David Rojas

Background

About David Rojas

My current research focuses on evaluating complex systems. I am particularly interested in studying the construct of "emergence" or "unintended consequences" in educational and healthcare systems. I work with a myriad of program evaluation methods and approaches to develop a unique evaluation plan that best addresses the characteristics of the system under evaluation. I conceptualize evaluation as a learning opportunity, that could (and should) offer meaningful insights to the design, development, and implementation processes of any program or services. Using systems engineering, I have developed a new framework to characterize complex systems for evaluations. The framework allows evaluators to identify unintended processes and outcomes that unfold in complex systems, and offer insights regarding the underpinning mechanisms. The framework has been implemented in local, provincial, and international projects, where I have been able to study the influence of external systems on the programs I have evaluated. key words: Program Evaluation, Theory-based Evaluations, Developmental Evaluation, Utilization-based Evaluation, Realist Evaluation, Value-based Evaluation, Principles-focused Evaluation, Systemes Emergence, Systems Engineering, Health Professions Education, Healthcare Systems, Medical Simulation.