Using a Complex Adaptive Systems Perspective to Illuminate the Concept of Evaluation Capacity Building in a Network

Autor/inn/en	Grack Nelson, Amy; King, Jean A.; Lawrenz, Frances; Reich, Christine; Bequette, Marjorie; Pattison, Scott; Kunz Kollmann, Elizabeth; Illes, Molly; Cohn, Sarah; Iacovelli, Stephanie; Cardiel, Christopher L. B.; Ostgaard, Gayra; Goss, Juli; Beyer, Marta; Causey, Lauren; Sinkey, Anne; Francisco, Melanie
Titel	Using a Complex Adaptive Systems Perspective to Illuminate the Concept of Evaluation Capacity Building in a Network
Quelle	In: American Journal of Evaluation, 40 (2019) 2, S.214-230 (17 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	1098-2140
DOI	10.1177/1098214018773877
Schlagwörter	Capacity Building; Networks; Evaluation Methods; Systems Approach; Science Education; Teamwork; Inquiry + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Systemischer Ansatz; Naturwissenschaftliche Bildung
Abstract	While evaluation capacity building (ECB) may hold promise for fostering evaluation, little is known about how it is operationalized within a network. This article presents initial findings from a National Science Foundation-funded research project (Complex Adaptive Systems as a Model for Network Evaluations) that used concepts from complex adaptive systems theory to develop case studies of ECB within the Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network. The project used a multiple case study approach to explore ECB within four Network workgroups. Cross-case themes documented characteristics of the system and ECB within it. Evaluation capacity was evident in several ways, including people's comfort with evaluation, evaluation-related skills, evaluation processes used, and the value placed on evaluation. Ultimately, the study identified several complex adaptive system features that fostered Network ECB: massive entanglement and neighbor interactions, information flow/feedback loops, stability and flexibility/adaptability, redundancy and diversity of evaluative skills and knowledge, and both centralized and distributed control. (As Provided).
Anmerkungen	SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: http://sagepub.com
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2020/1/01