Journal Of Al-NAQED For Political Studies Volume: 08 / N°: 01 (2024), p 581-593

Public policy evaluation process

Younes Rahima 1
1
University of Mohamed Khider. Biskra. rahima.younes@univ-biskra.dz

Received: 25/02/2024 Accepted: 30./03/2024 Published:15/04/2024

Abstract:
The study focuses on the importance of objective and accurate
evaluation of public policies implemented by the government to achieve
specific goals. The process of evaluating public policies is based on
objective and methodological criteria and scientific indicators to measure
the impact and effects of the resulting outcomes. The study concludes that
the process of evaluating public policies contributes to improving the
quality of government performance, achieving citizen satisfaction, and
fairness in wealth distribution and its rationalization.
Keywords: Public policy; Objective and accurate evaluation; Government
performance; Public policy evaluation; Criteria and indicators.

Corresponding author: Rahima Younes , rahima.younes@univ-biskra.dz

 Younes Rahima

1. INTRODUCTION
Countries and political entities, with their diverse political, economic,
and social structures, nations and political entities have made an effort to
implement more development-related programs and plans, despite
differences in potential and developmental elements. This is the process by
which the wants and demands of the people are met and solidified into
broad policies. Thus, the ultimate objective of many general policies is to
produce a sense of contentment among citizens, which, on the other hand,
adds to the legitimacy and stability of institutions. All of this can only be
accomplished by putting various general policies under reference standards
and instruments that allow the multiple bodies, officials, and agencies who
rely on them to carry out an extensive and coordinated assessment meant to
gauge the success and efficacy of many broad policies.
As a result, both scholars and decision-makers view the evaluation of
general policies as an essential and significant step. From this vantage point,
the following issue can be brought up: What impact does the precise and
impartial assessment of public policy have on the functioning of
government?
Investigate hypothesis: A method for enhancing government performance
and making it more effective and efficient is public policy evaluation. As a
result, we have decided to address the issue and disprove the claim using
the following strategy:

2. Evaluating public policy...Conceptual dimension.

2.1 Definition of evaluating public policy.
2.2 Definition of evaluation:
In the realm of language, evaluation is the act of estimating the
value of something, Terminologically, Scriven, Mark, Henry, Jonson, and
Tzak have described evaluation as "the process of calculating the value of
each result obtained from the application of a certain entity."(1)
* Evaluation: It is a process that ensures that programs (policy) have
successfully attained their intended goals in a manner that aligns with the
intentions of policy makers. It can also serve as a tool that focuses on the
operational processes of the program, providing feedback to participants
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involved in public policy-making processes. This feedback aids in the

modification of policy content, even during the implementation phase, if
necessary, with the aim of enhancing its effectiveness and efficiency (2).
Evaluation according to the glossary of basic evaluation terms, evaluation
is defined as a systematic and objective assessment of a project, program, or
policy (ongoing or completed) and its design, implementation, and results.
In some cases, evaluation includes the identification of appropriate criteria,
examining performance in light of those criteria, assessing expected and
actual results, and drawing the most suitable lessons (3).
Jean Pierre Nioche sees policy evaluation as having two aspects,
where evaluation is considered an administrative political system, linked to
specific activities on one hand, and as a unit of analysis for those activities
on the other. He adds that public policy evaluation or evaluative research
falls under the methods and research of the social sciences that determine
the effects of policy, which are viewed as specific activities (4).
As for Mara. Sidney & Gerald J. Miller & Franck Fischer,
public policy evaluation is defined as a procedural or methodological
approach aimed at doing two things: first, evaluation research as an
analytical tool involving investigating policy programs to collect
information relevant to evaluating(5).
2.3 Definition of the public policy evaluation process:
It can be defined as "a systematic endeavor grounded in scientific
methodology, aimed at understanding the intricacies of processes associated
with public policies, their impacts, and the tangible programs linked to their
execution It is imperative to possess a precise scientific comprehension of
the positive and negative consequences stemming from the establishment
and implementation of public policies, their outputs, impacts, efficiency,
and effectiveness in achieving goals, while avoiding arbitrary actions and
improvisation. This process should accompany every stage that public
policy undergoes."(6) Thus, from the aforementioned information, it
becomes evident that public policy evaluation fundamentally involves
striking a balance between the plans, projects, and policies adopted and

