[Book] Policy Evaluation Skills

Policy makers often have to anticipate all the effects of a policy. However, it is not always possible to anticipate all the effects of a policy, including what doctors call “side effects” and unintended effects, which policy makers call “negative effects” and “peripheral effects” of a policy.

So we need policy evaluation. So who needs policy evaluation?

First of all, policy makers need to fully assess the impact of the policy, including not only positive impacts, but also negative impacts and social consequences that may arise after policy implementation.

Next come the policy implementers. They need to evaluate the impacts of policies just as much as the policy makers.

Finally, there are policy consultants. They advise both policy makers and policy implementers.

The entire policy evaluation work aims to make the policy planning and implementation process promote the positive aspects of the policy, limit the negative impacts and unwanted consequences caused by the policy, and contribute to promoting social development.

This handbook is written to provide guidance on policy evaluation skills.

The book consists of three parts:

Part one, a guide to policy evaluation skills.

Part two, policy evaluation in the field of education and training.

Part three, some methodological issues on regional development policy evaluation.

Policy evaluation is actually a relatively new field of science. The authors wish to share with colleagues their experiences on a very interesting content in management activities, and hope to receive comments from colleagues to enrich the theoretical basis and experience in this important activity of management.