A mixed method approach towards the evaluation and assessment of integrative research programme outputs: the case of the invasive alien plant management programme working for water
Date
2022-04
Authors
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Publisher
Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University
Abstract
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The pervasiveness of threats posed by biological invasions presents significant challenges to
human well-being, biodiversity conservation, and natural resource management, which has
contributed to the growth of invasion science as a discipline. However, several studies have
shown that the social-ecological complexity of invasions, the compartmentalisation of
knowledge into disciplines and the lack of integrative research approaches, current invasion
research has not informed management decision making effectively. Thus, to maximise the
impact of research investments, there is a need to explore and evaluate how research informs
management practices and processes linked to biological invasions.
Accordingly, this dissertation outlines the state of invasion management-related research in
South Africa, using the internationally recognised Working for Water (WfW) programme as a
case study. Drawing on insights from science studies and evaluation research, a mixed method approach is used to assess the processes, conditions and outputs associated with
research produced under the programme’s auspices. The research comprised two areas of
inquiry 1) the exploration of textual information (journal articles, grey literature, and their
content), and 2) the social dimensions of research and decision making linked to invasion
science and management, with a specific focus on collaborative relationships amongst
scientists and decision makers. It sought to determine the extent to which published research
aligned with the programme’s needs, research and management strategies. The research also
aimed to identify effective ways for organising and producing knowledge relevant to decision
making; and to provide insights into how the social dimensions, the people and organisations,
their interactions and impact, have shaped research and decision-making processes.
Findings suggest that there are significant gaps in the knowledge base particularly in relation
to the social dimensions of biological invasions, which were poorly represented and aligned
with the mandate and priorities set by the programme. This research showed significant
deficiencies in knowledge management and the uptake of research funded by the programme,
despite its potential relevance to decision making as evidenced by the recommendations
presented in the research. Moreover, research produced under WfW’s auspices was authored
by a handful of key researchers who fulfil a significant role in shaping research collaborations
both across disciplines and institutions. The loss of these key individuals, including those
involved in management-related decision making, would be detrimental to the stability of
collaboration networks and research productivity. Finally, findings show that research
productivity, collaborative relationships between scientists within and across research
organisations, and between research and decision-making processes are positively influenced
by collegiality and cooperation between actors, while increased competition and
bureaucratisation in the workplace negatively influence research productivity.
To address the shortcomings concerning the invasion research and management identified in
this dissertation, efforts towards improving the relationship between researchers and decision makers and building more resilient collaboration networks need to be implemented. Firstly,
institutions must engage in and fund more targeted, long-term transdisciplinary or integrative
research that incorporates appropriate structures that foster collaboration, knowledge
coproduction and knowledge sharing. Secondly, systems and strategies for monitoring and
evaluating research, including the use of bibliometric indicators, social network analyses and
qualitative assessments, should be developed to ensure that research relevant to managing
biological invasions is not lost to the decision-making process. Such an undertaking would in
turn require the development of an integrated research strategy and action plan that accounts
for both the knowledge management and the social processes underpinning research and
decision making.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Geen opsomming beskikbaar.
Description
Thesis (PhDConsEcol)--Stellenbosch University, 2022.
Keywords
Research -- Evaluation, Mixed methods research, Social network analysis, Invasive alien species (IAS), Working for Water programme, Biological invasions -- Management, UCTD