sessions focused on barriers to performing evaluation. This final, wrap-up session investigates barriers that impede the use of evaluation to inform program management and public policy. These barriers include resources, communications, institutional, and stakeholder agendas. In a highly interactive session, participants will discuss the barriers and seek solutions. |