Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The Open University

Technology evaluation

The Open University via OpenLearn

Overview

This course on technology evaluation aims to help learners understand the importance of evaluating technology investments. By the end of the course, students will be able to define and differentiate between assessment and evaluation, unpack evaluation processes, recognize the functions of evaluation, and define benefits and costs associated with technology. The course covers topics such as technology assessment, evaluation types (formative, summative, ex-ante, ex-post), and the complexity of evaluation. The teaching method involves a combination of theoretical explanations, case studies, and practical examples. This course is intended for individuals interested in technology management, project evaluation, or organizational decision-making processes.

Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Learning outcomes
  • 1 Introduction
  • 1 Introduction
  • 1.1 Unit design
  • 1.2 Unit rationale
  • 1.2.1 The genesis of technology evaluation and assessment
  • 1.3 Assessment or evaluation?
  • 1.4 The importance of context
  • 2 Why understanding technology evaluation matters
  • 2 Why understanding technology evaluation matters
  • 2.1 The scale of technology investment
  • 2.2 A reluctance to evaluate
  • 3 Unpacking evaluation
  • 3 Unpacking evaluation
  • 3.1 What do we mean by programme evaluation?
  • 3.2 A broader interpretation of programme evaluation
  • 3.3 Monitoring, inspection and auditing
  • 3.3.1 Monitoring
  • 3.3.2 Inspection
  • 3.3.3 Auditing
  • 3.4 Summary
  • 4 The functions of evaluation
  • 4 The functions of evaluation
  • 4.1 Technology assessment
  • 4.1.1 The relationship between the macro, meso and micro
  • 4.1.2 A brief history of macro and meso technology assessment
  • 4.1.3 Contemporary macro and meso technology assessment
  • 4.1.4 National and cultural variations in assessment (and evaluation)
  • 4.1.5 The globalisation of cultural images and views of technology
  • 4.1.6 Undertaking contemporary technology assessment
  • 4.1.7 Micro-level technology assessment
  • 4.1.8 Technology assessment: issues and illusions
  • 4.2 Technology evaluation
  • 4.2.1 Formative evaluation
  • 4.2.2 Ex-ante evaluation
  • 4.2.3 Summative evaluation
  • 4.2.4 Ex-post evaluation
  • 4.3 Recognising the complexity of evaluation
  • 4.4 Beyond the formative–summative divide
  • 4.4.1 Process evaluation
  • 4.5 Evaluation and knowledge generation for conceptual use
  • 4.6 Summarising the distinction between the forms and purposes of evaluation
  • 4.7 The characteristics of ‘effective practical evaluation’
  • 4.7.1 Future action-directedness
  • 4.7.2 Scientific and stakeholder credibility
  • 4.7.3 Holistic approach
  • 5 Defining benefits and costs
  • 5 Defining benefits and costs
  • 5.1 What is value?
  • 5.2 Tangible and intangible benefits and costs
  • Conclusion
  • References
  • Acknowledgements

Reviews

Start your review of Technology evaluation

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.