| Session Title: The Lifecycle Continues: Do Independent Consultants Follow a Different Trajectory? |
| Think Tank Session 500 to be held in Panzacola Section H1 on Friday, Nov 13, 10:55 AM to 11:40 AM |
| Sponsored by the Independent Consulting TIG |
| Presenter(s): |
| Gail V Barrington, Barrington Research Group Inc, gbarrington@barringtonresearchgrp.com |
| Discussant(s): |
| Larry K Bremner, Proactive Information Services Inc, larry@proactive.mb.ca |
| Melanie Hwalek, SPEC Associates, mhwalek@specassociates.org |
| Arnold J Love, Independent Consultant, ajlove1@attglobal.net |
| Gail V Barrington, Barrington Research Group Inc, gbarrington@barringtonresearchgrp.com |
| Abstract: In 2006, the question was asked if independent evaluators move through the typical lifecycle of a business entrepreneur or if the nature of evaluation work results in a different evolution. Six senior non-university based evaluation consultants were interviewed and their case studies reported in Issue #111 of New Directions for Evaluation. In the past three years, what has changed? What has been the career impact of the economic downturn and a changing government context? Have they remained at the fifth lifecycle stage, Maturity, or has there been some impetus to move in a new, and possibly uncharted, direction? Several study participants will provide updates on their lifecycle development and will consider the possibility of a Post-maturity stage. Audience members will be asked to contribute to the discussion. |