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what has been accomplished or can be accomplished in light of the

available resources.
The allocation of resources and the desired outcomes to be attained
within a specific time frame are key considerations when rationalizing and
optimizing public policies from their design stage to their ultimate
implementation.
2.4. Types of Public Policy Evaluation:
Furthermore, there are diverse approaches and types of evaluation in
public policy, which vary depending on the objectives of the evaluation
process and the level of focus in its operations and activities. In the ensuing
discussion, we will provide a brief overview of the most significant types of
public policy evaluation:
A- Advanced Evaluation: This kind is the first step in approving the start
of a new program and entails carrying out a feasibility study before
reaching a decision.
B- Strategic Evaluation: It can be used to evaluate how well programs are
implemented and help program managers connect planning to performance
and close the knowledge gap between theory and practice, which makes it
easier to identify required (7).
C- Program Implementation Process Evaluation: This stage may be
carried either separately or in tandem with earlier phases. It include
examining the program's operating procedures, financial implications, and
tactics. This kind of evaluation gives a lot of weight to evaluating the
people and material resources needed to carry out the program.
D- Effectiveness Evaluation: This kind of evaluation examines how well
the program accomplishes the main goals for which it was created.
E- Efficiency Evaluation: It mostly relates to how much prospective costs
or expenses are reduced without compromising the efficacy of the program.
F- Results Evaluation: This involves calculating the program's recipients'
and public policy's positive and negative impact from its outcomes. It
entails determining the causes, contributing elements, and direct and
indirect consequences of the program as well as its end results (8).

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Based on the aforementioned types of evaluation, it can be inferred

that they are interconnected and interrelated, with each type encompassing
the others in terms of their function and performance. Consequently, it is
imperative to include all types of evaluation as they form an integrated
chain that operates in a harmonious and cohesive manner.
2.5 The objectives of public policy evaluation:
It is essential to have a clear understanding of the purpose in order to
effectively carry out the evaluation function and ensure its success. The
objectives that underpin the evaluation function encompass the following:
*Political objectives: The evaluation focuses on assessing the extent to
which justice and wealth distribution have been achieved, which is
indicative of the level of impact attained by the political system within
society.
*Bureaucratic objectives: The evaluation centers around the
implementation procedures and processes, as well as the level of success
attained by the executive apparatus in fulfilling its function.
*Objective goals: The evaluation is concerned with the subject matter of
public policy and its objectives. It assesses the extent to which the approved
alternatives contribute to the achievement of the legislator's goals. These
goals encompass various areas, including:
1- The success of public policy in providing solutions to the problem at
hand.
2- Measuring the effects and outcomes and their influence on the political
environment.
3- Assessing both intentional and unintentional effects.
In conclusion, the evaluation of public policy serves a crucial function in
ensuring its effectiveness. By comprehensively examining the various types
of evaluation and understanding the objectives that guide the evaluation
process, policymakers can make informed decisions and enhance the impact
of public policies.
The achievement or lack thereof of any of the aforementioned goals
cannot be categorically labeled as a total success or failure because the
results of the evaluation may show that public policy, government
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initiatives, and action plans have significantly succeeded in their political

goals but have fallen short in important areas (9).
3. Criteria and indicators for assessing public policy.
The third axis consists of standards and gauges to evaluate public
policy, the standards that can be used to evaluate public policy are not all
the same. A multitude of research in this domain have embraced many
interrelated standards in order to guarantee a thorough and comprehensive
assessment of public policy initiatives.
The following five standards were put forth by Edward Schuman to
assess a program's efficacy or inefficacy in the context of public service:
1. An endeavor is the amount and caliber of operations and activities that
are required by programming, organization, and inputs.
2. Achievement and results are represented by performance, which should
be greater than the amount of effort.
3. Adequacy refers to the program's overall performance level in relation to
the overall and quantitative demand for it.
4. Efficiency is about evaluating other approaches and choices based on and
in relation to the idea of spending.
5. The procedure describes the program's operation, including when it fails
and why. The program's latent qualities that determine its efficacy will be
identified, and the effectiveness of the program will be analyzed in relation
to the variability of the individuals it strives to serve (10).
Five criteria were developed by Nakamura and his colleague
Smallwood to be used in the assessment of public policy. These criteria mix
qualitative and quantitative methods.
1. The public policy accommodation criterion.
2. The efficiency criterion.
3. The voter satisfaction criterion.
4. The responsibility standard for subordinates.
5. The need to keep the current political and governmental structure in place
(11)
.
3.1. Techniques for evaluating public policy.

