[Book] Policy Evaluation Skills

Policymakers usually need 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," unintended consequences that policymakers refer to as "negative impacts" and "peripheral impacts."

Therefore, we need to evaluate policies. But who needs to evaluate policies?

First and foremost, policymakers need to assess the full impact of the policy, including not only positive impacts, but also negative impacts and potential social consequences that may arise after implementation.

Next are the policy implementers. They also need to assess the impacts of the policies, just like the policymakers.

Finally, there are the policy advisors. They advise both groups, both policymakers and those who implement the policies.

The entire policy evaluation process aims to ensure that the policy planning and implementation process maximizes the positive aspects of the policy, minimizes negative impacts and unintended consequences, and contributes to social development.

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

The book consists of three parts:

Part one: Guidance on policy evaluation skills.

The second part involves evaluating policies in the field of education and training.

Part three, some methodological issues concerning the evaluation of regional development policies.

Policy evaluation is actually a relatively new field of science. The authors wish to share their experiences with colleagues on this very important aspect of management, and hope to receive feedback from colleagues to enrich the theoretical foundations and experiences in this crucial area of ​​management.