Inception/Mid-Term Evaluations, Supercomputing Wales (SCW)

The evaluations were led by Nigel Woodruff and Mike McManamon and encompassed two key phases, namely:

  1. Logic Model Review: activity monitoring, output indicators, data collection and operational impact.

  2. Operational Review: ensuring project management structures were fit-for-purpose and operations were correctly aligned to outputs and outcomes.

The research methodology included a review of all documentation, background desk research, stakeholder interviews, staff workshops, an end user e-survey and a visit to a leading UK institution, the Software Sustainability Institute at Southampton University. It also included discussions with the supplier, Atos, to discuss and review the specification, delivery, performance and support.

Key findings included:

  1. The acknowledgement of unique contributions from the Research Software Engineers and Technical Team, a key asset for SCW

  2. A fit-for-purpose consortium-level governance and management structure

  3. A belief from all stakeholders that ERDF outputs will be met

  4. Reconstruction of the logic model and operational recommendations.

Key recommendations included:

  1. Confirmation from the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO) of an operational extension to match extended equipment life.

  2. A closer relationship with the IT provider, including a joint operation and marketing plan.

Examples of Added Value Delivered by the Consultants:

The Consultants produced a data capture form and guidance notes for individual researchers to gather income data and apply counterfactual and deadweighting.

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