Evaluating a Large-Scale Multi-Institution Project: Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned

https://doi.org/10.25891/5e14-nf34 ABSTRACT SUMMIT-P consists of nine participating institutions working toward common goals but from unique perspectives. Evaluating such a large-scale project with diverse stakeholders has presented challenges. For one, evaluation on this scale necessitates a team effort rather than a single evaluator. Communication is key among the evaluators as well as among the project players at large. Participation and reliable, timely feedback from participants are perhaps the most important issues while also posing some of our greatest challenges. We present strategies we developed to counteract these challenges. In particular, we discuss the development of an assessment tracking system used to not only monitor responses but to also promote an increase in on-time responses. We conclude with a discussion of some lessons learned about evaluating largescale, multi-site projects to share with other evaluators and PIs alike.