Evaluation and Learning – Experiences from a Construction Project in Norway

The purpose of this paper is to study the relation between evaluation and learning. This paper will look at a construction project in Norway – considering evaluation of the project in connection with learning and knowledge sharing. In this regard, the paper describes different approaches to evaluation and learning, and proposes a model. The model distinguishes between an internal and external perspective when it comes to evaluation of projects, and between a structured and an informal perspective when it comes to learning. With the focus on this model, the paper also presents enablers and barriers of learning and knowledge sharing. The model provides a structured illustration of the connection between project evaluation and learning. And thus, the model would be useful for, for instance, determining and applying learning mechanisms for both internal and external evaluation of projects. Based on our model, traditional project evaluations can be categorized as external-structured. This type of evaluations appears to not necessarily be an important tool for learning. Internal structured approaches, such as an experience report, have been in high demand. We found that external informal learning was of importance. One example was when consultants shared experiences in their home organization. This paper is based on qualitative case study approach.