Evaluation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in ...

Evaluation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) in Europe – Final Report
3 Methodology Overview
Rationale
A multifaceted task as the ICZM Evaluation in Europe requires a
careful consideration of methodology. The consortium partners are
also well aware of the strategic, professional and operational needs of
the ICZM Evaluation.
Based on our experience in similar exercises on the European level
where we have applied a wide range of methodologies (including for
example log-frame analysis, moderated focus techniques, Delphi,
formal and informal interviews, focus group discussions, quantitative
analysis, etc.) we are applying a "pragmatic mix" of methodologies
and tools in order to capture the wide-ranging aspects of the evaluation
and the levels of implementation in the different countries.
Basic features
Our first major task was to define a co-ordinated process of collecting
a very wide spectrum of information, then to condense it increasingly,
focus on key aspects and prioritise finally on the definition of practical
and unambiguous recommendations, considering also the feedback
from the validation tasks.
The evaluation consisted of five major activities:
• Activity 1: Inception. Detailed work planning following consultations
with the European Commission, preparation of
overview and analysis of basic information, Kick-Off Meeting
& consultation with Steering Group; results finalised in the Inception
Report
“Pragmatic mix”
of methodologies
and tools
Priorities in a
wide range of
activities
• Activity 2: Analysis of national ICZM strategies and alternative
ICZM plans. Analysis of documents for coastal Member
States and for acceding and candidate countries
• Activity 3: Complementary information collection &
analysis. Key actor interviews, questionnaire campaign
among stakeholders, Interim Report, second consultation
meeting with Steering Group.
• Activity 4: Validation of interim recommendations. Major
Validation Workshop, preparation of Draft Final Report and
third consultation with Steering Group.
• Activity 5: Consolidation of results and recommendations.
Final in-depth analyses and comparisons, preparation
of Final Report.
During each step a specific set of "tools" was used for data collection
and information refinement.
Close interaction was sought with the European Commission’s
Steering Group throughout the contract.
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