Evaluation for the Real World

Evaluation research findings should be a key element of the policymaking process, but in reality, they are often disregarded. Evaluation for the Real Worldexamines the use-and nonuse-of evaluation research by decision makers. Analyzing the frameworks and criteria of various evaluation procedures, it highlights the impact evaluation has on public policy with an emphasis on the real world of decision making in the public sector and the political and economic pressures it faces. Assessing the work of influential academics in both the United States and UK, the authors formulate strong arguments for the adoption of a different approach to evaluation.

Colin Palfrey has worked in local government and taught in UK universities and abroad. He is currently Research Officer in the National Assembly for Wales. Paul Thomas is Honorary Research Fellow at Swansea University; he has worked in local government and several universities and has been undertaking evaluations for more than 30 years. Ceri Phillips is professor of Health Economics at Swansea University Center for Health Economics, and Head of Research at Swansea University's College of Human and Health Sciences.