Project Title:

Computer-Assisted Networked Evaluation System (CanEval)

Interconnect Technologies Corporation
Post Office Box 390220
Mountain View, CA 94039-0220

93-1-07     01   5958 

Computer-Assisted Networked Evaluation System (CanEval)

Abstract:

We propose to develop a networked, computer-based system to
facilitate evaluation processes by distributed workgroups, such
as joint reviews of proposals or papers by a review committee.
Automating this process can significantly reduce administrative
burdens and speed coordination. Applications of the proposed
system, CanEval, could include evaluations of proposals, software
and data submitted to NASA's SBIR, HPCC, MPE, and ISO programs.
CanEval could also be used to evaluate papers submitted to
professional journals, such as the ACM's Transactions of
Mathematical Software. The CanEval system will be based on an
object-oriented Book paradigm. Repositories of evaluations will
be represented in a familiar book form -- chapters, tables of
contents, indices, etc. -- that can be easily retrieved, viewed,
searched, edited and managed. The CanEval system will employ an
open client-server architecture to support heterogenous
information exchange across the Internet. Privacy and workflow
mechanisms will be developed.

The Phase I effort will result in a prototype demonstration
running on a UNIX platform accessed via the Internet. Phase II
will be focused on security enhancements and on generic
capabilities that can be used on other platforms such as PC's. 
CanEval's tools to facilitate evaluations by distributed
workgroups are applicable to the needs of many markets:
government agencies (such as reviews of proposals to NASA and
DOE), industry (evaluating contract bids, R&D proposals, business
plans) and academia (reviews of papers and proposals). The time
and administrative savings that can be achieved with CanEval
will, we believe, ensure its successful commercialization.

evaluation, repository, client-server, book, network