The use of the CAPES evaluation system by graduate business programs in Brazil

Abstract

The Brazilian evaluation system of graduate programs has been improving since 1976 and is considered one of the most modern systems in the world. This system has become the principal guide to the development of graduate programs in Brazil. The goal of this study is to investigate how the CAPES evaluation system has been incorporated into graduate business programs in Brazil and how it has been used in the collaboration of the strengthening of the programs. The method used was a multiple case study which allowed intensive research in four specific units of public and private graduate business programs in different stages of development. As a result it was found that: 1) the evaluation system has great influence on the development of the programs and is their principal strategic guide; 2) the criteria and items of evaluation are well defined and the academic community is aware of them; 3) the system demands high quality and productivity and encourages the expansion and inclusion of these programs into the commuity.