New Evaluation Approach

Abstract

An important rationale for the research presented here has been the lack of practical evaluation methodologies. Therefore, the primary objective of our thesis has been to develop an evaluation tool that can be applied to executive education in real life. In the following chapter we describe a new evaluation concept, which we have developed in the framework of this thesis. In order to do so, we take a look at some important requirements concerning an evaluation tool first. Secondly, we provide an overview of the conceptional sources that have contributed to the design and the development of our new evaluation tool. Thirdly, we outline the testing and validating of the tool. Then we describe the new evaluation approach in detail. Subsequently, we illustrate how the new approach can be applied in practice. We finish the chapter by considering the expected benefits that the tool can deliver to an evaluator and his/her organisation.

“The traditional understanding of evaluation implying perfect control and controllability of success is replaced by a holistic, integrative approach of human resource development, corporate education and educational success. Thereby, evaluation becomes an integrative part of the process of human resource development.”

(Epple 2000, p. 2; translated from German)