Naslov
Introducing evaluation of development programmes in Croatia - an option, obligation or necessity?

Autori
Maleković, Sanja ; Polić, Mario ; Puljiz, Jakša

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u zbornicima skupova, cjeloviti rad (in extenso), ostalo

Izvornik
7th International Conference "Enterprise in transition" / Reić, Zlatan ; Fredotovići, Maja - Split : Ekonomski fakultet Sveučilišta u Splitu, 2007

Skup
7th International Conference "Enterprise in transition"

Mjesto i datum
Bol, Hrvatska, 24.05.2007. - 26.05.2007

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Predavanje

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
evaluation; regional policy; regional development; Croatia

Sažetak
1. THE CONTEXT, PURPOSE AND MAIN GOALS OF EVALUATION This paper seeks to provide an overview of the relevance, main goals, objectives and purposes of evaluation for all those implementing it - with particular focus on ex ante evaluation, as well as the relevance of evaluation for a country which is in the very initial phase of introducing it - as is the case of Croatia. The paper stresses the main evaluation purposes such as accountability, improving planning, quality and performance, but also argues that there are other very important purposes, particularly organizational learning and capacity building - relevant for all those in charge of management of socio-economic development programs implemented within a certain region/country - an aspect which was not given due importance so far. The authors stress that evaluation puts forward and answers to questions which are useful and relevant to all concerned with development programs, regardless of whether they are managers, policy makers or beneficiaries of development programs. Evaluations and those who commission and use evaluation results need to balance most suitable methods with the demands of pragmatism. In this regard, there are many strategic choices that have to be made regarding evaluation. For example, just to mention a few: when are greater investments in evaluation justified? Under what circumstances are sophisticated methods needed? How can evaluation fill gaps in knowledge that in a more perfect world would have been covered before an intervention was even planned? 2. CONCEPTS, CURRENT APPROACH AND METHODS OF EVALUATION Evaluation experience of the EC Cohesion Policy shows a variety of ways in addressing evaluative questions, which resulted with a relatively similar general approach, but based on differing evaluation functions and methods - each of which has its advantages and shortcomings. The paper considers the different philosophical traditions of evaluation, and particularly elaborates on the main three evaluation approaches - the positivist, the realist and the constructivist approach which present the different purposes and methods of EC Cohesion policy evaluation. The authors consider and comment the different current debates related to these approaches as well as the assumptions these approaches are based on, including the main evaluation functions upon which the prevailing methodological approaches were developed, since they are a relevant standpoint for a country only introducing evaluation policy. 3. SOME WEAKNESSES AND CONSTRAINTS OF THE CURRENT EVALUATION POLICY The paper considers some of the main weaknesses and present constraints – at times considered even as “ failures” of evaluation policy. Regardless of the fact whether we are referring here to constraints related to different approaches and methods of evaluation, the still present centralized approach in evaluation policy, low level of capacity for evaluation, different approaches in regard to either enabling improvement of performance and organizational learning, or, rather, justifying expenditures - but also obstacles such as data collection, time adjustments of evaluation, the often present too demanding requirements from the part of evaluators and numerous other - the knowledge about them can very helpful in establishing systems, raising capacity for evaluation and developing Croatia’ s own approach in evaluation practice. 4. EX-ANTE EVALUATION – CROATIAN EXPERIENCE Only the first experiences exists in Croatia with evaluation so far, and this is basically in the segment of ex-ante evaluation. The first ex-ante evaluation according to EU guidelines and principles was carried out within the EU CARDS project in 2004-2005: National Strategy for Regional Development. It was carried out by a team of experts from three institutions: Institute for International Relations, Zagreb ; Faculty of Economics, Split ; and Institute of Economics, Zagreb. Within the framework of this CARDS project, the capacity was raised of the evaluation team for ex-ante evaluation, but indirectly, initial evaluation capacity was also raised of the main stakeholders involved in the project. Value added of this first evaluation exercise was by all means the first such institutional capacity building for ex-ante evaluation, which exists today within the ex ante evaluation team, experts from the Directorate for Regional Development in the Ministry, as well as experts from other line ministries. With the process of negotiation with the EU in Chapter 22, Regional policy and Coordination of Structural Instruments, under way, and the whole ongoing accession process, it is expected that this first know how and experience, as well as lessons learnt will be further developed and upgraded, and used for other similar plans and programmes which are due to be elaborated. Also, it is expected that this, as well as forthcoming evaluation exercises will enhance the development of Croatia’ s own evaluation approach, as well as methods and tools for its effective implementation. 4. CONCLUSIONS The concluding chapter reflects upon the reasons why evaluation policy is so relevant for Croatia in current circumstances of introducing programming and reaching compliance with EC Cohesion policy. The authors reflect upon the main constraints regarding evaluation policy, and consider how immense experience with evaluation practice can be useful in Croatia in the process of introducing it systematically within its programming policy, thus enabling major impacts of public actions and fostering organizational learning.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Ekonomija

POVEZANOST RADA