Evaluation process use in the University Capacity Development Programme at Walter Sisulu University, South Africa

Abstract

Background: The higher education (HE) policy framework identifies funding inter alia as one of the steering mechanisms, for the transformation of HE in South Africa. However, the role of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) in facilitating this transformation is still emerging. While the instrumental use of evaluation findings is common, research on how process use can also play a critical role in facilitating sector change is missing.

Objectives: The study investigated the use of process evaluations in enhancing the performance of the University Capacity Development Grant in a previously disadvantaged institution in the Eastern Cape province.

Method: Purposive sampling was used as a method to select the participants. The case study design, interpretive paradigm and qualitative methods approach were adopted, and data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews, focus groups and document review. The study sampled 17 participants, including the Department of Higher Education and Training officials, the University Capacity Development Programme (UCDP) management and two staff focus groups.

Results: If process use is to be strengthened, the evaluation process must be highly adaptable to specific programmatic circumstances and organisational contexts.

Conclusion: Evaluation process use, in its practical form, must go beyond issues of participation from an individual perspective and include organisational and stakeholder management for effective implementation.

Contribution: The study’s results are pivotal as they would assist different organisations worldwide that are running similar projects as the UCDP but have not yet understood the benefits that would be obtained by key stakeholders involved in an evaluation process.