Evaluation for the Real World: The Impact of Evidence in Policy Making - Softcover

Palfrey, Colin; Thomas, Paul; Phillips, Ceri

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1847429149 ISBN 13: 9781847429148

Publisher: Policy Press, 2012

Synopsis

Evaluation research findings should be a key element of the policy-making process, yet in reality they are often disregarded. This valuable book examines the development of evaluation and its impact on public policy by analysing evaluation frameworks and criteria which are available when evaluating public policies and services. It further examines the nature of evidence and its use and non-use by decision-makers and assesses the work of influential academics in the USA and UK in the context of evaluation and policy making. The book emphasises the 'real world' of decision-makers in the public sector and recognises how political demands and economic pressures can affect the decisions of those who commission evaluation research while providing recommendations for policymakers on adopting a different approach to evaluation. This is essential reading for under-graduate and post-graduate students of policy analysis and public sector management, and those who are involved in the planning and evaluation of public policies and services.

About this title

About the Author

Colin Palfrey is currently an independent health and social care researcher having recently worked for 5 years as a Senior Research Officer in the National Assembly for Wales. He was Director of the Policy Studies Unit in the University of South Wales and lectured at home and overseas for Swansea University on health policy and research. He is also the author of a number of books on policy evaluation.

Edition details

• Publisher: Policy Press
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1847429149
• ISBN 13: 9781847429148
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 256