Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Evidence-Based Management?

‘Evidence-based’ is a term that was originally coined in the 1990s in the field of medicine, but today it’s principles extend across disciplines as varied as education, criminology, public policy, social work, and (recently) management.

What are common misconceptions about EBMgt?

Can you give me a definition of EBMgt?

Although many definitions of evidence-based practice are available, the most frequently quoted and widely used is David Sackett’s definition of evidence-based medicine (1996).

What counts as evidence?

By evidence we mean information, facts or data supporting (or contradicting) a claim, assumption or hypothesis.

What is Meant By The ‘Best Available’ Evidence?

Decision-making processes are enhanced through the use of valid and reliable evidence. For this reason we use evidence quite automatically and unconsciously for even the smallest of decisions, whether it’s buying someone a birthday present or wondering where to go out for dinner.

What is meant by ‘evidence from the scientific literature’?

Evidence in general means information, facts or data supporting (or contradicting) a claim, assumption or hypothesis – like the use of ‘evidence’ in legal settings. In fact, anything might count as evidence if it’s judged to be valid, reliable and relevant.

What is meant by ‘evidence from the organization’?

When referring to evidence from the organization we mean evidence such as organizational data, facts and figures, business analytics, management information systems, benchmarking, branch information, but also organizational culture and characteristics.

What is meant by ‘evidence from practitioners’?

When referring to ‘evidence from practitioners’ we mean evidence based on professional experience, understanding, skill, and expertise of practitioners that is accumulated over time. This type of evidence is sometimes referred to as ‘tacit’ knowledge.

What is evidence from stakeholders?

Stakeholders are any individuals or groups who may be affected by an organization’s decisions and their consequences. Internal stakeholders include employees, managers and board members. Stakeholders outside the organization such as suppliers, customers, shareholders, the government and the public at large may also be affected.

What is the role of management experience in EBMgt?

Evidence is, in itself, meaningless. We need theory, imagination, contextual knowledge and experience to make sense of, interpret and use evidence.

Where can I find evidence from the scientific literature?

Scientific evidence can be found on the internet (Google Scholar) and in online research databases. Here you can find an overview of the most relevant research databases in the field of management.

I Don’t Have Access To Online Research Databases, What Now?

In order to make evidence-based decisions, it is essential that you have access to online research databases. Unfortunately, due to licensing restrictions, most research databases are only accessible to students, faculty or staff of universities or other institutions of higher educations. However …

What are the levels of evidence?

In evidence-based practice, the term ‘evidence’ is used deliberately instead of ‘proof’. This emphasizes that evidence is not the same as proof, that evidence can be so weak that it is hardly convincing at all or so strong that no one doubts its correctness.

What is a PICOC?

One of the fundamental skills required for practising evidence-based practice is the asking of well-built practical questions. PICOC is a method used to describe the five elements of a searchable question.

What is critical appraisal?

Critical appraisal is the process of carefully and systematically assessing the outcome of scientific research (evidence) to judge its trustworthiness, value and relevance in a particular context. Critical appraisal looks at the way a study is conducted and examines factors such as internal validity, generalizability and relevance.

What is a CAT?

A Critically Appraised Topic (CAT) is a structured, short (3-4 pages max) summary of evidence on a topic of interest, usually focused around a practical problem or question. A CAT is like a “quick and dirty” version of a systematic review, summarizing the best available research evidence on a topic.

What is a Rapid Evidence Assessment (REA)?

There are various types of reviews...

What is a Systematic Review (SR)?

Evidence summaries come in many forms. One of the best-known types is the conventional literature review, which provides an overview of the relevant literature published on a topic. However...

What is peer review?

Peer-reviewed articles have been evaluated and critiqued by researchers and experts in the same field before the article is published.

What are the limitations of evidence based practice?

Sometimes the best available evidence is not available. This is particularly the case with regard to novel management techniques or the implementation of new technologies.