| Roundtable: From Identification of Major Challenges to Evaluation to Proactively Influencing Evaluation Policies: A Compilation of the Findings from a Series of Think Tanks |
| Roundtable Presentation 827 to be held in Centennial Section C on Saturday, Nov 8, 9:50 AM to 10:35 AM |
| Sponsored by the Research, Technology, and Development Evaluation TIG and the Presidential Strand |
| Presenter(s): |
| Rosalie Ruegg, TIA Consulting Inc, ruegg@ec.rr.com |
| Connie Chang, Ocean Tomo Federal Services, cknc2006@gmail.com |
| Abstract: A series of five think tanks—initiated in 2003—focused on challenges to evaluation and sought input and solutions through interactive discussions with participants. Six categories of challenges were identified and addressed: (1) institutional/cultural barriers, (2) methodological problems, (3) data/measurement difficulties, (4) resources issues, (5) communication obstacles, and (6) conflicting stakeholder agendas. These challenges interfere with the effectiveness of evaluation in measuring and improving program performance, meeting public accountability requirements, and informing management and policy decisions. Four of the think tanks focused on barriers to performing evaluation and the fifth one investigated barriers that impede the use of evaluation to inform program management and public policy. This Roundtable will provide a concise overview of these challenges and solutions, and ask participants to identify any missing challenges, explore additional solutions, and, provide advice on how best to incorporate solutions into R&D management and operations to improve performance and make informed policies. |