Evaluation and management of multi-departmental (horizontal) science and technology programs

In Canada, there has been a recent increase in the number of horizontal or multi-departmental programs with higher level objectives beyond the mandate of any one department. These programs are designed to take advantage of the capabilities of several organizations to address major national policy objectives. Two examples of horizontal programs are discussed, with differing degrees of cooperation and interaction among the participating departments. Management of these initiatives requires the participating organizations to work cooperatively, an approach that is contrary to the culture of many organizations. Evaluation of multi-departmental programs requires greater attention to early outcomes associated with smooth functioning of the relationships between the participating organizations and with stakeholders as a necessary requirement for program effectiveness and achievement of objectives. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.