Independent Strategic review of the PBRF
The government called for an evaluation strategy for the PBRF[1] when the policy was first introduced.
This evaluation strategy features three distinct phases and operates for an approximate ten year period from mid 2004 to late 2014. It was designed to begin after the first full quality evaluation round, and finish after the 2012 second full quality evaluation round (the 2006 quality evaluation being a partial round).
Phase one
Information relating to the phase one evaluation conducted following the 2003 quality evaluation can be found on the site archive. The following document is available to download:
Phase two
Phase two of the evaluation was an independent strategic review of the positive effects and unintended consequences of the PBRF[2] on the sector. The review started on 11 February 2008.
The TEC commissioned an international expert, Dr Jonathan Adams of UK-based company Evidence Ltd, to conduct the independent strategic review.
Method
Dr. Adams’ work involved:
- an extensive series of individual interviews
- focus groups
- group interviews
- reading written submissions from interested parties
- reviewing a series of quantitative studies prepared by researchers at the TEC and Ministry of Education.
Findings
The report’s key finding is that the PBRF is effective:
- “The PBRF is already delivering important and appropriate outcomes of significant economic, social and cultural benefit”.
- “The government’s objectives for the PBRF are being met on most counts”.
Many of the issues raised in the report have been considered as part of the process of improving the PBRF in preparation for the 2012 Quality Evaluation round.