PROGRAM MANAGEMENT AND THE FEDERAL EVALUATOR

• NCJ Number: 14668
• Journal: Public Administration Review Volume: 34 Issue: 4 Dated: (JULY/AUGUST 1974) Pages: 300-308
• Author(s): P HORST; J N NAY; J W SCANLON; J S WHOLEY
• Date Published: 1974
• Length: 9 pages
• Corporate Author: American Soc. for Public Admin
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

INVESTIGATION OF WHAT CAUSES INEFFECTIVE EVALUATIONS OF GOVERNMENT SOCIAL PROGRAMS.

Abstract

THE AUTHORS EXPLORE THE QUESTION OF WHY PROGRAM EVALUATIONS HAVE NOT MORE FREQUENTLY LED TO IMPROVEMENT IIN PROGRAM PERFORMANCE. INSTEAD OF CONCENTRATING ON POSSIBLE FLAWS IN THE EVALUATION PROCESS, THEY CONSIDER THOSE PROGRAM WEAKNESSES WHICH COULD INFLUENCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF AN EVALUATION. THREE AREAS ARE EXAMINED, INCLUDING LACK OF PROGRAM DEFINITION, LACK OF CLEAR LOGIC AND LACK OF MANAGEMENT. THERE IS A DETAILED DISCUSSION OF HOW THE PRESENCE OF ANY OR ALL OF THESE FACTORS COULD RENDER A PROGRAM 'UNEVALUABLE'. THE AUTHORS RECOMMEND THAT GOVERNMENT SOCIAL PROGRAMS BE PRE-ASSESSED AS TO THEIR 'EVALUABILITY'. IN THIS WAY, ONLY THOSE PROGRAM EVALUATIONS ARE CONDUCTED WHICH WILL PROVE USEFUL AND VALID AS A TOOL FOR MANAGEMENT.