An Investigation of the Research-Oriented Professional Competencies Needed by Evaluators in the Ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture, Iran

The main purpose of this survey was to assess research-oriented competencies (systematic inquiry and situational analysis competencies) needed by experts and evaluators in the ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture. A survey method was employed and data collected through questionnaire the reliability of which was approved through a pilot test with Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha=0.97. Validity of the research instruments was achieved through consultation with Tarbiat Modares, Tehran and Shiraz universities’ experts. Statistical population for the study consisted of evaluation specialists and the agricultural personnel involved in program evaluation in the Ministry of Jihad-e Agriculture, Iran (N=140). A stratified random sampling technique, and Morgan's table were utilized to select sample (n=107). The data was analyzed through SPSS-Win software and application of such appropriate statistical methods as correlation, t test as well as regression. “Being up-to date in evaluation knowledge” and “analyses data” were the two first priorities of experts in delivered competencies. According to the obtained results there were significant differences between males and females in the needed competencies. The findings revealed that there were positive significant correlations between work experiences plus educational background of experts, and their needed professional competencies. Also findings showed that there were significant differences between gender along with educational levels of experts, and their research oriented competencies. The results of multiple regression indicated that the most important variables, describing 24 percent of variations in the needed professional competencies were work experience and educational background.