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The following are some of the most important and well-known

techniques and instruments used to assess public policy:
Firstly, SWOT analysis, which is one of the most extensively
utilized evaluation tools and focuses on studying the causal connections
between public policy and the environment in which it is implemented in a
systematic manner, and is carried out according to the following stages:
*Thorough examination of the program environment by listing as many
problems as possible that constitute a source of threat.
*Compilation of possible actions.
*External analysis of opportunities and threats by identifying the
opportunities provided by the environment that can be capitalized upon, and
on the other hand, identifying external obstacles that might impede the
program or policy.
*Internal analysis of strengths and weaknesses.
*Arranging potential actions with the aim of achieving greater revenues and
gains, in return for a reduction in the percentage of losses.
*The evaluation of the strategy, at this stage, aims to ensure the
appropriateness of a specific strategy for a particular policy, whether it has
been previously applied or currently adopted by the evaluation team (12)
Furthermore, individual and group interviews serve as methods
for researchers to gather data by directly engaging with participants and
obtaining information and responses from them.(13) The evaluative interview
is conducted to assess the effectiveness of programs, projects, or any
corrective measures in achieving their objectives. It can also be utilized in
evaluative research, such as group discussions (14).
Additionally, a case study is a comprehensive and in-depth analysis
that seeks to comprehend the unit or phenomenon under examination, while
examining the intricate factors involved in the study site. This approach
aids in understanding political phenomena and the rationale for selecting
specific policies over others (15).
Moreover, questionnaires are valuable tools in the realm of public
policy as they enable us to acquire necessary information directly from the

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information source. The data obtained through questionnaires is both new

and serves the intended purpose (16).
An expert panel consists of esteemed independent specialists in the
field of public policy evaluation who convene to collectively assess a
program. The experts evaluate the potential impacts of public policy
programs using standardized procedures employed in pre-evaluation.
Moreover, multi-criteria analysis is used to identify the best options
and approaches for public policy action. This tool assists in reviewing
public policy programs and the measures put in place based on a variety of
criteria by analyzing the varied capacities of programs and subsequent
evaluation.
Similarly, cost-benefit analysis is used to measure the anticipated
total costs and compare them with the expected total benefits of a project or
public policy. This analysis facilitates the selection of the optimal and most
advantageous options (17).
Likewise, cost-effectiveness analysis is a decision-making tool
utilized to identify the most economically effective ways of achieving a
specific goal. Within the context of evaluation, this tool allows for the
examination of the economic efficiency of public policy programs and
projects by utilizing a set of comparison criteria (18).
4. The impact of the lack of objective and accurate evaluation of public
policy on government performance in Arab countries:
Is a very important factor. Prior to exploring the ramifications of not
having a true assessment that is based on truth and objectivity, regarding
government performance, it's critical to first pinpoint the main challenges
and issues that obstruct the effective achievement of policy objectives,
hence impeding the realization of the intended results:
4.1. Factors that hinder the achievement of the stated public policy
goals:
1. One of the things that prevents developed public policy objectives from
being achieved is the lack of resources allotted to handle the issue or
phenomenon at hand. This needs to be resolved.

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2. It is possible to administer public policy in a way that lessens their

impact.
3. Public problems frequently have a variety of root causes, some of which
are addressed by certain measures while others are ignored.
4. The public might react or change in a way that lessens the effects and
confines the ramifications.
5. The goals of public policies might occasionally be incompatible or
conflicting, which makes it challenging to implement them all at once (19).
6. There exist certain issues whose solutions are by nature unsolvable.
7. Some remedies to problems can come at a cost higher than the problems
themselves.
8. During the legislative and policy-development processes, certain policies
that address these issues may undergo changes in content (20).
4.2. The impact of the absence of objective and accurate evaluation of
public policy on government performance in Arab countries:
Arab governments are in charge of creating and carrying out a vast
array of financial, economic, and social policies; however, because of the
structure of the local and national bureaucratic apparatuses, the processes
involved in creating these policies are frequently obscured and vulnerable
to distortions when put into action. Seldom are these policies the subject of
a precise and impartial assessment of their costs and effects on the
environment, society, economy, and finances.
It is a given that political forces and conflicting demands influence
policymakers' decisions in any nation. Nonetheless, three key
characteristics set democratic nations apart from others and help to
rationalize the formulation of public policy.
The procedure for establishing policies:
Firstly, and foremost, everyone has the freedom to join political and
civic groups in order to have an impact on the formulation of public policy.
Governments have frequently backed down from enacting laws that further
the objectives of powerful interest groups as a result of opposition from
little local organizations that generated broad support for their cause.

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Secondly, unbiased media, discussion boards, academic institutions,

