The department also offers targeted learning on programme logic and developing performance measures. Measures of success Evaluation maturity Developing and maintaining evaluation maturity is an ongoing process that must be balanced with other organisational objectives. This Strategy establishes a framework to guide the department through the stages of maturity which encompass good evaluation practices. To establish a baseline from which we can identify strengths and weaknesses and priorities for improvement, the department has assessed its current evaluation maturity. While it is following best practice in some elements of evaluation maturity, overall it is at the developing stage of maturity. Maturity level Developing Embedded Leading Beginning (Current rating) (June 2016) (June 2018) Integrated Awareness of the Appreciation of the A culture of Evaluations benefits of benefits of evaluative thinking motivate evaluation is low. evaluation and continual improvements in improving. improvement is programme design Evaluation is seen embedded across and policy as a compliance Evaluation is being the department, with implementation. activity and threat. viewed as core lessons learnt being business for the Demonstrated Fear of negative acted upon. department, not commitment to findings and simply a compliance Evaluation is seen continuous learning recommendations activity. as an integral and improvement leads to a component of sound throughout the perception of A culture of performance agency. evaluative thinking ‘mandatory management. optimism’ regarding and continual Department is programme improvement is General evaluation recognised for its performance. introduced and skills widespread. evaluation and communicated performance Insufficient Improved skills and across the monitoring resources allocated knowledge in department. expertise, and to evaluation developing quality innovative systems activities. Skills in performance and procedures. performance measures. Evaluation and measurement and performance Evaluation Unit evaluation measurement skills team members developed through and understanding have high order targeted training limited, despite skills and and guidance pockets of experience which is materials. expertise. leveraged by the Evaluation website agency. and guidance Evaluation Unit materials team members hold developed. and are encouraged The role of the to undertake formal Evaluation Unit is qualifications in
The department also offers targeted learning on programme logic and developing performance measures. Measures of success Evaluation maturity Developing and maintaining evaluation maturity is an ongoing process that must be balanced with other organisational objectives. This Strategy establishes a framework to guide the department through the stages of maturity which encompass good evaluation practices. To establish a baseline from which we can identify strengths and weaknesses and priorities for improvement, the department has assessed its current evaluation maturity. While it is following best practice in some elements of evaluation maturity, overall it is at the developing stage of maturity. Maturity level Beginning Developing (Current rating) Embedded (June 2016) Leading (June 2018) Integrated Awareness of the benefits of evaluation is low. Evaluation is seen as a compliance activity and threat. Fear of negative findings and recommendations leads to a perception of ‘mandatory optimism’ regarding programme performance. Insufficient resources allocated to evaluation activities. Evaluation and performance measurement skills and understanding limited, despite pockets of expertise. Appreciation of the benefits of evaluation improving. Evaluation is being viewed as core business for the department, not simply a compliance activity. A culture of evaluative thinking and continual improvement is introduced and communicated across the department. Skills in performance measurement and evaluation developed through targeted training and guidance materials. Evaluation website and guidance materials developed. The role of the Evaluation Unit is A culture of evaluative thinking and continual improvement is embedded across the department, with lessons learnt being acted upon. Evaluation is seen as an integral component of sound performance management. General evaluation skills widespread. Improved skills and knowledge in developing quality performance measures. Evaluation Unit team members have high order skills and experience which is leveraged by the agency. Evaluation Unit team members hold and are encouraged to undertake formal qualifications in Evaluations motivate improvements in programme design and policy implementation. Demonstrated commitment to continuous learning and improvement throughout the agency. Department is recognised for its evaluation and performance monitoring expertise, and innovative systems and procedures.
department_of_industry_innovation_and_science_evaluation_strategy_2015-2019.docx