When conducting a study, an interdisciplinary assessment typically involves two or more academic or scientific disciplines. In many cases, these evaluations will entail large studies that will necessitate mathematical calculations and probability studies. Individuals with a PhD or currently enrolled in a PhD program are frequently used to complete various activities in an interdisciplinary assessment. These assessment types might include, for example, a risk analysis or the impact of human activity on an ecosystem. The findings could be published in a relevant journal in the form of an academic paper.
At some point, almost all advanced degrees in a variety of fields require interdisciplinary assessments. Academic institutions may be the primary gathering places for people to come together and work on major studies that are usually related to important topics. Each interdisciplinary assessment is typically funded grants or other outside funds for current PhDs at these educational institutions. PhD students learning in this environment can also assist in the completion of studies and learn how to do so in the future. Nonprofit organizations and other community organizations can complete these assessments outside of educational institutions.
Businesses may benefit from interdisciplinary assessments of specific activities related to profit generation. These studies may be related to risk management and other economic analyses that are relevant to the company in some cases. If a company does not have the necessary personnel on staff, an outside agency may be able to assist in the completion of the interdisciplinary assessment. The results of these studies usually pique the interest of owners and executives because they have overarching goals or purposes in the business. In some disciplines, the cost of these studies may be prohibitive, making a thorough investigation impossible.
Another area where an interdisciplinary assessment is required to study a topic in depth is a government agency. Some interdisciplinary assessment types look at public education and the effects of money spent on classroom content. The studies or assessments are most likely outsourced to a third party, such as another government agency or a nonprofit organization. The general public may be more interested in the assessment if they want to know if their tax dollars are being spent wisely. Other times, the evaluation may be used to assist a government in making a decision or to influence the outcomes of a specific segment of society or laws in general.