and centers for scientific research all have a role in educating the public and
subsequently influencing the formulation of public policy.
Thirdly, it is accurate to say that a lot of governmental policies
result in benefit redistribution, which means that they place costs on one
group in return for benefits being transferred to another, potentially
improving the wellbeing of some people at the expense of others. (21)
The policy-making process in Arab countries is typified by excessive
centralization, obscurity, and minimal participation, even from those who
are directly impacted by policies, these three qualities are generally absent
from Arab countries. It is clear that the responsible entities are weak in
providing relevant, unbiased justifications for their decisions, this is
frequently because accountability is lacking, which is a crucial component
in enhancing policy-making and, eventually, in carrying it out and assessing
its results.
In order to maximize their gains, policy makers in Arab countries
turn to scientifically erroneous and even misleading indicators, which are
more akin to populist propaganda than to legitimate policy evaluation. The
intricate organizational framework and dearth of current and relevant
information regarding the expenses, Public policy's implications and results
have great weight since they might result in the allocation of blame and the
waste of scarce resources across nations.
Arab countries should thoroughly and seriously reevaluate their
approach to the evaluation of public policies. While some have established
bodies like parliamentary committees or audit bureaus that are tasked with
this task, these bodies are still weak, and their primary function is to
generate publicity for political and public consumption rather than to carry
out substantive follow-up actions, this ought to entail both institutional
changes and enhancements to social governance.
It is crucial to have candid conversations in society on public policy
with the goal of with the intention of improving the discourse, involvement,
and accountability culture, Policymakers and stakeholders should create
programs for managing public policies and rely on scientifically objective
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evaluations carried out by universities and independent research institutions

rather than depending on assertions that are based on intuition or selective
experiences (22).
5. CONCLUSION
At the end of our research, we conclude from all of the above that
public policy evaluation is one of the most important stages that any policy
must go through, as it contributes significantly to rationalizing policies and
rationalizing resources and thus making public policy efficient and
effective. This in turn is reflected in government performance to become
more satisfied with citizens.

Public policy evaluation is a necessary and required mechanism at all

stages of public policymaking, as it involves choosing the appropriate
alternative, i.e. (policy) that reduces costs and maximizes profits in a
specific period. The bodies authorized to evaluate must enjoy independence
and effectiveness. On the other hand, we note that most public policies in
Arab countries are weak, ineffective and rarely respond to the needs and
requirements of citizens. This is due primarily to the absence of a real,
objective and accurate evaluation of various policies and projects, in
addition to the lack of sufficient awareness of the importance of research
centers and what they provide in this field.

6. Bibliography List:

(1)
Yaghi, A. F, General theoretical and applied policies, United Arab
Emirates.
(2)
Ahmed Mustafa, A.-H, Introduction to Public Policy Analysis, Arab
Center for Political Studies, Jordan,2002, p 291.
(3)
Hans Lundgren, D. S, Glossary of key terms in evaluation and results
based managementk , the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic
Development Bank (IsDB) and the Development Cooperation Directorate
OECD-DAC, 2002, p 13.

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(4)
Nioche, J. P. (1982, 32ᵉ année). Revue française de science politique. De
l’évaluation a l’analyses des politiques publiques, n°1,p 33.
(5)
Fischer, , F., Miller, G., & Sidney, , M, PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
AND PUBLIC POLICY A Comprehensive Publication Program Handbook
of Public Policy Analysis Theory, Politics,and Methods. CRC Press Tylor
et Francis Group, Boca Raton, 2007, p393.
(6)
Touahria, M, "Assessing Public Policy: A Study of Concept and
Mechanisms". Algerian Journal of Political Studies, Volume 5, ( Issue 1),p
07.
(7)
Al-Fahdaawi, F. K, Public Policy: A Comprehensive Perspective in
Structure and Analysis. Oman: Dar Al-Maseera Publishing,2001,p 318.
(8)
Ibidem, p 319.
(9)
Hussein, K, "Public Policies and the Concept of State Management",
2019, Retrieved from obtained from: http://drkhalilhusein.blogspot.com on
16/08/2019.
(10)
Al-Fahdaawi, F. K,OPcit,p 320.
(11)
Ibid,p 321.
(12)
Farah, R, "Evaluating Public Policy: A Study on Tools and Standards".
Algerian Journal of Legal, Economic and Political Sciences, pp 524-525.
(13)
Al-Baldaawi, A. H, Scientific Research Methods and Statistical
Analysis: Planning, Data Collection and Analysis Manually Using SPSS.
Amman: Dar Al-Shorouk for Publishing and Distribution,2007, p37.
(14)
Al-Dhamin, M, Fundamentals of Scientific Research. Oman: Dar Al-
Maseera for Publishing and Distribution,2007, p107.
(15)
Ibidem, pp 108-109.

(16)
Bouhouch, A, Guide for the Researcher in Methodology and Writing of
University Theses, ( ed. 2). Algeria, National Publishing House,1985, p38.

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(17)
Farah, R, Opcit, pp 526-527.
(18)
Ibidem,p 528.
(19)
Anderson, J, Making Public Policy. Translated by Al-Kubaisi, A. Doha,
Dar Al-Maseera for Publishing,1998, p 211.
(20)
Ibidem, p 212.
(21)
Aashi, A.-H."Policy evaluation is considered a missing link in the Arab
world". Retrieved from obtained from https://carengie-mec.org>ar-
pub5409, 17,08,2019
(22)
Ibidem

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