Institutional Design And Utilisation Of Evaluation Results In Uganda`S Public Universities: A Case Study Of Kyambogo University

ABSTRACT

The study examined the relationship between institutional design and utilisation of evaluations in Uganda`s public universities taking Kyambogo University as a case study. Specifically, the study interrogated institutional design in terms of procedural rules, evaluation processes and capacity with an interest of finding out how each of these affects the utilisation of evaluation results at Kyambogo University. In an effort to answer the research questions, a cross-sectional survey design was used and a sample of 118 respondents was considered to respond to the questionnaires and interviews that were supported with key informant interviews and documentary analysis. The empirical analysis of data followed non- parametric procedures using SPSS version 20. The results indicated that, procedural rules have a positive (0.033) but a statistically insignificant (sig. = 0.776) effect on utilisation of evaluation results, while the evaluation process has negative (-0.208), albeit statistically significant (sig. = 0.001) effect on the utilisation of evaluation results. The evaluation capacity however, has a positive (1.170) and a statistically significant (sig. = 0.000) effect on utilisation of evaluation results. This means that the dimensions of institutional design dimensions vary in importance when explaining the utilisation of evaluation results with evaluation capacity and process being significant while procedural rules is insignificant. Therefore, we conclude, for utilisation of evaluation results in public universities, institutional evaluation capacity and processes are very critical. Consequently, we recommend strengthening of the evaluation competences and capacity of the university by beefing up the Directorate of Planning and Development so that it can coordinate and harmonise all evaluations and be charged with the follow up of utilisation of the results. Additionally, requisite policies and rules need to be put in place to clearly highlight the procedures for evaluations in the University.