Table 1. Criteria used in the evaluation of the Joint Incomati Basin Study. Input Actors related to problem situation Attitude Mutual relationships Actors involved in research Attitude Willingness to cooperate Availability Expertise Motives Mutual relationships Availability of resources Time Funds Supporting tools Content Adequacy of methodology Depth Broadness Validity, credibility Use of state-of-the-art knowledge Consistency, coherence Attention for uncertainty Precision Quality of argumentation Relevance Handling the values of stakeholders Process Actors involved in the analysis Reason for involvement Representativeness Extent of participation and cooperation Openness Commitment Organization Flexibility Transparency Goal orientation Clarity of structure Working methods Activating, barrier removing Openness, democratic nature Legitimacy Match with culture Taking participants seriously Efficient use of resources Time Money Personnel Communication Frequency Form Who with whom Openness Richness and relevance Relevance of nonverbal communication Clarity Balance in participation Results Consistency Verifiability, validity Extensiveness of documentation Relevance Consideration of all interests Match with policy process Potential value to the parties Presentation Availability Acceptance by parties at interest Solutions presented (variety) Use Which elements By whom? For what purpose? Long-term vs. explicit use Effects Policy Process Decision time Breaking deadlock Implementation Problem situation Actors related to the problem situation Learning effects Consensus reaching Commitment to results Communication patterns and negotiation Balance of power