Grounding evaluation capacity development in systems theory

Abstract

While “systemic thinking” is popular in the context of capacity development and evaluation, there is currently a lack of understanding about the benefits to employing systems theory in evaluation capacity development. Systems theory provides a useful orientation to the work involved in complex systems (e.g. national evaluation systems). This article illustrates how evaluation capacity development practitioners can use systems theory as a conceptual tool to gain a better understanding of the functional aspects and interrelationships present within a given evaluation system. Specifically, the systems theory perspective can help elucidate the reasons for the success or failure of a given evaluation capacity development program or activity. With the goal of motivating evaluation capacity development practitioners to use systems theory in their work, this article presents a systems theory framework for evaluation capacity development and offers practical examples of how it can be adopted.

Systems Theory and Evidence‐Based Decision‐Making as Keys for Arbitrating between Optimal Production and Efficient Maintenance: A Case Study

“…e issue of increasing productivity using a systems approach transcends the field of the aeronautics industry. Other industries (e.g., chemical industry, building and public works, and energy) can benefit by using the same concept of increasing productivity using a systems approach [40]. erefore, the suggested planned production time can be used to arbitrate between optimal production and efficient maintenance in other scenarios.…”