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Dissertation Information for Anne Dowling

NAME:
- Anne Dowling

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- SUNY, Albany (USA) (1999)

ADVISORS:
- George Richardson

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- Peter Bloniarz
- Mitch Abolafia
- Edward DeFranco
- Anne Taylor McCartt

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: Integrating systems thinking and system dynamics modeling into public policy evaluation

Abstract: With a goal of enhancing traditional methods used by public policy evaluators, this study explored a new strategy for integrating a systems approach into public policy evaluation. The study was based on the hypothesis that systems thinking and system dynamics modeling, built on the concepts of feedback and circular causality, are conceptual tools that offer evaluators an opportunity to improve what they do.

This study was designed to initiate development of grounded theory about integrating systems thinking and system dynamics modeling into public policy evaluation. The research design followed an inductive process that involved (1) obtaining data using the techniques of participant observation and interviews, and (2) analyzing the data using grounded theory methodology. The study used a test case approach to observe how an evaluation design to assess the effectiveness of a public policy is developed from a systems perspective and from a traditional analytic perspective. The research design used two panels to represent the two perspectives being studied. The policy evaluated was New York State's prompt license suspension law and its effect on recidivist drunk driving.

In addition to the conceptual threads represented by the two panels, a third thread was conducted to capture the process and the conceptual work undertaken by the panels. Conducted by the author, the purpose of the reflective thread was to identify the factors that appear to be important to the success of the integration process.

The findings of the study indicate that integrating a systems approach into public policy evaluation may add value to traditional evaluation methodology by providing a feedback-driven theory on which to base an evaluation design. The findings further indicate that the dimensions of time for integration, point of integration, communication, leadership, and team composition may be critical to the success of the integration process. These findings led to the development of three propositions concerning the integration process. The three propositions form the basis of a descriptive model which provides an overview of the factors that appear to be important to the success of the integration process and documents the interconnectiveness of those factors. In explicitly showing the complex and dynamic environment in which integration occurs, the model highlights the challenges that the task of integration presents to both evaluators and systems thinkers.

In sum, this study employed a unique and innovative way to look at the issues associated with integrating a systems approach into public policy evaluation. In so doing, it provides a wealth of information that can be used to improve the integration process and its future direction.

MPACT Scores for Anne Dowling

A = 0
C = 0
A+C = 0
T = 0
G = 0
W = 0
TD = 0
TA = 0
calculated 2008-01-31 06:13:04

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