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Spring 2011 Evaluation Research Study Results Released
In the spring semester of 2011, the AERN commissioned UA's College of Education to evaluate the AERN program. The three areas of research within this study were to determine our host agencies' perceptions of the partnership with AERN, to investigate AERN's participation in engaged scholarship, and to determine if the AERN's mission is congruent with the University of Alabama's mission and the missions of other University programs.
Research Results
Congruence of Purpose and Mission within the Field of Engaged Scholarship. The study definitively showed that AERN is congruent with both the University's and the College of Business Administration's missions, and also the stated missions of other University divisions, such as The Office of Community Affairs, that seek to prepare educated, engaged citizens to strengthen communities. AERN's committed engagement with community partners is important to several colleges and divisions across the university.
Host Agencies' Perceptions of the Partnership with AERN. The study also surveyed our host agencies, which include chambers of commerce, public libraries, and economic development agencies. Survey results revealed:
- 86% of respondents found AERN materials and service very valuable to the host agency.
- 57% found that AERN communicates its goals and resources very well through reports to partners, brochures, and the AERN website.
- 77% responded that entrepreneurs in their counties find the AERN resources very valuable, particularly with respect to the computer.
- 64% found the website very valuable.
- 59% found the public workshops to be very valuable.
Results of the survey indicate that AERN provides needed resources, services, and support to its host agencies, and adds value to the agency and to entrepreneurs in the service area. Printed materials provided by AERN effectively communicate the program's goals and resources. AERN services are used at differing levels of intensity by different partners. Some partner agencies report no use by entrepreneurs in a given month, whereas other times a county might have as many as 12 separate uses of AERN resources. “More workshops” was cited as an area for improvement by most agencies.
The study's complete findings are available by contacting the AERN staff.