CGRG Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology
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Author : Christie, S.; and Needham, R.D.
Date : 2004.
Title : Evaluation science and its application to coastal and shoreline management. Recurring concerns and diminished confidence.
Publication : 2004 Annual Meeting of the Canadian Association of Geographers. Tuesday, May 25 – Saturday, May 29, 2004. Jointly organised by Université de Moncton and Mount Allison University. Moncton, New Brunswick.
Issue :
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Abstract
This presentation reviews research progress on four fronts. In essence, it is a complex "stage" report that conveys accumulating evidence about the maturity of evaluation science, its methodological framework, and its application. The first front is the construction of an evaluation research and science typology. It decants answers to the fundamental questions associated with evaluation science and research - What is the purpose of evaluation? When is evaluation conducted? Who is responsible for conducting evaluation? And, why is the evaluation conducted? The second front consists of the construction of a generic evaluation process model. This construct identifies the key design elements that demand definition and understanding - "Institutional Setting and Subject Matter Competency"; "Design and Architecture"; "Implementation Processes and Procedures"; and "Evaluation Reporting". Each of these elements is further subdivided into constituent components. The third front is the construction of a generic model of barriers and challenges related to the implementation of the process design model just introduced. Evidence presented has been gleaned from more than twenty years of relevant evaluation literature. The fourth front involves the application of this evaluation science framework to Canadian experience with coastal and shoreline management at four jurisdictional levels (International, Federal, Provincial, Municipal). And, application to twelve public policy fields at various stages of maturity (coastal and shoreline hazards; wetlands conservation; municipal water quality protection; federal oceans and water policy, international water quality agreements, and others). The results reveal a very spotty record of public policy evaluation. It is a record that ranges from evaluation tokenism to evaluation sophistication. The implications of these results are presented alongside a set of recommendations to improve both planning and management of our coastal and shoreline resources. The strongest recommendations are associated with the need to build evaluation science sensitivity into the earliest stages of policy and programme architecture.
Bibliography of Canadian Geomorphology