Framework to assess Conference Outcome Assessment Tool (COAT) in educational institutions

Abstract

The Science, Technology & Innovation (STI) Policy of India focuses to accelerate collaborative and interconnection translational research between the different stakeholders which enables addressing complex topics. To reach that level, conferences play an important role in the debate and exposure of these complex issues. HEIs spend lots of funds on organizing these conferences. However, the desired outcome assessment for sustainable impact is always lacking. The conference reports or proceedings ignore significant attributes of the stakeholders/ participants such as behavioural skills and motivational aspects such as attitude and ambition behind their participation in the conference. The objective of this paper is to identify parameters for conference outcome mapping and assessment which is useful to ascertain the translation of the discussions and presentations during conference in the prospects – career, research, outreach, etc., not only for participants but also for the organizing institutions. The Authors have developed the Conference Outcome Assessment Tool – COAT© to bring out the culture of Outcome and Quality enhancement in all aspects of research activities in HEIs with qualitative and quantitative assessments of their performance. To develop the Tool, the authors have identified various factors having a direct/indirect impact on all stakeholders throughout the conference. The Implementation of COAT© in HEIs will contribute to maintaining the overall research quality and provide the expected outcomes to researchers/scholars/scientists/industry. This will also boost the collaborations between academia and industry.